Chirag and Dhruv of Rangoli Dance Company
August will see a roster of Arangetrams* presented by Artistic Director Malathi Iyengar from the Rangoli Dance Company (*the debut performance of a Classical Dancer, the time when a disciple proves talents and knowledge taken from their Guru) article by Prem Kishore of IndiaPost – California
These live performances of Bharata Natyam with mesmerizing , intricate rhythms, unique narrative, and powerful movements, always engage, enrich and showcase the best traditions of Indian classical dance Iyengar is a cherished and innovative choreographer, dancer/artist of our times and it is with an exhilarating anticipation that one looks forward to the debut of her amazingly versatile, gifted young dancers.
Tagged in: Arangetram, Bharata Natyam, Calabasas, California, Chennai, Chirag Sumathy, choreography, culture, dance, Dhruv Sumathy, ethnological dance, globalization, India, Indian Classical Dance, IndiaPost, Malathi Iyengar, Mysore, performance, Rangoli Dance Company, Rangoli Foundation, South India, storytelling
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Victimized by the storm sweeping the Eastern seaboard this December, I grew weary, confined to the house as it snowed for a full 24 hours. I prayed that it would stop for we had a solid 18 inches in my suburban neighborhood. The warnings were not to leave the house unless absolutely necessary, but what a great time to see a movie…However the mall was closed, “What should I do?” a friend suggested “go outside and make a snow angel”. “You must think I’m some kid” I replied (and sometimes I am) but this was ridiculous. But I did. I figured in 18 inches of powdery soft snow my angel image would be distorted. Nevertheless, looking up at the sky catching flakes on my tongue, I simultaneously flapped my arms and legs as I expected to descend into the pillow-like accumulation. I felt a nudge behind me as I flapped harder trying to deepen my image. In the stillness of the falling snow, in a gentle whisper I heard “Child get up off of me”. I leapt to my feet, struggling to see what was beneath me. The voice again whispered in my ear “Don’t just stand there ‘chile help me up, I’ve got to spread my wings”. I reached for this image to lift it to its feet, just as a bright ray of sunshine peered through the clouds blinding my vision (you know very /sing: ah-ha/ godlike). It seemed like hours it took to lift her, as we conversed in the process. You know just like a mother: “Are you taking your vitamins”, “you betta save some money” on and on and on. It was nitefall when I finally sat up from struggling to get my angel to her feet. And there she stood six feet tall of glistening white snow my guardian angel “Venus Ice Water” aka Snowbamba Mama, she told me.
Brandon Bryant audition courtesy of S.Y.T.Y.C.D
With my departure from Wesleyan University this spring, an affirmation to the dancing ability of young America was demonstrated in season 5 auditions of “So You Think You Can Dance”. Nigel started by emphasizing what the show is looking for, a combination of technique and performance, as the first contestant executed an interpretative modern choreography with stellar technique. Another dancer with a spinal handicap offering long legs and multiple pirouettes was applauded for her determination to dance with such a handicap. With many of the contestants professing studies in tap, ballet, modern, hip-hop, ballroom and gymnastics, a testament to the true diversity in the art of dance was provided.
New Dawn Rising
I have been thrown off center this month, by the few lecture demonstrations/performances I have accepted for Black History Month. Increasing my duties I have agreed to become team leader/ liaison and chaperone to many of these events. In summary, this entails planning the meeting and pick-up time for the vehicle, meeting and pick-up time for the other performers, navigating directions and time frames, performing and then reversing everything to securing the next obligation. Well to say the least, it has been quite the daunting task, in time management, early personality disorders, in fact, one day of driving a red vehicle with Texas plates, I assuredly received my first speeding ticket in 20 years of driving. I retreated home, with my ticket feeling badgered, and beaten up.
Tagged in: black history month, Buddha, compassion, eastern philosophy, God, library, New York, obligation, Orixa, performaing, personality disorder, Sacred Music Festival, time management
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Vertie Hodge photo Houston Chronicle Myra Beltran
Well today marks the start of February, Black History Month, a month of historical remembrances that we have ever known to date. Barack Obama and family have set a new precedent in the lives of many Americans. All over the internet one can find pictorials of what this momentous occasion has meant to many Americans, more importantly the elder African-American community. It has been over 40 years since a national identity has been acknowledged through the efforts of the Civil Rights Era. The “I Have A Dream” speech by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., has now come full circle in its meaning and understanding. However, the struggle is not yet over. As our youth choose not to remember the drudgery of American Slavery, it is of every importance that our accomplishments to American colonization be revered.
Tagged in: "I have a dream.", 1st Black President, 44th President of the United States, African-American, African-American colonization, Africanism, Barack Obama, Black Culture, black history, black history month, Civil Rights, First Lady of the United States, Gullah Sea Islands, inaugural parade, inventions, Martin Luther King, Michelle Obama, New York, New York City, Schomburg Library, slavery, Vertie Hodge
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With over 30 years of performing under my belt, this is the first time that all of my dedication, sore joints and blistered feet have paid off…tenfold.
I just completed my 2008 performance season with The Charles Moore Dance Theater. As a new transplant to the southern hemisphere, this season of pedagogy and performance has been a trying one. Crossing distances of 5 states has only taught me faulty time management, patience and the ability to “let go…let God.”
I really don’t know how I made it through, but I can certainly share how every minute was worth this one exceptional moment.
