By Mabel Pais

Two of India’s leading classical dancers honor World Music Institute’s 12th year of its annual ‘Dancing The Gods’ Festival. The events will be held on two nights, April 14 & 15, at the Ailey Theater at 405 W 55th St, Manhattan, New York City. Each program will begin with a pre-show slide presentation titled ‘Epics, Poetry and Indian Dance’ from festival curator and respected Indian dance expert and storyteller Rajika Puri. Hailed as “among the most probing and serious Indian classical dance festivals” (DanceTabs), with “a record of attracting some truly godlike dancers” (The New York Times), audiences will be treated to spectacular performances.

PROGRAM

Night One:

Sreelakshmy Govardhanan – ‘Sampradaya’

(Solo Kuchipudi with live music)

Friday April 14, 2023

Doors: 6.30 PM | Lecture/ Demonstration by curator Rajika Puri: 7 PM |

Performance: 8 PM

Sreelakshmy Govardhanan is a renowned creative dancer, choreographer and teacher of Kuchipudi. She is the founder and Artistic Director of the Avantika Space for Dance, a center for learning, performance and research, as well as a trained psychologist who utilizes this professional perspective to bring a difference to her art, as well as to young minds in need. Her dance activity includes workshops, classes, seminars and lecture demonstrations. In this solo performance set to live music, she will explore the Nritta, Nrutya and Natya elements of Kuchipudi through a repertoire set in the format of Margam (performance set in a traditional format).

Kuchipudi is a dance form rooted in the theatrical and dance traditions of Andhra Pradesh, named for the village – also known as Kuchelapuram – where it originated. Traditionally it was performed by troupes of male actor-dancers who presented full-length plays, often lasting all night, to celebrate festivals dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Alongside this tradition developed a solo form, which is popular today around the world. Enjoy Sreelakshmy speak & perform in this video – youtu.be/7KfuzvTGwbU

Night Two:

Praveen Kumar ‘Sakha’

(solo Bharatanatyam with live music)

Saturday, April 15th, 2023

Doors: 6.30 PM | Lecture/ Demonstration by curator Rajika Puri: 7 PM |

Performance: 8 PM

Born into a family of artists, Praveen Kumar showed an inclination toward dance at a very young age. After beginning his studies with the eminent guru of Bangalore, the late Smt. Narmada, he learned to appreciate the aesthetic depths of Bharatanatyam and decided to dedicate himself to the ancient dance form. He now trains under the celebrated Guru Prof. C.V. Chandrasekhar and runs the Chithkala School of Dance in Bangalore. In this solo recital, he will explore a man’s journey as a companion, an admirer, and a friend through various facets of life. The performance will be accompanied by musicians who will provide the exquisite feel of South Indian traditional music. Enjoy Praveen Kumar performing in this video – youtu.be/xhm7hi7arvI.

Festival Curator Rajika Puri:

Rajika Puri performed internationally in solo recitals of Bharatanatyam and Odissi for several years, before she was launched into western theatre by Julie Taymor in Lincoln Center Theater’s “The Transposed Heads”. The success of that role encouraged her to develop a form of danced storytelling she calls ‘Sutradhari Natyam’ in which she intersperses an English narration with excerpts from dances, spoken rhythms and chants as well as songs in Indian languages. In her full-length work: ‘Eleni of Sparta’ or ‘Helen of Troy’, she even sings in ancient Greek. Rajika has performed all over Latin America, Europe, Malaysia, the US and India, and in New York at the Asia Society and Ailey Theaters. Learn more at rajikapuri.com.

World Music Institute

Learn more at worldmusicinstitute.org.

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LET MPAC SPRING YOU INTO ENTERTAINMENT

By Mabel Pais

Manhattan Comedy Night

Friday, April 7, 2023 at 8 pm

Get some comic relief with our popular stand-up series showcasing the rising stars of comedy. Mature content, language. Adults only.

Boney James

Saturday, April 8, 2023 at 8pm

During his 30-year career, Boney James has earned four Grammy nominations, two NAACP Image Award nominations and a Soul Train Award, while a dozen of his albums have landed at #1 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Album chart. His most recent album, 2022’s Detour, represents the next extension of his trademark blend of genres which includes blues, soul, roots, classical, art-pop and hip-hop.

Johnny Mathis – The Voice of Romance

Thursday, April 13, 2023 at 7:30 pm

Legendary singer Johnny Mathis, celebrating 66 Years as a recording artist, performs his greatest hits & personal favorites.  Come hear why Johnny will always be the Voice Of Romance!

On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan

Saturday April 15, 2023 at 8 pm

Sunday, April 16, 2023 at 2 pm and 7 pm

ON YOUR FEET! is the inspiring true story about heart, heritage and two people who believed in their talent—and each other—to become an international sensation: Gloria and Emilio Estefan. This performance features some of the most iconic songs of the past quarter-century. Prepare to be on your feet from start to finish! Learn more at onyourfeetmusical.com.

Chicago

Tuesday-Wednesday, April 18-19, 2023 at 7:30 pm

One of the most successful bands of all time, ‘Chicago’ has amassed sales of over 100,000,000 records sold and has over 20 Top 10 singles such as “If You Leave Me Now,” “Saturday in the Park,” “Beginnings” and “Hard to Say I’m Sorry.”

RAIN – A Tribute to The Beatles

Thursday, April 20, 2023 at 7:30 pm

‘RAIN – A Tribute to The Beatles,’ the foursome band delivering a note-for-note theatrical event, is the next best thing to the legendary Beatles. Learn more at raintribute.com.

Terry Fator: On The Road Again

Friday, April 21, 2023 at 8 pm

For over a decade, Terry Fator has sold out night after night in Las Vegas with a show featuring his cast of characters that includes everyone from an Impersonating Turtle to Elton John to Elvis. In addition to winning America’s Got Talent, Terry has won Las Vegas’s best show, best all-around performer, best family show and best overall show.

Piano Battle

Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 8 pm

Internationally acclaimed pianists Andreas Kern and Paul Cibis go head-to-head on stage, charming and enchanting audiences with a variety of classical pieces. The two artists, with distinctly different performance styles, take turns to perform pieces by leading classical composers. Who performs it best? You decide!

Take Me Home, the Music of John Denver starring Jim Curry

Sunday, April 23, 2023 at 3 pm

Jim Curry captures the natural essence of John Denver’s persona and music through his heartfelt delivery of such multi-platinum hits such as “Rocky Mountain High,” “Annie’s Song” and “Country Roads.”

National Geographic Live:

David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes: Coral Kingdoms and Empires of Ice

Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 7:30 pm

Explore rarely seen undersea worlds with two photographers creating a visual voice for the world’s oceans. David Doubilet is a legend in underwater photography. Together with his wife and underwater partner, photojournalist Jennifer Hayes, in just one remarkable year on assignment, he explored three unique marine environments for National Geographic. Together, they’ll go beyond the published stories to share the reality of “behind-the-camera” adventures. Learn more at nationalgeographic.com/expeditions/experts/david-doubilet-jen-hayes

Kristin Chenoweth: For the Girls

Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 8 pm 

Emmy and Tony Award winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth’s career spans film, television, voice-over and stage. Learn more at officialkristinchenoweth.com

The Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)

Learn more at mayoarts.org. 

(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Health & Wellness, Cuisine and Spirituality.)