Flowers of flesh
With bells on their ankles and rings on their toes they dance to uncover the unknown. “They” are the members of Nadanta: a nonprofit cultural and artistic organization named for the cosmic dance of Shiva and determined to preserve, promote, and perform the dances of India for the people of the world. This weekend, Meadow Brook Theatre will host “Bharat 2000; One Nation, Many Traditions,” a production of extraordinary ritual, tribal and folk dances, rarely seen even in India. The selections in “Bharat 2000” are designed to display the diversity of India’s dances, and are a barefoot invitation into an exploration of the languages of the body.
In a human rhythm set by stomping feet and ankle bells, every arm gesture, facial expression and foot position tells a story. This is a full-body communication in which each finger is called into action as well, to tell us tales of tortoises, half-moons and mythical birds with two heads. The movements are a mesh of the tactile and symbolic, used as a continual unveiling and opening up of a narrative, a flower, or an idea.
Chaula Thaker is the founder, artistic director, and award-winning choreographer of Nadanta, and is known around the world for her gifts as a dancing storyteller. Thaker’s original production of “Bharat 2000” honors the 50th anniversary of India’s Republic Day by utilizing the diverse dances of India. The purpose of this thematic dance production is to promote understanding and diminish cultural and generational boundaries. It’s a physical manifestation of Nadanta’s melding of Hindu mythology and philosophy, translated through flesh, muscle and intention.
When you open your eyes, light pours in. When you open your mind, ideas multiply. When you open your self to Nadanta, you will experience cosmic gestures born to reveal the universal balance of creation and destruction.
WHERE/WHEN
Nadanta
“Bharat 2000; One Nation, Many Traditions”
Saturday, Aug. 5, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 6, 4 p.m.
Meadow Brook Theatre, Oakland University
Call Chaula Thaker at 877-NADANTA for ticket info
View Original Article: http://www2.metrotimes.com/calendar/review.asp?rid=3987