VANCOUVER – For the second edition of their annual dance festival “Gait To The Spirit” 2011, and commemorating the “Year of India in Canada”, Mandala Arts & Culture present two world renowned dancers from India, featuring two different classical dance styles; bharata natyam and odissi.
Priyadarsini Govind is currently the reigning queen of bharata natyam! Her elegance, presence and style have endeared her to fans and students of bharata natyam around the world, where she continues to tour, give master classes and workshops. Priyadarsini has been very generous with her art, and she has released a large series of bharata natyam CDs and DVDs.
Govind will be accompanied by a 4 piece orchestra from Chennai. This is truly a unique chance to see her in performance in Vancouver, presented in its authentic context with musicians on stage…. an experience not to be missed. Priyadarsini will also conduct a 2 day bharata natyam workshop (October 30 & 31 from 6 – 9 pm).
The second international artist for this year’s festival is the fabulous Rahul Acharya. Rahul hails from a direct tradition of gotipuas male temple dancers. He continues to perform and teach master classes around the world, and he is recognized as one of India’s best male Indian classical dancers. Mr. Acharya will also give a free lecture demonstration on odissi, explaining the demands and subtlety of this curvaceous dance style.
This festival is supported in partnership with both The Dance Centre and the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts as well with the generous support of The City of Vancouver, the BC Arts Council, Chum radio (through their Arts Fact program) and the National training program of Heritage Canada.
