Erasing Borders Dance Festival 2024

Artists name:Artists bio

Name: Bio

Name: Bio

Samir Kumar Panigrahi and Santosh Ram are award-winning dancers with the Bhubaneswar-based Rudrakshya Foundation. Disciples of Guru Bichitrananda Swain, they will be artists-in-residence with Odissi Vilas, California, this fall. They have performed in festivals across the world.

Based on the eighth-century philosopher and poet Adi Shankaracharya’s Bhavani Bhujangam Stotra, this performance portrays two (of the many) stages of a seeker. In the first stage (Then), the seeker is still enmeshed in maya, i.e.; the trials, tribulations, and imperfections of worldly life, but is attempting to understand what lies beyond the material world by meditating on Goddess Bhavani (an incarnation of Shakti). Slowly, through their complete surrender to Ma Bhavani and the transformative power of deep meditation/yoga, they awaken their kundalini shakti,(depicted as serpents) the primordial cosmic energy that resides in all of us, and eventually reach a state of moksha, divine ecstasy, where the divine feminine and masculine energies are in perfect balance and the seeker’s soul, atman, recognizes that it is but a manifestation of the permanently present Now or ultimate reality (Brahman) while the transient phenomenal world is but an illusion (maya).

Vedya Spurthi is a disciple of Jaikishore & Padmavani Mosalikanti, having previously trained under Himabindu Challa. She has performed across 5 countries such as at the Consulate of India, Hong Kong, and Krishna Gana Sabha, as well as a part of Shivamohanam at the Madras Music Academy Dance Fest

Bhama Pravesa Daruvu is a segment of the larger dance-drama, Bhama Kalapam. It is a highly revered and iconic piece where the character of Satyabhama, introduces herself to the audience. This piece dynamically captures the verve and vigor of Satyabhama's character through the Angika and Sathwika Abhinaya. The traditional yet vibrant aesthetics of Kuchipudi seamlessly complement the character's lively demeanor, and her spirit shines through each movement, conveying her pride, devotion, and inner conflicts with captivating grace and depth.

Sanjana Melkote, Krishnanand Nair, Smrithi Suresh, Janhavi Pillai, and Samyuktha Rajesh Kumar

Fuchsia Dance Company is an Indian classical dance collective of up-and-coming artists based in the Bay Area. Using Bharatanrityam, the team explores traditional art through contemporary themes like climate change. Fuchsia prioritizes storytelling, through its energetic and synchronized ensemble.

The piece Prakriti: Elements of Eternity explores Earth’s development from its origin to present day, through the lens of the Pancha Bhuta, the natural elements that comprise all matter. The piece delves into humans’ impact on Earth and aims to draw connection between human expression and the cosmic cycle of creation, sustenance, and destruction.

Founders of the Abhinava Dance Company, Nirupama and Rajendra, with their presentation ‘Abhijna’, seek to explore and recollect their relationship with time through the evocative medium of Kathak. In the grand tapestry of existence, time serves as the unassuming yet indispensable thread and with ‘Abhijna’ they invite all to contemplate the profound mysteries of time and its enduring significance in our lives.

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Spring? What Spring? Several traditional mythological narratives in Indian classical dance often depict an idealized and unrealistic version of romantic love, where women are portrayed as incomplete until they unite with their beloved. In these stories, a woman’s fulfillment is tied to her willingness to surrender her individuality in order to achieve harmony in the relationship. In Sri Thina and Malavika's original choreography they reexamine these elements, turning them into a modern exploration of the realities of a woman’s experience today. Through the journey of two dancers engaging with classical repertoire, the performance reimagines a new narrative—one that celebrates wholeness and self-completeness, challenging the traditional portrayal of love and empowerment."Spring? What Spring?" dissects the elements of tales of beauty and romance then, and transforms them into an exploration of the realities of a woman's situation now, presenting the journey of two dancers as they traverse traditional repertoire, beginning with Vasant Pallavi, and find themselves concluding their conversations by conveying the sentiments of modern-day poet Rupi Kaur. 

Malavika Singh began learning Odissi in 2016 when she participated in Nrityagram’s summer workshop, and falling in love with the artform, traveled there for training during her school holidays. Since 2019, she has been passionately training under guru Bijayini Satpathy virtually and in person and has assisted her at events such as the Studio 5 NYC City Center showcase; she presently conducts weekly Odissi classes at Gibney Studios.

Sri Thina Subramaniam is a versatile, interdisciplinary artist known for her innovative work in Bharatanrityam and Odissi, where she skillfully explores the fusion of these classical Indian dance forms through fluid transitions. Known for presenting her original creations, she also takes on the roles of choreographer, artistic director, and rehearsal master, while curating and collaborating on multiple festivals and events. Her work has been showcased globally, and in New York City. She is currently mentored by Mavin Khoo, Artistic Director at Akram Khan Company, and renowned Odissi exponent Bijayini Satpathy through virtual mentorship. www.srithina.com  

Music Credits 
Music Composition, Arrangement, and Production: Sindhu Natarajan
Vocal: Sindhu Natarajan
Violin: Vikram Ragukumar
Rhythmic Vocals: Sooraj Subramaniam
Pallavi Composition, Arasa Composition: Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra

Poem: Rupi Kaur
Spoken Word & Poem Recitations: Malavika Singh & Sri Thina Subramaniam

Ramya Harishankar, artistic director of the Arpana Dance Company celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2022. Named legacy artist by the California Arts Council in 2023, Ramya Harishankar has donned many hats in a career spanning 5 decades. As a soloist she has performed extensively on 5 continents. Her forte is abhinaya and she regularly conducts workshops/master classes both online and live across the world.

A variety of abhinaya pieces from varied genres, range of situations, emotions, Nayikas exploring diverse ways to present the old repertoire in modern times.

"Echoes of Empathy: Our Changing Bond with Nature" is a presentation that delves into the evolving relationship between humanity and the natural world. Drawing inspiration from Kalidasa's classical work "Shakuntalam" and Karunasri's contemporary poem "Pushpavilapam" the performance explores the central theme of empathy towards nature.

The dance highlights the deep reverence and harmonious coexistence with nature depicted in "Shakuntala" where nature is cherished and respected. This contrasts with the modern narrative in "Pushpavilapam" which portrays a flower pleading not to be plucked, symbolizing the current exploitation and neglect of nature.

Through expressive movements and storytelling, "Echoes of Empathy" brings to life these two perspectives, illustrating how our treatment of nature has changed over time. As we reflect on these shifts, we are left with a question: How can we rekindle our empathy for the Earth and restore the balance in our relationship with the natural world?

Mr. Kumar Sharma, a distinguished Kathak dancer and choreographer whose career is a testament to his profound dedication and artistic excellence. A National Scholarship Holder in Kathak from India’s Ministry of Culture, Mr. Sharma has honed his craft under the revered Jaipur Gharana, studying under the esteemed Lt. Pt. Sita Ram Ji for six years.

His expertise extends beyond Kathak, as he is also a passionate researcher of over 20 Indian folk dances. His performances have captivated audiences at prestigious national and international dance festivals, such as “Ajanta Ellora International Dance Festival”, “Maharaja Ranjitsinh Festival of Arts Baroda”, “52nd All India Bhaskar Rao Nritya & Sangeet Sammelan” and many more.

Mr. Sharma has also collaborated with celebrated artists like Mr. A.R. Rahman and choreographed for Bollywood stars including Madhuri Dixit, Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt and Jacqueline Fernandez. His choreography has received acclaim on international platforms, including Russia’s Got Talent.

Mr. Sharma’s creative spirit shines through his innovative troupe, “Kathak Rockers”.

He reimagines the traditional art of Kathak with a contemporary flair, bridging the gap between classical elegance and modern innovation. This dynamic troupe has captivated audiences on renowned TV shows such as Dance Deewane, Russia's Got Talent, Dance India Dance, Jhalak Dikhla Jaa, Super Dancer, and India’s Best Dancer, amassing millions of views on YouTube.

As pioneers in Kathak Fusion, Kathak Rockers has garnered international acclaim and media attention across Africa, Asia, North America, and Europe. Their groundbreaking performances celebrate the rich heritage of Kathak while embracing new artistic horizons.

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Jayaprabha Menon is one of the eminent Mohiniyattam exponents of the country. A danseuse with exceptional artistry, a versatile choreographer and an affectionate Guru to her disciples, Jayaprabha Menon has notched a reputation nonpareil in the firmament of Indian Classical dances. Her performances of Mohiniyattam have been eloquent demonstrations of terpsichorean talents groomed by venerated Gurus like Kalamandalam Saraswathy, C V Chandrasekhar and Bharathi Shivaji.

The Performance is in the Mohiniyattam Style The Art Form of Kerala. This is a solo performance in which we have interwoven the malayalam lyrics along with english commentary to facilitate the form to be more comfortable. The dancer journeys through unlimited space crossing the barriers of time where Then&Now exists simultanously. The dancer representing mankind teasingly poses questionS Time doesnot reply in words.But arises as truth for spreading the Light of Knowledge.

Since 1975, Ratikant Mohapatra has been surrounded by Odissi dance and music almost every minute of his day. A 40-year association with the field of Odissi and the years of training and experience with his father and guru, late Sri Kelucharan Mohapatra have left their imprint on Ratikant and today, he has carved an enviable niche for himself as a dancer, percussionist, teacher, choreographer, and archivist.

As the Director of Srjan (Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Nrityabasa), he has single–handedly created a world-class dance institute, attracting students from all over the globe for a comprehensive and dedicated learning methodology of Odissi dance.
Ratikant’s dedication to the art form has been acknowledged with the ‘Smt. Sanjukta Panigrahi Samman’ in 2005 by the SanjuktaPanigrahi Trust, the ‘Nrutya Choodamani’ in 2014 by Krishnagana Sabha, the ‘BhumiputraSamman’ in 2016 by Bharat Sevashram Sangha and the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2016, among others. He is also attributed to creating a Guinness World Record for choreographing and directing 555dancers in an Odissi dance composition, the very first of its kind.
In his role as a choreographer, Ratikant has conceived more than 67 original works, characterized by ‘neo-classical’ choreographic innovations,attractive musical arrangements, experimental lighting, and stagecraft, all within the boundaries of the Odissi idiom. Ratikant’s versatility and creative energy have found expression in celluloid as well, most recently in the choreography of Odissi dance sequences for the Indo–Chinese film “The Desire.”

Vaishnavi Dhore, is a performing artist and trainer of Bharatanrityam. She is a disciple of Smt.Rama Vaidyanathan. She is graded artist of Delhi Doordarshan. She has performed in several festivals and concerts in India and abroad.

Danseuse, Actor, Entrepreneur Rima Kallingal's passion for the performing arts saw her establishing Mamangam Dance Company, ten years ago in 2014. Trained professionally in various forms of dancing including Kalaripayattu, Bharatanrityam, Mohiniattam and contemporary dance, she propagates new idiom and language through her dance company. She presents an amalgamation of tradition, culture and contemporary storytelling in her art.

Neythe is an outcome of her championing for the weavers post the 2018 floods and an opportunity to reveal in the intricacy of weaving and what goes behind it. Several visits and the outcome of a three-year journey, the multimediastage show encapsulates her vision and learning from the art of weaving, capturing the minute nuances, movement, rhythm and music in the labyrinth of the craft and craftsmen.

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