WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2024 · 7:30 PM
THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024 · 7:30 PM

ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE

THE NRITYAGRAM DANCE ENSEMBLE

IN COLLABORATION WITH
THE CHITRASENA DANCE COMPANY

ĀHUTI
THE BAKER-BAUM CONCERT HALL

“One of the most extraordinary dance events of the year… The only proper response to dancers this amazing is worship.” — The New York Times

One of the premier Indian dance ensembles performing today, the Nrityagram Dance Ensemble has the unprecedented distinction of making The New York Times’ “Best Dance of the Year” list two consecutive years in a row. More than a dance company, Nrityagram was founded as a Gurukula (school) devoted to Indian dance. The all-female ensemble’s daily life of intensive training and meditation brings to the stage compelling captivating performances that are at once sensual and lyrical, accompanied by live music.

The New York Times’ “BEST DANCE OF THE YEAR” Pick, 2015 & 2016

The Nrityagram dance village is located outside Bangalore, India. It was founded in 1990 by Odissi dancer Protima Gauri, who converted ten acres of farmland into a setting for the study, practice and teaching of dance. At Nrityagram, dance is a way of life. Reminiscent of ancient ashrams where gurus imparted not only technique but also a philosophy of being, this is a creative space where dancers, musicians, and choreographers live together, sharing their skills and developing their art. To enrich their practice, dancers are also taught yoga and martial arts along with Sanskrit and classical literature. As knowledge passes from guru to disciple, the continuity of the classical arts is ensured.

Nrityagram is devoted to bringing Odissi—one of the oldest dance styles in the world—to audiences worldwide. Although steeped in and dedicated to ancient practice, the Ensemble is also committed to carrying Indian dance into the 21st century. Enabled by grants from Arts Funding organizations, Nrityagram’s dancers not only explore creative expansions of tradition but are also able to commission fresh compositions from leading Indian classical musicians. They research, innovate, create original work, and perform to audiences across the globe.

Led by Artistic Director Surupa Sen, the company has achieved worldwide critical acclaim. performing globally including an annual tour to the United States. Over two decades, Nrityagram has presented seven full-length ensemble shows, two full-length duet shows, and two full-length solo shows, all choreographed by Sen.

“So beguiling, you resist blinking in case you miss a moment!” -— The Herald

“These are among the world’s greatest dancers.” — The New York Times

“The women of the Nrityagram Dance Ensemble are rock stars in the dance world! At Tuesday’s opening night, Mikhail Baryshnikov and Isaac Mizrahi were in the audience, and choreographer Mark Morris was on his feet at the curtain, shouting bravos!” — The New York Post