Photo Credit: Karthik Venkataraman

The Nrityagram Dance Ensemble of India was established in 1990 to preserve India’s 2,000-year-old classical dance traditions. Nrityagram, which means “dance village,” was established in a rural setting as an ideal place for studying dance according to ancient Indian tradition, which involves direct training from guru/maestro to shishya/disciple, and full-time dedication to the art. Here the dancers not only spend several hours in practice and rehearsal, but also interact with visiting musicians, composers, and scholars. Many company members participate in outreach programs for children in nearby villages. In short they live and breathe Odissi.

Nrityagram Dance Ensemble is much more than a dance company. It is a crucible of inspiration and ideas, a coming together of creative minds, which push themselves to the absolute limits of their abilities. A space where dancers, musicians and choreographers live together for years, developing their ideas, perfecting their technique and complementing their learning of dance with a knowledge of mythology and the epics, Sanskrit, yoga, meditation and the martial arts.

On the heels of their recent tour revival of the international hit Samhara, Surupa Sen will collaborate with Chitrasena Dance Company from Sri Lanka for a new work. The company will be joined by male and female guest dancers from this Kandyan dance troupe along with members from Nrityagram’s Odissi dance ensemble.

Tickets: $30, $40, $50

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Tickets available via Ticketmaster or the Luckman Box Office.