Productions Available for Touring
Please note this is a short list of our repertoire. Works can be customized for your particular needs, audience, space or budget. Also, English voice-overs precede each dance section, providing a full explanation for the stories for all pieces. Contact the NDT office for more information. A complete press kit including demonstration video is available by calling 312-212-1240 or sending an email to info@natya.com.
Ahimsa
Toward Nonviolence
Duration : 90 minutes
Hailed as a "Triumph" and "Superb" by the Chicago Reader, this dance theater work focuses on humankind’s struggle against violence while striving toward peace. Stories are taken from Hindu mythology illustrating various forms of violence, such as violence against women, children, the poor and downtrodden. In the culminating scene Asha or Hope is portrayed as self-confidence, inner strength and faith. In this groundbreaking work, both traditional and contemporary dance techniques and movements are incorporated creating a truly innovative work of Bharata Natyam.
Shakti Chakra
The Energy Cycle
Duration: 120 minuates
Ten dancers participate in this breathtaking program, NDT’s signature work. Stories from Hindu mythology are interpreted through movement in order to explore humanity’s place in the cycle of creation. Sections portray the relationships between humanity and divine forces.
Dance of Life
Duration: 120 minutes
Five religious and cultural traditions are considered in this work. Dance of Life relates the commonalities and differences among Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism through the exploration of the ideas and parables within these faiths.
In Myth and Dance
Duration: Varies
In Myth and Dance gives contemporary meaning to India’s ancient myths that resonate with metaphor, humor and the mysteries of life. It follows a traditional program for ensemble performance, with musicians or taped music. This program may be tailored to fit the needs of individual audiences, venues, conferences, or other occasions, and may deal with themes that are religious or secular, ancient or contemporary, and Indian or multicultural.
"Dhrasta"
Duration: 30 minutes
The Seer - Contemporary work dealing with the search for truth.
"Orchestra"
In the summer and fall months, a world-class orchestra from India accompanies Natya’s performances. Live music adds a dimension of extraordinary richness to Natya’s performances. Natya’s musicians include:
Tiruvavadudurai Sambasivan Sankaran
Flute
Mr. Sankaran is a disciple of the well-known maestro Mr. T.R. Mahalingam. He has been giving solo concerts for the past 40 years at various centers around the world. He is a well-recognized artist of All India Radio, having been invited to play at the prestigious Sangeeet Sammelan several times. He has accompanied Hema Rajagopalan and Natya Dance Theatre at festivals and concerts in Europe and the United States since 1980. He has received the highest state award Kalaimamani (the “diamond” of artists) in India. His concerts are broadcast on National Television and Radio. Apart from playing he has composed music for several works performed by the Natya Dance Theatre.
Govindachari Vijayaraghavan
Mridangam and Kanjeera (Percussion)
Mr. Vijayaraghavan is one of the leading percussionists in India. He has accompanied top ranking artist to countries all over the world. Critics have commented that it is his playing that makes the dance more entertaining. He is the disciple of Madurai T. Srinivasan and Kumbakonam T. V. Balu. He is a well-recognized artist of All India Radio and has had the honor being invited to participate in the prestigeous Sangeet Sammelan several times. Apart from playing percussions he has a rare gift of writing poetry and lyrics for Bharatanatyam. He is also a good nattuvanar. He has released a cassette and published a book called Nritya Ganamrudam. He has been honored three times by the President of India.
Susheela Ramaswamy
Vocal
Mrs. Ramaswamy has been known to be a leading vocalist well versed in dance technique. She is a disciple of T. M. Thyagarajan. She has been a well-recognized artist of All India Radio and performs frequently. She has accompanied well-known dancers as a vocalist. Apart from singing has composed music for several works presented by Natya Dance Theatre. She has been a member of the Natyakalalayam Orchestra since 1989.
Educational Programs
Lecture Demonstrations, Workshops, and Master Classes.
Educational programs are available to supplement performances or as stand alone events. Dancers have experience presenting to audiences of all ages, sizes, and ability levels. NDT dancers are also available for residencies. Please contact us for more details.
Performance Fees (Call office for details : 312-212-1240 or bill@natya.com
| Full-Company Performance |
|
10
dancers, live or taped music; Duration approximately 120
minutes |
| Ensemble Performance |
|
2-5
dancers, live or taped music; Duration 30-90
minutes |
| Solo Performance |
|
1 dancer,
live or taped music; Duration approximately 30-90
minutes |
Lecture Demonstrations, Workshops, Master Classes, & Residencies
Number of dancers, duration and fees vary; live or taped music available
Performance Details
- Additional fees to
include travel, transportation, lodging and meals unless arranged by
presenter.
- A professional,
four-member orchestra will accompany the dancers during July –
November.
- In some cases, NDT may
ask for a percentage of the ticket sales.
- The Technical
Specification worksheet, available upon request, details the Company’s
stage, sound, lighting, and dressing room needs.
Additional Notes for
Presenters
NDT is a member of the Illinois Arts Council’s Arts Tour
program. If your organization is eligible, the IAC may cover 30-50% of
your costs. For further information, contact the Illinois Arts Council at
312-814-6750 or 800-237-6994 or visit them on the web at www.state.il.us/agency/iac.
NDT
is on the Recommended Artist Roster for the Heartland Arts Fund (HAF.)
Presenters may be eligible for a portion of our artist fee to be covered
by the HAF. Visit the HAF on the web at http://www.maaa.org/.
Past
Presenter Comments
"The dancers are consummate professionals
and their movements and gestures are a beautiful blend of artistry and
magnificence. We were enthralled with every aspect of the performance and
especially delighted to have the professional live musicians accompany the
dancers. Together, they danced a wonderful blend of harmony, stamina,
synchrony and emotion...We are proud and privileged to have this diversity
in our community."
Murrell Duster, Dean of Academic
Development
Northeastern Illinois University
"The dancer was so
beautiful and gracious. Her expression and artistry was truly remarkable.
The girls just loved her."
Shari Sharon,
Girl Scouts of
DuPage
"Everyone was impressed with what an excellent storyteller
Hema Rajagopalan was in addition to her expertise in Bharata Natyam.
Everything about Natya’s visit was a pleasure!"
Joan Winship,
Department of Political Science
Augustana College
"Your
performance was professional, moving and respectful of the cultures that
were being celebrated…the audience was encompassed by your passion, energy
and love of dance."
Stephen Bell, Program Manager
Field
Museum
"It is through organizations such as yours that enables us
to promote, preserve and celebrate our rich cultural heritage through the
traditional ethnic folk arts."
Elizabeth Kessler, Festival
Chairperson
Skokie Festival of
Cultures