The RHYTHM Indian Dance * Music
May 7th 2010 14:06
INDIA'S RHYTHM - ANCIENT DANCE, EXPLODING BEATS, MODERN MOVES
The Rhythm brings to life, artistically, Mahatma Gandhi's unity in diversity vision for India, showcasing a phenomenal selection of rare traditional dance, modern styles and music from across the nation, at Sydney's Seymour Centre on Saturday May 22 (7pm $60/$30).
A window to the heart and soul of India, The Rhythm presents an incredible fusion of Carnatic, Hindustani (Classical Indian) & Western music; five extraordinary dances – showcasing four of the eight classical forms of Indian dance, and one contemporary style; twenty-five of India’s most celebrated artists; and in the spirit of Gandhi’s charity, all proceeds go to The Sydney Children’s Hospital, Westmead
Brilliantly colourful dancers enthral and seduce with two ancient temple dance styles. The first, Odissi, is a classical dance from Oriya - eastern India, is one of the country's oldest dances, depicted in India's revered and ancient Konark Sun Temple, Brahmesvar Temple ruins and Jagannath. The dance is considered a water dance and is part of the five traditional elemental dances. Originally performed by devadasis (servants of the lord) or temple girls in the ancient Jagannath temple at Puri, and later in the royal courts of Mughal India. Odissi dance has been celebrated as the perfect vehicle to balance sexuality and spirituality, according to Tantrism. It is performed to near perfection by Meera Das, Jana Lopamudhra Sathapathy, Isha Mandal Rithika, and Jana Malavika.
Bharathanatyam, the second dance originating in the temples, is a classical Tamil dance from the state of Tamil Nadu in Southern India. Performed at The Rhythm by Sastri Savita, the dance is considered the fifth Veda, representing India’s equivalent to the Chinese concept of Yin and Yang. By merging lasya - graceful feminine lines and movements, and Tandava Ananda Thandavam (the dance of Shiva), or masculine movements; this mesmerising Hindu performance celebrates the eternal universe through beauty in the material body. Another of the elemental dances, Bharathanatyam, is also known as the fire-dance, resembling the movements of a dancing flame.
The Rhythm also showcases north Indian Kathak dance, meaning to tell a story. From nomadic bards telling mythological tales. in village squares; to the north Indian Mughal courts; Kathak dancers were influenced by visitors from abroad, and developed straight legs; flamboyant and elaborate rhythmic footwork accentuated by 150 ankle bells on each leg; and signature 'chakkars' (spins) - executed on the heel, from whirling dervishes; and became practiced by women ‘tawaifs’ or courtesans. A beautiful dance merging a rich history of temple and mythological/ religious influence and court and romanticism; Kathak dance is an athletic experience for the eyes and ears; with lightning speed pirouettes and rhythmic footwork set to tabla and pakhawaj. This dance is performed by Anjana Jha, Pachaniya Sandhya, Gangrade Deepti and Savita Adhikari.
The traditional north-east Indian dance of Manipur - near the border of Myanmar (Burma), Manipuri, is performed at The Rhythm by Narmada Devi. A delicate, lyrical, graceful and devotional dance developed by ardent worshippers of Lord Krishna; Manipuri is accompanied by drum, cymbals, stringed and wind instruments; and a singer recites classical poetry from significant Hindu religious texts. An undulating and soft performance, the dancer makes rounded movements avoiding jerks, sharp edges or straight lines; with delicate foot movements, the feet are neither put down nor lifted up at precise rhythmic points, but slightly earlier or later to express these moments more effectively. Of special significance is the attire of the dancers, with ballooning skirts and crisp transparent veils.
For a modern twist, contemporary and improvisational Indian dance troupe Samudra, explores, experiments and synthesises traditional styles with new ones rounding out the Indian dance experience.
Leaping and whirling fantastically to eclectic Indian rhythms and beats, the dance troupe is credited for constant innovation and unpredictable methods.
Expressing moving art by stretch out, closing in and bursting into multitudinous activities depicting a world in motion, Samudra weave new aesthetics from tradition and improvisation. The ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu, Rope Malakhamb and Yoga, are an integral part of their repertoire.
The style is performed by Madhu Gopinath, Vakkom Sajeev and others.
Produced by Soorya Krishnamoorthy, founder of the Soorya Society - a not-for-profit artistic organisation promoting Indian arts and culture, The Rhythm has been performed on 100 stages worldwide. Previous Soorya productions include Sangamam – also performed all over the world; and the groundbreaking Soorya Festival, one of India’s most prestigious and longest running cultural events.
WHERE:
Seymour Centre, Corner of Cleveland Street and City Road, Chippendale
WHEN:
Saturday 22 May 2010, 7PM
BOOKINGS:
Box Office P: 02 9351 7940
W: www.seymourcentre.com
PRICES:
$60: front of theatre
$30: back of theatre
10% discount offered to children (12 and under)
The Rhythm brings to life, artistically, Mahatma Gandhi's unity in diversity vision for India, showcasing a phenomenal selection of rare traditional dance, modern styles and music from across the nation, at Sydney's Seymour Centre on Saturday May 22 (7pm $60/$30).
A window to the heart and soul of India, The Rhythm presents an incredible fusion of Carnatic, Hindustani (Classical Indian) & Western music; five extraordinary dances – showcasing four of the eight classical forms of Indian dance, and one contemporary style; twenty-five of India’s most celebrated artists; and in the spirit of Gandhi’s charity, all proceeds go to The Sydney Children’s Hospital, Westmead
Bharathanatyam, the second dance originating in the temples, is a classical Tamil dance from the state of Tamil Nadu in Southern India. Performed at The Rhythm by Sastri Savita, the dance is considered the fifth Veda, representing India’s equivalent to the Chinese concept of Yin and Yang. By merging lasya - graceful feminine lines and movements, and Tandava Ananda Thandavam (the dance of Shiva), or masculine movements; this mesmerising Hindu performance celebrates the eternal universe through beauty in the material body. Another of the elemental dances, Bharathanatyam, is also known as the fire-dance, resembling the movements of a dancing flame.
The Rhythm also showcases north Indian Kathak dance, meaning to tell a story. From nomadic bards telling mythological tales. in village squares; to the north Indian Mughal courts; Kathak dancers were influenced by visitors from abroad, and developed straight legs; flamboyant and elaborate rhythmic footwork accentuated by 150 ankle bells on each leg; and signature 'chakkars' (spins) - executed on the heel, from whirling dervishes; and became practiced by women ‘tawaifs’ or courtesans. A beautiful dance merging a rich history of temple and mythological/ religious influence and court and romanticism; Kathak dance is an athletic experience for the eyes and ears; with lightning speed pirouettes and rhythmic footwork set to tabla and pakhawaj. This dance is performed by Anjana Jha, Pachaniya Sandhya, Gangrade Deepti and Savita Adhikari.
The traditional north-east Indian dance of Manipur - near the border of Myanmar (Burma), Manipuri, is performed at The Rhythm by Narmada Devi. A delicate, lyrical, graceful and devotional dance developed by ardent worshippers of Lord Krishna; Manipuri is accompanied by drum, cymbals, stringed and wind instruments; and a singer recites classical poetry from significant Hindu religious texts. An undulating and soft performance, the dancer makes rounded movements avoiding jerks, sharp edges or straight lines; with delicate foot movements, the feet are neither put down nor lifted up at precise rhythmic points, but slightly earlier or later to express these moments more effectively. Of special significance is the attire of the dancers, with ballooning skirts and crisp transparent veils.
For a modern twist, contemporary and improvisational Indian dance troupe Samudra, explores, experiments and synthesises traditional styles with new ones rounding out the Indian dance experience.
Leaping and whirling fantastically to eclectic Indian rhythms and beats, the dance troupe is credited for constant innovation and unpredictable methods.
Expressing moving art by stretch out, closing in and bursting into multitudinous activities depicting a world in motion, Samudra weave new aesthetics from tradition and improvisation. The ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu, Rope Malakhamb and Yoga, are an integral part of their repertoire.
The style is performed by Madhu Gopinath, Vakkom Sajeev and others.
Produced by Soorya Krishnamoorthy, founder of the Soorya Society - a not-for-profit artistic organisation promoting Indian arts and culture, The Rhythm has been performed on 100 stages worldwide. Previous Soorya productions include Sangamam – also performed all over the world; and the groundbreaking Soorya Festival, one of India’s most prestigious and longest running cultural events.
WHERE:
Seymour Centre, Corner of Cleveland Street and City Road, Chippendale
WHEN:
Saturday 22 May 2010, 7PM
BOOKINGS:
Box Office P: 02 9351 7940
W: www.seymourcentre.com
PRICES:
$60: front of theatre
$30: back of theatre
10% discount offered to children (12 and under)
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