Writing for The New York Times, dance critic, Brian Seibert finished his review of Nrityagram Dance Ensemble by proclaiming, “the only proper response to dancers this amazing is worship.” That may sound like hyperbole, but devotion is in their DNA.  

Today, Nrityagram is a thriving community of artists dedicated to the practice of Odissi, a 2,000-year-old classical dance of India. The village is home to a school inspired by the Gurukula, an ancient teaching paradigm, and an internationally renowned dance ensemble. The mission is to nurture dance professionals through the gurukula system, perform on a global stage, and forge a community through outreach.

Following the revival of their international hit Saṃhāra, Surupa Sen has collaborated with the Chitrasena Dance Company from Sri Lanka for this new work. Nrityagram’s Odissi dance ensemble is joined by guest dancers from Chitrasena dance troupe for this performance of South Asian Dance.

As you’ll see, Nrityagram Dance Ensemble has been recognized as the torchbearers for Odissi, honoring the ancient practice while carrying the art form into the 21st century.

Runtime: Approximately 95 minutes with 20 minute intermission.