You are warmly invited to Natya Academy, on Saturday, September 10th at 6:30p – 8:30p, where we are privileged to have Indian Classical Dance Guru "Mandakini Trivedi" presenting a free talk and demonstration on the yoga of Indian dance.

The session will consist of interactive talk laced with performances from the Mohini Attam style and will be of interest to students classical dance styles as well as the layman.

The lecture performance will de- construct classical Indian Dance in light of the scientific practice of Yoga to reveal that in form, in theme, in expression and in experience Classical Indian dance is rooted in Yoga.

Thoughts on Yoga
Concealed beneath the rich and intricate fabric of Classical Indian Dance lays a system of mind-body discipline that is at once aesthetic, symbolic and yogic. Its themes, derived from mythology contain a wisdom that is still relevant to our times. Dance education and performing must encompass these multiple dimensions of the art

The Dance is the highest yoga. Is it simply a quirk of mythology that, Shiva, the epitome of Yoga is also the king of dancers? Is it a mere coincidence that, Bharata the compiler of the Natya Shastra (ancient Indian text on Dramaturgy) is described as a Muni (a silent ascetic)? Is it an exaggeration of Indian poetics that the art experience (Rasananda) is likened to the spiritual experience (Brahmananda)? Should one treat these references as concerns of the past, a historical event? Only a close examination of the elements of Classical Indian Dance as it exists today can enable us to answer that question.

Nateshvari the dance wing of Shaktiyogashrama Gurukulam

* seeks to revive yogic roots in Indian Dance traditions.

* sees the arts as a means of raising consciousness.

* sees performing as an intense discipline that leads to a thought free state of joy.

Benefits
This approach to the art form as a means of spiritual discipline, of inner growth and transformation, which is the essence of dance training and performing at Nateshvari is inspired by the teachings of Swami Shri harish Madhukar.

Be sure to join us!

This event is free to the public and is being hosted by Natya Academy in conjunction with the India Foundation. No registration necessary. Simply come to Natya Academy located at 594 E. Chatham Street, Suite 120 in Cary, NC.