Mandala presents Masks and Myths as a historical and liberatory experiences for both performers and Chicago's communities. Through a three part program: the traditions of Sri Lankan performance, the effects of colonialsm on artistry, and the progresion forward, our artists hope to express the power and bravery necessary to keep art forms living and moving.
Multi-headed creatures, talking animals, boastful demons, and other unforgettable characters spring to life! Mandala Arts is proud to present the classic tale of Ram, the brave soldier, who must save the beautiful Sita from the clenches of a conniving demon king. Told throughout South and Southeast Asia, the Ramayana will come to life through shadow puppetry...
Multi-headed creatures, talking animals, boastful demons, and other unforgettable characters spring to life! Mandala Arts is proud to present the classic tale of Ram, the brave soldier, who must save the beautiful Sita from the clenches of a conniving demon king. Told throughout South and Southeast Asia, the Ramayana will come to life through shadow puppetry...
Open up to a mesmerizing tradition of storytelling through miming, gestures, and rhythm: Abhinaya. Through eight stories, representing the multi-faceted “Nayika”, our heroine explores relationships, love and heartbreak.
Mandala Academy's Intermediate class focuses on comprehension of the basics of Bharatanatyam. Students perfect adavus, musical structures, and begin an exploration of abhinaya and South Asian poetry. This class is performance-oriented. Mandala emphasizes performance as a tool for teamwork and leadership building; lifelong skills for our students to become cultural ambassadors within their communities. Intermediate...
Mandala Academy's Beginner class introduces young learners to the world of Bharatanatyam. This class explores beat-making, hand gestures, and body position to build complex movement (adavus). Students also become familiar with South Asian folk tales and mythology, and create characters through gestures and physicality. This class runs from January 6th through June 16th, with a...
Pre Bharatanatyam brings young artists into the world of creative movement. Through hand gestures, rhythmic patterns that use the entire body, and South Asian mythology, we take a fun plunge into Bharatanatyam. For ages 3-5. This class runs from January 6th through June 16th, with a recital on June 9th. Register here or contact us...
This is a Bharatanatyam class for all levels: blank slate to post graduates. Master Teaching Artist, Pranita Nayar, instructs a technique-focused studio class, refining the movement and quality of dancers. From body positioning to nuanced eye movements, dancers can strengthen form at their own pace. Pranita trained with acclaimed dance artist Sonal Mansingh in New...
Konnakol (vocal percussion/beat boxing/nattuvangam) is an iconic art form, known for whirring, guttural syllables within Indian classical music. In this class, you will learn the basics of time-keeping (taalam), rhythmic structures, and composition for Indian classical music. Fast paced call and response will call for interaction between students and teachers...and tongue twisters! This class will...
