CHICAGO: The traditions and beauty of Indian Classical Dance was displayed by students of Nrityamala Dance Academy (NDA) while presenting Parampara: The Heritage at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts (BCPA) in Bloomington, a Chicago suburb, on Saturday, February 22.
Over 50 students danced in this Annual Performance, and the event also commemorated the legacy of Founder and Artistic Director, Guru Dr Uma Vyjayanthimala Kallakuri. The concert honored the 30th Anniversary of NDA in addition to being a charity fundraiser for the American Heart Association.
The audience was spellbound by this extraordinary presentation of Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Contemporary Classical, and Folk styles. As a special event, NDA also debuted a mini dance drama, “Rukmini Kalyanam”, the divine marriage of Princess Rukmini to Sri Krishna. Especially memorable was a tribute to the heritage, or Parampara within Nrityamala, as seven pairs of Mother-Daughter students, including Guru Dr Uma Kallakuri and Assistant Director and Choreographer, Pujitha Kallakuri, took to the stage.
Every dance piece was highly praised for its unique choreography, and the overall show was hailed as the best cultural performance that the Central Illinois area has seen in years! It was fantastic to take in the enthusiasm with which the students of NDA performed, and their presence is highly valued within the community. This wonderful display of tradition was all the more memorable as the students gave their respect Guru Dr Uma which was moving.
The esteemed guests and other attendees included: Chief Guest- Rita Bailey, Assistant Provost of Illinois State University, and Guests of Honor – Dr Rebecca Gearhart, Chairman of Anthropology and Sociology at Illinois Wesleyan University; Mandava Rao, Chairman of Human Relations Bloomington-Normal; Ajay Kalavala, President of McLean County India Association; Mrs Seeta Damera, Mrs Aruna Mundlapudi, Mrs Vijaya Sreekakula and Mrs.
Pushpa Chaudary – were deeply impressed by the skill and artistic talent of the performers.
It was certainly an event to remember and Central Illinois eagerly awaits Nrityamala Dance Academy’s next production, observed one of the attendees!
Surendra Ullal
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