Bharatanatyam is
a highly structured, complex
dance form that traces its roots to Southern India thousands
of years back in time. It is a dynamic, percussive dance form
characterized by striking the sole, heel and ball of the foot
in countless permutations and combinations with hand gestures-‘Mudras’ and
multidimensional arrangements of arms and legs forming at once
statuesque and fluid patterns. Facial expressions and body
language reflecting the theme add further layers to this myriad,
detailed collage.
A typical Bharatanatyam performance is accompanied by Classical
South Indian Carnatic music, and the dancer uses elaborate silk
costumes and jewelry as embellishments.
Dance is as old as life itself and our histories are abundant
with examples of the constant resonance between human lives,
traditions and dance.
Across the oceans, deserts and glaciers, we are more similar
than different. Dance speaks to everyone who cares to listen;
we are all unique and still congruent despite the different accents
and expressions we use. Usiloquy is formed on the premise of
this primordial oneness that unites us all.
Weaving the ancient techniques of Bharatanatyam with music, poetry,
acting and spoken word, Usiloquy aims to unite audience from
different strata of the society and engage them in an evolved
consciousness through dance.
Usiloquy is a dedicated group of Bharatanatyam dancers bound
together by the common joy, thrill and responsibility and that
comes out of telling stories from our hearts using innovative
idioms of narration.
Usiloquy takes special pride in the ethnic diversity of its dancers.
This motley group of highly committed individuals is a representation
of Modern day America at its best. Apart from Bharatanatyam,
Usiloquy dancers are accomplished in art forms like Belly Dance,
Kuchipudi, Indian Folk dances, Theater acting and Ballet, to
name a few.
The dancers of Usiloquy have been studying Bharatanatyam at The
Archana Dance Academy in Philadelphia with Shaily Dadiala. A
typical day of holistic learning and rehearsing consists of hours
of stretching, vigorous practice, refinement of technique, Nattuvanagam,
(The art of reciting rhythmic syllables accompanying dance steps);
Strengthening an already established group dynamic, making Usiloquy
its namesake
in the true sense- “Our expressions”.
Please visit The Archana Dance Academy website:
www.thearchanadanceacademy.com
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