Erasing Borders: Festival of Indian Dance
Today at the press conference for Erasing Borders: Festival of Indian Dance there was a panel discussion to kick off the festivities of Indian dance happening this week here in NYC. The heads of the 15 dance troupes performing in the festival were there to share their hopes and excitement for the event. Then there were photo examples shown from each of the companies, showcasing their regional styles and music. In the dances there will be themes of 'Men are from Mars, women from Venus', transgender identity, the art of carpet weaving, and traditional as well as modern influence, even mixed with Western culture. The idea is that all the types of dance no matter the region of can be celebrated. It will truly be an exciting festival and you can check out the exact schedule at: http://www.iaac.us/IAAC_dance_festival/festival_schedule.htm
Here is some more information on The Indo-American Arts Council's interpretation of the event: “The Indo-American Arts Council today announced a packaged schedule to be presented as part of the Erasing Borders: Festival of Indian Dance to be held in New York from August 18-21, 2008. The lineup of performances showcases the richness in the range of Indian dance forms and puts the many facets on the art of dance on display. In its debut year, the dance festival will showcase 23 different performances by the 15 dance troupes and solo performers from around the world. Classical, modern and contemporary dance share the Erasing Borders stage to form a magnificent melange of styles and traditions. The festival's educational component will explore the complexities of aesthetics, sensibilities, issues and perspectives of the rich tradition of Indian dance while nurturing exciting new dimensions developing in the Indian, American and global contexts.
This year's festival programming kicks off with two free outdoor day-time performances as part of Battery Dance Company's Downtown Dance Festival on August 18-19. Other Festival highlights include two evening performances on August 20-21 as well as an extensive variety of panels, lectures and workshops on topics such as 'Expressions & Narrative on Indian Dance', 'Erasing Borders: Issues of Identity, Immigration & Change in Indian Dance' and 'Reinterpretation of Traditional Movement'.”
The dance troupes include Ananya Dance Theater, Anurekha Ghosh & Company, Dakshina/Daniel Phoenix Singh and Company, Dr. Janaki Rangarajan, Manijeh Ali, Mau Kala Mandir Dance Academy, Maria Colaco Dance, Natya Dance Theater, Nayikas Dance Theater, Parul Shah & Prashant Shah, Parijat Desai Dance Company, Sampradaya Dance, Sinha Danse, Sudarshan Belsare, and Thresh.