An Evening of Classical Indian Dance April 27

This event, organized by the Asian Studies Committee with sponsorship and support from College Auxiliary Services, Student Association, Multicultural Programming, Office of the President, Dean of Arts and Sciences, International Education, Center for Diversity, Pluralism and Inclusion, music and anthropology departments, Women's Studies Program and the Asian and Anthropology clubs, is free and open to the public.

Sreyashi Dey, founder and artistic director of the Srishti Dances of India dance company, will provide a workshop and demonstration of classical Indian dance on Thursday, April 27, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the Hyman and Frances Krinovitz Recital Hall in Hawkins Hall. The event is free and open to all.

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Yugma, meaning "together" in Sanskrit, draws from the ancient and classical traditions of two of India's seven primary classical dance styles, Odissi and Bharatanatyam. The production combines the lyrical grace and sculptural motifs of Odissi with the visual geometry and kinetic excitement of Bharatanatyam to create a unique performance of striking beauty. 

As Indian dance styles, Odissi and Bharatanatyam share some literary themes and religious and spiritual base.  Both styles trace their origins to dances performed in the temples of Eastern and Southern India.  Odissi is marked by exquisite and flowing sculptural movements and subtle abhinaya, artistic expression.  The curved and liquid movement vocabulary of Odissi, along with its S-shaped tribhangi positions, are contrasted with Bharatanatyam movements conceived in space mostly along straight lines or triangles, creating variegated forms of visual beauty. 

"Yugma" unfolds the wealth and grandeur of these ancient art forms as uniquely individual styles, but united in the essential spirit of the Indian classical dances. The music for "Yugma" is specially composed and recorded for the production and is a blend of superior Odissi and Bharatanatyam music ensembles.

Srishti Dances of India, which was founded by Sreyashi Dey, is an internationally touring Indian classical dance company that specializes in two styles of Indian classical dance, Odissi and Bharatanatyam.  The company strives to disseminate the artistic and cultural heritage of India through performances of Indian classical dance, music and theater - in both their traditional forms and through collaboration with performing artists from around the world. 
  
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