Samhara: Unique South Asian classical dance blend of sensuality and vitality

On April 7, 2012, two internationally renowned South Asian classical dance troupes, theNrityagram Dance Ensemble from India and the Chitrasena Dance Company from Sri Lanka will bring their magic to Ames City Auditorium in a unique dance concert entitled Samhara. The event, hosted by the India Cultural Association of Central Iowa (ICA), will take place at6:30 pm at the Ames City Auditorium, 515 Clark Avenue, Ames, Iowa. It is made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the Commission on the Arts (COTA).

Samhara is a new collaboration between Nrityagram and the Chitrasena Dance Company. It explores the intersection between the sensuality of the Odissi dance style from Eastern India and the masculine dynamism of the Kandyan dance form from Sri Lanka. 

Nrityagram is one of the foremost dance companies of India. They have performed extensively across the country and the world. Nrityagram dancers are carrying Indian dance into the 21st century without compromising on ancient cultural traditions.

The Chitrasena Dance Company has been a transformative force combining traditional and contemporary dance in Sri Lanka since 1943, and continues to be Sri Lanka’s cultural ambassador internationally.  

After its recent debut in India, Samhara comes to the Joyce Theatre, New York. Ames is one of the stops on its North American tour. Pre-concert information sessions on Odissi dance will be held in Ames and Des Moines in collaboration with the Gateway Dance Theatre (www.gatewaydance.org). Dates and times are listed on the ICA web site.

India Cultural Association (ICA) of Central Iowa, located in Ames, was formed in 1992 as a 501 c (3) non-profit organization. ICA aims to promote the cultural and secular heritage of India, and enhance friendship and understanding with people from various cultural backgrounds.

For tickets and additional information please go to

http://www.icaiowa.org