We often think of “duality” as simply speaking two languages, but Pranita Nayar, Founder of Mandala South Asian Performing Arts, offers a deeper interpretation. For her, it exists between multiple cultures and worlds. Nayar explains, “We all live two languages in our body. Our body is still affected by what is around us. It takes generations to seep into our body. It takes a while to come out of our body. We honor the differences.”
On April 10th, Mandala Arts will continue the conversation of honoring those differences in an amplified way as they celebrate their 10-year anniversary. Through an immersive experience entitled “Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow,” Mandala Arts will share a performance, two music pieces, and a fluorescent culinary experience at Primitive Gallery. The performance will feature dancing by past collaborators Ashwaty Chennat, Shalaka Kulkami, Kinnari Vora and Mandala Resident Artist, Amber Mehta, who will also premiere a choreographic work at Mandala Arts performance on May 31st at Visceral Dance Center.
Mehta shares her excitement in an interview about what we can expect in the performance. “This piece is very dynamic, blending both worlds of traditions and contemporary forms, talent movers and artists.” Drawing from a wide range of influences, Mehta credits her inspiration to lyrics in music, Bharatanatyam, Hip Hop and more. Although Mehta is based in Boston, she spent her formative years training with Pranita Nayar, Joffrey Ballet, Gus Giordano Dance and Definition Dance Academy. She is a true reflection of the continuum of South Asian Dance, embodying both the traditions of classical Indian dance and the many styles one is exposed to growing up in Chicago.
Nayar has been an advocate for the South Asian Diaspora in the nonprofit sector for over 30 years, and she speaks on her commitment to nurturing deeper reflections on the power of embracing the duality that lives within each of us.
“Chicago was looking for something beyond classical Bharatanatyam Indian dance when I decided to start Mandala Arts,” says Nayar. “There were firsthand, second-generation Indian people and there was a platform for a larger canvas of South Asian dance and experiences. Ten years ago, social anthropology called for an urgency of those who immigrated in the 80’s and 90’s, like Mehta’s family who were exposed to two worlds of dance. There is a larger group of people ready for their work.”
Mandala Arts has been the platform for these emerging dynamic voices. Nayar proudly proclaims, “I am glad I had the courage to ask new questions and take it to another level ten years ago. We all learn from each other, the musicians and the dancers, and that is what fosters evolution, to keep each other flowing.”
Mandala Arts also contributes to the Chicago dance landscape with their annual Mandala Makers Festival, a multi-week festival uplifting the music and dance of the South Asian Diaspora. The festival embraces a transnational theme, highlighting not only artistic expression but also the neighborhoods, the food and the nuanced experiences that unfold when first, second and third generations build a life connected to the traditions of their roots and beauty of their evolving futures.
Mandala South Asian Performing Arts presents “Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow,” a fundraiser celebrating their 10-Year Anniversary, on April 10 at PRIMITIVE Gallery and Showroom, 130 North Jefferson. The event begins at 6pm. Tickets and information about upcoming events are at mandalaarts.org.
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