The Yoga of Indian Dance -an interactive concert

Rasikai

Rasikai is an arts initiative for which India Foundation partnered with Natya Academy to begin a discourse in the arts through a series of interactive and educative concerts. The series, which relies heavily on the expertise of artistes within the community as well as visiting artistes, will consist of three to four presentations per year. Each presentation will be themed and presented as a collaborative effort across various schools and arts streams.
The objective of this effort is to set in motion a dialogue between artists themselves and, between artists and audience. Rasikas or lovers of art are the very life-line of the arts. Art cannot survive without them. But for an appreciation of the arts, it is critical to have an understanding of these beautiful but complex art forms. Only then, can one experience and enjoy the full rasa or aesthetic expereince. Through these inter-active concerts we hope to advance that understanding. We hope to attract as many rasikas as possible for a lively exchange of ideas. At the same, nurture new rasikas to expand that pool that is vital to sustain the performing arts.

Below are details of the Rasikai events

The Dance of Art in India - a visual and performing arts production about classical dance and art forms of India. Presented in partnership with Cape Fear Studios - May 25th throuh June 19th 2012 in Fayetteville, NC

GANESH BRASS LAMP

Exhibit of Indian art consisting of Chola bronzes & Mysore paintings

Sita Chandra and Swathi Charya, senior students of India Foundation in classical dance pose

Cape Fear Studio Executive Director, Ellen Brooks & Asha Bala of India Foundation in converstaion against the background of a beautiful Krishna painting

"Dancing with the Goddess", dance documentary film. March 18th, 2012 in Cary, NC

"Yoga of Indian Dance" by Mandakini Trivedi - September 10th 2011 in Cary, NC

The second presentation in the Rasikai series to continue the discourse on arts was a lecture demonstration that de-constructed the language of Indian dance by tracing its roots to Yoga. This was presented by Mandakini Trivedi, who is a well known dance exponent in the Mohini Attam style and a dance scholar. Having taught for over taught 20 years, she brings to life the aesthetic and spiritual traditions of Indian art and teaches how they can be actualized while dancing.

The event was held at Natya Academy on September 10, 2011.

Lecture-demonstration on "Yoga of Indian Dance" by Mandakini Trivedi

Feedback

Dr. Mandakini Trivedi's Lect-Dem was exceptionally good. In my life I have heard fantastic speeches at various technical and business conferences, SPIC-MACAY Lect-Demonstrations, and great lectures on the internet. As you may be aware, since past 4 years I am practicing to be a public speaker through Toastmasters.
Dr. Trivedi's speech ranks among the best that I have heard in general. It was well organized, had a wealth of information, and it highlighting the profound contributions – such as the oneness – that Hindu Philosophy attempts to lead us, the mortals, through Vedas, Yogas, Ayurveda and Classical Indian Dance forms. Dr. Trivedi brilliantly explained how the Yoga philosophy and the Indian Classical Dance are intricately connected. The extra time she spent in communicating the importance of "Cosmic Mandala" was well worth it.
I do not think audience, including myself, expected such a high quality presentation. ...I understand that Dr. Trivediji will be visiting Cary once again in 2012. I ferveantly appeal Ashaji, Bala, and you to organize this Lect-Dem once again at Natya. On behalf of my family, I thank Dr. Trivediji, Ashaji, Bala, and you from the bottom of my heart.

With very warm regards, Basavana Goud, Ph.D.,PMP,DTM

“Music Compositions in Bharatanatyam” April 17th, 2010 in Cary, NC

The first concert in this series:“Music Compositions in Bharatanatyam- a discussion on compositional forms”.
Held on Saturday, April 17^th, 2010 at Natya Academy.
Smt. Smitha Prasad, a Carnatic vocalist based in Cary, led the presentation. She was supported by Sudhindra Rao on the percussion and Partha Aji on flute.

Panelists were: Smt Padma Rao (Artistic Director of Nrityanjali Academy of Dance in Morrisville), Sridevi Jagannath (Director, Laasya School of Dance and Music), & Meena Rajagopalan (Artistic Director of Kalasrishti).

Below are pictures of this presentation.