Rhythms of India: A Beginner's Workshop in Bharatanatyam Dance

Join us for a mesmerizing journey through the graceful world of Bharatanatyam with the talented Dancer Shalaka Kulkarni. In this one-hour beginner workshop, we'll dive into the intricate beauty of Mudras, exploring how expressive hand gestures can tell a story all on their own. While some of our movements will engage your entire body, we will also have a section to participate while seated. Whether you're new to dance or seeking to expand your horizons, this workshop promises an engaging and enlightening experience.

About the Instructor

Asian-American, Shalaka Kulkarni is an interdisciplinary dance artist trained in Indian Classical dance who creates experiences that bridge the ancient and contemporary while uplifting marginalized voices. As an actor, filmmaker, dancer and choreographer, she has toured her work in India, US and Europe. In Chicago, she has presented her work at various events, venues and festivals, such as Athenaeum Theatre, Harper College, Chicago Cultural Center, Depaul University, Chopin Theater, Museum of Contemporary Art, Dance Chicago Festivals, High Concept Labs, Loyola University, The Mccormick Center, Lions Club 100th Anniversary, Links Hall, Elastic Arts, Ruth Page Performing Arts, Columbia College Chicago, Newport Theater, Dominican University as well as has created work for numerous independent performers and artists. She is a recipient of various awards for her choreography and dance work.

Kulkarni began training in the Tanjore style of Bharatnatyam as a child in India. After immigrating to the U.S., she continued her training under the international artist Sandhya Desai in Kathak and Mandala Founder and Executive Artistic Director Pranita Nayar. She holds an MFA in interdisciplinary arts and media from Columbia College Chicago, where she worked closely with the dance master Nana Shineflug, one of the pivotal voices from Chicago in American Modern and Contemporary dance style. She is interested in creating and presenting a hybrid movement form that fuses techniques of Bharatnatyam and Kathak with other movement influences, text and technology. She is a teaching artist for Mandala Arts.

Please note that events may be canceled or postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.

"AAPI Heritage Month Cultural Festival 2024" is sponsored by Chicago Community Trust.

Accessibility

The Heritage Museum of Asian Art's Entrance is on West 35th Street. Take the elevator to the third floor and turn right to the Museum Reception Desk. Accessible and standard toilets are located on the same floor. Free parking space is available next to the museum via West 35th Street.

Email at info@heritageasianart.org

Phone at 312-842-8884