An Indian Dancer’s Passion to Benefit Downsyndrome Performing Arts

July 12, 2012 - PRLog -- Solo Bharatanatyam dancer Priya Narthakii’s “Mystic Legends – An Indian Dance Tribute to the Wisdom of the Ancients," an avant-garde multimedia dance theater, will have its premier in Palatine, Illinois on July 29, 2012.  Created by Priya along with acclaimed choreographer Uma Suresh, "Mystic Legends” is presented by Muvements Media & Arts as a fundraiser for UPS for Downs to support performing arts for the Downsyndrome community.  

The concept draws its inspiration from an original magical totem from which emerge a snake-human entity from India, a firebird from Arabia, a half man-eagle from Thailand and a dream eater from Japan with a final culmination celebrating the blooming of a thousand petaled flower of universal consciousness.  Costumes designed in India, custom-created masks and global musical rhythms that mimic the universal heartbeat combine with animation, dance, and a hypnotic Native American style of storytelling to explore unity and harmony of mankind through the convergence of five elements present in nature.  

Priya will begin the evening with an homage to the myriad legends of the Hindu Pantheon through the medium of Bharathanatyam, the classical dance form from the temples of Southern India.  Here the solo dancer shifts among various characters, time periods, moods and manners through brisk vigor, geometry, precision and intense expression. A highlight of this segment will be a traditional devotional dance presented by the dancer seated on the floor while accompanied on the Indian percussion, Tabla, by guest artist Sumanth Suresh who has Downsyndrome.

The evening will also feature AcroYoga by guest artists Wendy Dahl and Adam Braun who combine the spiritual wisdom of yoga, the loving kindness of Thai massage and the dynamic power of acrobatics merge for a visual presentation of union.  

“This project is really about harmony ”, says Priya Narthakii who left a successful corporate career to be able to focus on reconnecting to her artistic roots. “After this event, I want people to go home feeling renewed from having had a harmonious experience of journeying around the world with stories that are steeped in mythic power and the magic of the human spirit.  And in that process they would also be contributing to performing arts opportunities for the Downsyndrome community.”

UPS for Downs is a parent directed, non-profit organization offering support, education, and encouragement for parents, families and others who love and care about persons with Down syndrome. UPS for Downs inspires community acceptance by sharing with others the presence, potential and abilities of people with Downsyndrome.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNUC0SjatsM



“Mystic Legends” will be presented on Sunday July 29, 2012 at 6pm at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 150 East Wood Street, Palatine IL.  More information is available at 312-731-3969 and www.muvements.com.