Sampradaya
Sampradaya
This Sanskrit word is by definition, “tradition.”
In practice, it represents transference while infusing innovation.
Tradition sustains beauty and provides foundation and framework.
From tradition we imbibe, create, iterate and share.
Sampradaya lights the next lamp.
Kala Vandanam’s ensemble Bharatanatyam concert, celebrating signature choreographic works of the great masters who lit our lamps.
Ensemble | with live or recorded music | 90 minutes
Maargam (The Path)
“Maargam,” meaning “the path” in Sanskrit, represents the timeless depth and beauty of Bharatanatyam in its traditional format. Through the exploration of traditional and contemporary compositions, the audience can experience the universality of Bharatanatyam through verbal explanations and visual interpretations. This is a wonderful introduction to audiences unfamiliar with the richness of Indian dance forms, as well as a reminder to connoisseurs that classical arts remain fresh and relevant in today’s world. Solo or group | 60-120 minutes
Ritu – The Seasons
Inspired by Kalidasa’s 4th century Sanskrit poetry “Ritu Samhara” and Vivaldi’s 18th century work “Le Quattro Stagioni,” Ritu – The Seasons is an exploration of the cycles of the seasons, and how nature and life form an intricate, interwoven web.
Ensemble of 7-9 dancers | 105 minutes
Daanam (Gift)
Short performances of classical Bharatanatyam that showcase traditional repertoire in the dynamic Kalakshetra style. Solo or group | 15-45 minutes
Colors of Krishna
Krishna. Just the name itself evokes so many thoughts, so many reactions, so many feelings. Experience Krishna through the lens of his mother, his admirers, his disciples and his devotees; depicted through the expressive language of Bharatanatyam. Solo | 75 minutes
Love Lyrics
The ancient Indian treatises on dance describe Love as rajarasa, or the King of Emotions. It is Love that evokes all other emotions. From a mother’s love for her child (Vatsalya Sringara), romance between lovers (Rati Sringara), and love for the divine (Bhakti Sringara), experience these facets of love through the language of Bharatanatyam, using lyrics and musical compositions from many eras in the Carnatic (South Indian classical) music tradition. Love is the King of Emotions. Love is timeless. Solo or group | 60 minutes
“Red Sun”
“Red Sun” – choreography and performance by Tara Weatherly and Suchitra Sairam
Exploring beyond the obvious commonality of complexity in rhythm between their art forms, Flamenco artist Tara Weatherly of Sendero Flamenco and Bharatanatyam artist Suchitra Sairam debuted their first collaboration, “Red Sun,” at the 2015 Spring St. Paul Art Crawl. Highlighting the broad brush strokes of expression and excitement of flamenco technique with the subtle expression and complex movement in Bharatanatyam, Tara and Suchitra find common ground in music, movement and spirituality. Music by Anoushka Shankar | 6 minutes
“Anjali”
“Anjali” – Main Street School of Performing Arts Dance Company
Commissioned by the Main Street School of Performing Arts Dance Company (Hopkins, MN), Suchitra Sairam created “Anjali” to show the cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary beauty of Bharatanatyam. Performed by a cast of 7 dancers trained primarily in ballet and modern dance, “Anjali” premiered at the Main Street School of Performing Arts Spring 2015 Dance Concert. 7-9 dancers | 5 minutes
“Ardhanaareeswara Stuti”
Invited to present at Love to Share Foundation’s “Om Shanti: An Ode to Harmony” concert in 2015, Suchitra Sairam and Kala Vandanam Youth Dancers premiered a new work, “Ardhanaareeswara Stuti.” The ideas of balance and harmony are explored through the duality of Ardhanaareeswara, in appearance, in temperament, in movement, in the cycle of life. 7 dancers | 12 minutes