About Aakriti
Aakriti means ‘image’ or ‘shape’ and it is used in the context of describing the results of an effort which take shape to outshine everything else in this earth. Aakriti is Deeksha School of Performing Arts’ humble tribute to the dance form of Bharatnatyam and other contemporary dance forms of India. From the traditional to contemporary – Aakriti alludes to creations from the soul and hope to reach out to yours as well. Better still, it is an excellent primer for those unfamiliar with the art form of Indian classical dance.
In about 110 minutes, Aakriti aims to showcase an evening of Indian classical dance focusing on the Bharatanatyam style of dancing in its purest form collaborating with other classical and contemporary dance forms. Aakriti is conceived, choreographed and directed by Anupa Guha Thakurta. Known for her bold, modern themes and strong choreography, Anupa has given as much as she has received from her background in the traditional Tanjore style of Bharatanatyam. She has expanded the outreach of Bharatanatyam through collaborations with other styles of dance through her solo and ensemble work. Her performances have stood out as a beacon to Indian Culture and World Arts, and have been an important part of many cross-cultural events, in India and other countries. In 2009, in collaboration with ASHA for Education, she presented Sanskriti, an evening of Indian classical dance which showcased Bharatnatyam and Kathak as well as ‘Chitra’, a dance drama written by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore depicting the love story of Chitrangada, a warrior princess, and Arjuna based on Mahabharata. While Anupa has performed in India and a host of other countries, she is perhaps best remembered in Atlanta for her portrayal of Parvati in Dr. Seshu Sarma’s ‘Sivoham-Sivoham’ held at the Robert Ferst Center for the Arts on December 2004.
Aakriti is the next presentation that aims to produce an evocative rendition, touching the chords of arts enthusiasts in Atlanta. The program showcases traditional Bharatanatyam, and juxtaposes other classical Indian dance styles like Kathak, Odissi and Mohiniyattam. The show also emphasizes ‘abhinaya’, or the art of evoking a sentiment in the observer through the dancer's use of gesture, facial expression and eye movement.
Bharatanatyam is very traditional and known for its grace, purity, tenderness, statuesque and sculpturesque poses. It uplifts the dancer and the beholder to a higher level of spiritual consciousness. The program features two styles of dance — Nritta, or pure dance without expression or theme that focuses on the rhythmic qualities of the music; and, Natya, the more expressive, theatrical form, which tells a story, generally taken from ancient mythology. In Natya, this show also portrays Bharatanatyam as a universal dance form that can be adapted and choreographed to various compositions – from the traditional to contemporary classical music.
In about 110 minutes, Aakriti aims to showcase an evening of Indian classical dance focusing on the Bharatanatyam style of dancing in its purest form collaborating with other classical and contemporary dance forms. Aakriti is conceived, choreographed and directed by Anupa Guha Thakurta. Known for her bold, modern themes and strong choreography, Anupa has given as much as she has received from her background in the traditional Tanjore style of Bharatanatyam. She has expanded the outreach of Bharatanatyam through collaborations with other styles of dance through her solo and ensemble work. Her performances have stood out as a beacon to Indian Culture and World Arts, and have been an important part of many cross-cultural events, in India and other countries. In 2009, in collaboration with ASHA for Education, she presented Sanskriti, an evening of Indian classical dance which showcased Bharatnatyam and Kathak as well as ‘Chitra’, a dance drama written by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore depicting the love story of Chitrangada, a warrior princess, and Arjuna based on Mahabharata. While Anupa has performed in India and a host of other countries, she is perhaps best remembered in Atlanta for her portrayal of Parvati in Dr. Seshu Sarma’s ‘Sivoham-Sivoham’ held at the Robert Ferst Center for the Arts on December 2004.
Aakriti is the next presentation that aims to produce an evocative rendition, touching the chords of arts enthusiasts in Atlanta. The program showcases traditional Bharatanatyam, and juxtaposes other classical Indian dance styles like Kathak, Odissi and Mohiniyattam. The show also emphasizes ‘abhinaya’, or the art of evoking a sentiment in the observer through the dancer's use of gesture, facial expression and eye movement.
Bharatanatyam is very traditional and known for its grace, purity, tenderness, statuesque and sculpturesque poses. It uplifts the dancer and the beholder to a higher level of spiritual consciousness. The program features two styles of dance — Nritta, or pure dance without expression or theme that focuses on the rhythmic qualities of the music; and, Natya, the more expressive, theatrical form, which tells a story, generally taken from ancient mythology. In Natya, this show also portrays Bharatanatyam as a universal dance form that can be adapted and choreographed to various compositions – from the traditional to contemporary classical music.
Objective of the Event
- Bring forth Bharatanatyam and contemporary dance styles to a very diverse audience and reflect the ability of these traditional Indian classical dance forms to adapt to contemporary classical, interface and new age music.
- Choreograph Bharatanatyam and contemporary dance styles together in a unique experience using traditional and experimental fusion studio music to perform a cross-cultural experiment around the universally appealing theme of women’s search for identity and self-definition across the world.
- Showcase the talent and hard work of students not only in performing but also choreography, as well bring forth some very accomplished dancers to experiment in this extravaganza.
- Pursue a charitable cause that has always been close to our heart: help underprivileged children. Baal Dan is a US based charity that aims to serve the needs of children all over the world.
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