'Dance Conversations 2005' Symposium on Indian dance in Irvine
May 4, 2005
Irvine – The first symposium on Indian Dance in California, 'Dance Conversations 2005', is scheduled to take place on Saturday May 21st and Sunday May 22nd at the Ektaa Center in Irvine. The two-day symposium is intended to start a dialogue amongst the dance teachers, practitioners, academics and students about Indian Dance in California; past, present and future. The unique gathering should foster a fruitful relationship between communities of academics and practitioners. The symposium also features 'Xpressions – Masters of Indian Dance in California', an evening performance on May 21st at 7:30pm at the Bellflower auditorium.
The Ektaa Center, located in Irvine, is a multi use space and presenting organization committed to promote awareness and understanding of the Indian arts and culture. Co-convened by UCRiverside Professor Priya Srinivasan and Ramya Harishankar, Artistic Director of Arpana Dance Company, the idea for the symposium developed when a 'conversation' between them sparked the thought of having this occur within the entire dance community. History seems to suggest that Indian Dance had influences on Modern Dance as early as the turn of the 20th century (1906). Early Pioneers of Indian dance in California such as Balsaraswati had left memories and a few students of the likes of Medha Yodh who will share her experiences. That California has become the breeding ground for the next generation of dancers is evident from the slew of dance teachers that have become a significant part of the cultural landscape. Nonetheless, their triumphs, trials and tribulations over the last few decades are unabashedly discussed in a project by Nirupama Vaidyanathan, 'Shaping California: Indian Dancers and their voices'. 'It could be an opportunity for people interested in different performances or people who only go see modern dance and might be interested in these kind of interconnections' said Prof. Priya Srinivasan, co-convener of the event and panelist on the discussion on 'Intertwining histories of Indian and Modern Dance'. All these form topics for discussion in panels for the first day of the event.
Yesterday's innovation could be tomorrow's tradition?? A peek into what is happening in the realm of emerging choreography will be the thought provoking part of the second day's discussion. This includes showcases by some of the 'next-generation' dancers / choreographers and the keynote address, 'New Dimensions in Indian Dance', by the revered dance historian, author, critic and scholar, Padmashri Sunil Kothari. The 2 day symposium will bring together an impressive roster of scholars and dancers in an open environment discussing some important issues and exploring current trends in Indian Dance. 'We hope to create a shared learning experience for educators, practitioners, students, connoisseurs and enthusiasts of Indian Dance that would expand their knowledge and acceptance and thrust Indian dance towards becoming more mainstream' said Ramya Harishankar, the co-convener.
While the symposium is open to the public, attendance is limited due to space restrictions. Early registration is recommended. More seats will be available to witness the key participants, Masters of Indian Dance, perform in 'Xpressions', a unique showcase event set for the evening of the 21st of May. This performance is at the William Bristol Civic auditorium in Bellflower at 7:30pm and features veteran artists who have never appeared together on the same stage: Anjani Ambegaokar, Nandita Behera, Ramaa Bharadwaj, Ramya Harishankar, Mythili Kumar, K.P. Kunhiraman and Viji Prakash.
Early Registration discounts available before May 8th. Tickets for the evening show 'Xpressions – California Masters of Indian Dance' are available at www.sulekha.com/losangeles or by calling (949) 300-8912. The event is supported by grants from Alliance for California Traditional Arts, Arts OC, the county wide funding agency for the arts and by the California Traditional Arts Advancement Program of the Fund for Folk Culture supported by grants from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and the James Irvine Foundation.
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