February 11, 2010
Shantala Shivalingappa to bring kuchipudi dance to UW in World Series debut
Shantala Shivalingappa will make her UW World Series debut and introduce Seattle audiences to “kuchipudi,” a form of classical dance from South India, in a concerts Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 11-13.
A style whose roots go back 2,000 years, kuchipudi combines intricate rhythmic footwork with highly expressive physical and facial gestures. The result is a blend of abstract dance and exquisite storytelling through movement. Shivalingappa ignites the stage with her mastery of this ancient art form. An accomplished band singing and playing traditional Indian instruments will accompany Shivalingappa’s performance.
Born in India and brought up in Paris, Shivalingappa is the child of both East and West. She grew up in a world filled with dance and music and was introduced to dance as a child by her mother, who was also a dancer.
Acclaimed as a rare dancer by artists and connoisseurs in India and Europe alike, Shivalingappa combines a perfect technique with flowing grace and a fine sensitivity. She has dedicated herself to the “kuchipudi” form.
Kuchipudi is a classical dance form, originating in South India. It takes its name from a small village called Kuchipudi, in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Like all Indian classical dance forms, it is based on the Natya Shastra, a 2000-year-old treaty on dramatics, which gives a very precise and highly developed codification of dance, music and theater.
You can also learn more about this event and view video clips online at www.uwworldseries.org. Ticket holders are invited to come at 7:10 p.m. to learn more about classical Indian dance at an informal talk in the main auditorium before the performance.
Shivalingappa will perform at 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 11-13 in Meany Hall. Tickets are $41 ($38 for subscribers; $20 for students) and may be purchased by phone at 206-543-4880, online at www.uwworldseries.org or in person at the UW Arts Ticket Office.
Students with valid student IDs may purchase $20 advance student tickets to any UW World Series event, subject to availability. Half-price, cash-only rush tickets are available to students and seniors (age 60 and up) 30 minutes before curtain at the Meany Hall Box Office, also subject to availability.
