March 6, 2009

Nrityagram Ensemble to showcase Indian dance traditions

The performance is presented by Purdue Convocations as part of its World Stage series.

A talk titled "Why Indian dance is new and old," by Joan Erdman, professor of anthropology and cultural studies at Columbia College in Chicago, will precede the performance. Erdman will discuss innovation and creativity in India's dance traditions. The talk will begin at 7 p.m. March 27 in Purdue Stewart Center, Room 311.

Regarded as one of the foremost dance companies of India, Nrityagram (NRIT-yuh-grahm) is based in a Bangalore gurukul – an artist colony where dancers devote themselves to a holistic, self-sufficient lifestyle that incorporates dance training and interdisciplinary courses in literature, philosophy and the arts as well as yoga, mime and meditation. These workshops inspire an understanding of the inter-relatedness of all arts and physical traditions, not only of India, but also of other countries, said Abby Eddy, director of marketing for Purdue Convocations.

The ensemble pursues many dance forms of India. Perhaps best known is the classical form Odissi, which is based upon the elaborate human forms carved on the walls of ancient temples and gives the illusion of sculpture coming to life, Eddy said.

Tickets are $26 for adults and $19 for children 18 years and younger, Purdue students and Ivy Tech Lafayette students. Tickets are available at the Elliott Hall and Stewart Center box offices at (765) 494-3933 or (800) 914-SHOW. Tickets also are available through Ticketmaster outlets.  Discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more can be ordered at (765) 496-1977.

Writer: Christy Jones, (765) 494-1089, christyjones@purdue.edu

Source: Abby Eddy, (765) 494-5045, aeeddy@purdue.edu

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

Photo:

Publication-quality photos of the Nrityagram Dance Ensemble are available: https://www.purdue.edu/convocations/nrityagramimages.shtml

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