Shantala Shivalingappa : "Akasha"

Akasha, featuring the choreography of Shantala Shivalingappa, is a program of five Kuchipudi solos, each performed by Shivalingappa and accompanied by live singing, flute, and percussion. In Sanskrit, Akasha means “sky” or “space” and is regarded as the source of life. Each work in Akasha is inspired by a traditional Hindu poem.

A classical Indian dancer whose artistic curiosity has spanned contemporary and traditional forms, Shantala Shivalingappa is widely acclaimed for her vivid, brilliantly musical performances. Shivalingappa specializes in the traditional South Indian dance form of Kuchipudi and has made an imprint working with Western artists such as Pina Bausch and Peter Brook. Born in Madras, India and raised in Paris, Shivalingappa revels in both Eastern and Western traditions, and she has developed into the Occidental ambassador of the Kuchipudi form.

Singer: J. Ramesh

Nattuvangam & Pakhwaj (cymbals and percussions): B.P. Haribabu

Mridangam (percussions): N. Ramakrishnan

Flutist: K.S. Jayaram

This performance is made possible by the W. Ford Schumann ’50 Endowment for the Arts and the Lipp Family Fund for Performing Artists.

http://vimeo.com/98071052