NATYA DANCE THEATRE
This organization has already been registered
Someone in your organization has already registered and setup an account. would you like to join their team?Profile owner : i**o@n***a.c*m
Mission Statement
Chicago-based Natya Dance Theatre performs and teaches Bharata Natyam, a dance theater form of India. Natya uses its art to foster cultural understanding and raise awareness of timely world issues for diverse audiences.
About This Cause
Chicago-based Natya Dance Theatre was founded in 1975. Under the artistic leadership of acclaimed dancer, choreographer, and dance educator, Hema Rajagopalan, it has been hailed by The New York Times as, “Admirably precise… animated… sensual… exceptional… triumphant… daring.” Natya accomplishes its mission to use its art to build cultural bridges and promote universal human values by means of multi-faceted programming, including a professional touring Company that performs throughout the country and internationally, a dance training Academy, an Outreach program, and a Presenting series featuring the finest Indian performing artists of various genres. Natya’s contemporary interpretations incorporate dynamic body movement, rhythmic footwork, hand gestures and facial expressions to convey meaning and emotion that create rasa, the aesthetic experience that transforms the audience. Performing a diverse repertory of works rooted in Bharatanatyam, a dance theater form of India, the Natya Company has performed at prestigious venues like the Harris Theater for Music and Dance and The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, performed with cellist Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble in Chicago’s Millennium Park, and appeared at the prestigious World Music Institute in New York City. Collaborations have included works with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Ravinia Festival, Lookingglass Theatre Company, the Chicago Children’s Choir, Hedwig Dances, Mordine and Company Dance Theater, and Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater. In 2021, Natya was named one of Chicago's Cultural Treasures. Natya will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025.