September 17, 2004

Purdue Indian Classical Music Association sponsors Indian ballet

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Indian Classical Music Association of Purdue is sponsoring a performance of "Gajamukha," a classical Indian ballet, on Friday (Sept. 24) in Stewart Center's Loeb Playhouse.

Starting at 7:30 p.m., the narrated music and dance performance will be led by National Dance Project award recipient Jayanthi Raman. English explanations and multimedia effects will be included to enhance the audience's understanding and appreciation of the performance.

Three dance styles from India – Mohini Attam, Kuchipudi and Bharata Natyam – help tell the story of the Hindu deity, Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha is worshipped at the beginning of any new task and is regarded as the embodiment of auspiciousness and remover of obstacles. The ballet is choreographed based on excerpts from Indian folklore and mythology and uses chants from ancient scriptures.

"This is a unique and rare opportunity for the local community to attend such a grand Indian classical dance concert and become exposed to some of the oldest and most colorful classical traditions of India," said Hari Ananthan, vice president of the association.

The Indian Classical Music Association of Purdue was formed in 1989 with the aim of promoting Indian classical music and dance. It is a non-profit organization run primarily by students. In addition to concerts by musicians and dancers, association events also showcase local talent with quarterly "akritis" featuring performances by Purdue students and Lafayette residents.

Preferred seating is $15 for students and $30 for others. General seating is $10 for students and $20 for others. For reservations, contact melodic@expert.cc.purdue.edu. Tickets also will be sold between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Thursday (Sept. 23) and Friday (Sept. 24) at Purdue Memorial Union opposite Villa Pizza.

CONTACT: Ananthan, melodic@ics.purdue.edu

Writer: Reni Winter, (765) 496-3133, rwinter@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

Note to journalists: A publication-quality photo is available online.

To the News Service home page