For Immediate Release
June 25, 2008
Contact: Malathi Iyengar
malathisiyengar@gmail.com
818 788 6860
Cell: 818 523 6860
Rangoli Dance Company presents
Patanjali: Legends of Yoga and Dance
August 9, 2008 at Main Stage, Santa Monica College
Unwritten Rhythms: 7:30 pm
Patanjali Dance Concert: 8:00 pm
Rangoli Dance Company along with guest artists from India presents Patanjali: Legends of Yoga and Dance on Saturday, August 9 at Main Stage, Santa Monica College in Santa Monica, California.
Conceived and choreographed by award-winning artistic director Malathi Iyengar, and developed in collaboration with her dancers and music composer Rajkumar Bharathi, Patanjali will feature a unique physical environment designed by Eileen Cooley, Lakshmi Iyengar and Suresh Iyengar. Company dancers include Ronald Burton, Lakshmi Iyengar, Hema Iyer, Navia Natarajan, Shaheen Sheik, Soumya Sundaresh and dancers from India include Ranjith Babu, Neewin Hershall, and Murali Mohan K. Extended cast of Rangoli dancers include: Sheila Aula, Shivani Aysola, Vyshnavi Aysola, Anjali Gopalan, Nikita Iyer, Karisma Nagarkatti, Sumathi Nanguneri, & Aarti Rao.
The impetus to restage Patanjali (premiere 2007) is rooted in the work Iyengar did over the past three years in India and United States. Her observation of Yoga's abundant use and symmetry in movement, leads to a balance that one seeks in both art and in life. The evening also features Unwritten Rhythms, a unique musical feature performed by musicians from India & US as a prelude to the dance concert.
Regarded as one of the leading dance makers in Los Angeles, Iyengar has created a body of work that is rigorous, and intellectually and philosophically stimulating, but always imbued with excellence in tradition and strong intent. During her career, Iyengar has created more than 20 full length works and a score of individual dances.
Patanjali, a thematic dance concert, explores the unique and powerful relationship between Yoga and dance. The evening features popular legends related to Patanjali, the cosmic dance of Shiva, and the holy city of Chidambaram in India. The performance addresses the following issues: Where and how did this great spiritual discipline of Yoga originate? What and who inspired Patanjali to write a commentary on Yoga that has become such a phenomenal culture practiced by so many all over the world. It is said to have been gleaned from Creation itself. And, who was Patanjali?
Rangoli Foundation was established in 1985 by artistic director, Malathi Iyengar to realize a creative vision of presenting the visual and performing arts of India. Iyengar has imparted the craft and technique of Bharatanatyam dance to several students since its inception. Rangoli Dance Company, a highly recognized group of exquisite artists was formed by Malathi Iyengar in 1992. Consisting of a high caliber core and guest artists, the company has given numerous performances throughout the United States, Canada, and India.
Patanjali: Legends of Yoga and Dance, is a tribute concert honoring Daniel Pearl who worked relentlessly to create cross cultural understanding through music & words. Daniel Pearl World Music Days uses the power of music to unite people and inspire hope for our global community. Event Part Of International "Harmony For Humanity" Concert Network - www.danielpearlmusicdays.org
Company information - www.rangoli.org
Concert information 818 788 6860 or malathisiyengar@gmail.com
Main Stage
Santa Monica College
1900 Pico Blvd
Santa Monica, CA
Tickets and Information: 818 788 6860
Admission: Door $25 / Adv $20 / Student, Senior, and DRC members $15 / Group of 10 or more - $15 per person
Patanjali: Legends of Yoga and Dance is not affiliated with Madison Project and the performance events do not constitute an endorsement by Santa Monica College or the Performing Arts Center.
This project is supported in part by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Arts Commission.
A Presentation of Rangoli Foundation for Art & Culture
www.rangoli.org