ST. LOUIS, MO - Gitana Productions will present the first ever performance of the Chicago-based "Kalapriya" on Saturday, October 9, 2010, from 8:00 p.m. at the West Hills Community Church at 13250 South Outer 40 Road located in Town and Country in West St. Louis County.
"Prepare to be dazzled by the incredible beauty and talent of this well known dance group," said Cecilia Nadal, executive director of Gitana Productions, a not-for-profit arts, and education group that nurtures global healing in the St. Louis community through music, dance, and drama.
"Every culture creates music and dance that uniquely expresses the themes and topics of that culture," Nadal said. "Kalapriya under the direction of Artistic Director and dancer, Pranita Jain, takes what is essentially Indian and weaves in and out of cultures touched by the Indian Diaspora. This presentation reflects our commitment to global awareness, by bringing an outstanding and authentic Indian dance ensemble that specializes in Bharata Natyam; an ancient dance form that uses stylized hand gestures, theatrical facial expressions, intricate footwork and complicated rhythms and counter rhythms to visualize poetry, mythology, and universal themes.
Pop star, Shakira was trained by Pranita Jain and incorporated her new dance skills in MTV's 2006 Music Awards in New York City. Indian Abroad noted, "Jain's performance was among the highlights of Indian culture at the Winter Olympics."
The Kalapriya performance will launch Gitana's "2010-11 Faces of Love Series" including an original play by Lee Patton Chiles called Fault Lines that deals with the hidden problem of domestic violence in South Asian families
Tickets for the dance performance are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors over 65 and students with ID. Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more. For tickets or more information, call Gitana Productions at (314) 721-6556. Tickets also will be available at Screenz Computer Center, 6680 Delmar in the Loop and at the door. Reservations are recommended.
The Regional Arts Commission, Missouri Arts Council, Midwest Arts Alliance, Boeing Employees Charitable Trust, and the National Endowment have provided funding to support Gitana Productions events.
Gitana Productions, Inc. is a not-for-profit arts and education organization dedicated to increasing cross-cultural awareness and collaboration by bringing international music, dance, and drama to the St. Louis community. Gitana events present a rarely seen diversity of international and local artists exhibiting an array of traditional and innovative artistic expressions. For more information, visit www.gitana-inc.org or call Gitana Productions at (314) 721-6556. |
