South Asian Studies Initiative in Collaboration with Multicultural Center for Embodied Aesthetics presents
LANGUAGE, CULTURE AND PERFORMANCE : DANCE AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE CLASSIC AND THE CONTEMPORARY
A talk by acclaimed Indian dancer and choreographer Jhelum Paranjape
Experience Indian Classical Dance at Ohio State
Isadora Duncan declared in 1912 that “great music and dance should not be kept for the delight of only the cultured few, it should be given free to the masses, for it is the spiritual wine of humanity.” Following in the footsteps of Duncan, Indian dancer and choreographer Jhelum Paranjape will share with the OSU community her perspective on the state of dance in India. Indian classical dance has generally been the avocation of the elite few. Ms. Paranjape will demonstate how when different languages, cultural practices, traditional body moves and facial expressions are incorporated together to tackle conpemporary ideas, classical themes become relevant to modern Indian experience. Not only does this effort make the esoteric performance practice of dance accessible to everyone in India, it also forms the core of her choreographic routine and more broadly allows her to carry on her life’s work as an activist of sorts.
About the speaker
Jhelum Paranjape is a leading dancer teacher choreographer in the field of Odissi dance. Beginning her career with Shankar Behera, she studied under the doyen of Odissi, Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. Jhelum has performed at many national festivals and conferences. Her overseas tours include Eastern and Western Europe, USA, Canada, and China. She regularly conducts workshops in USA with her students. Noted for her originality in choreography, technique, and stage design, her versatility ranges from classical Odissi to experimental movements. She reaches out to audiences by creating new mediums for tackling contemporary issues through her dance. With a passion for teaching, an addiction for aesthetics and presentation, Jhelum has given her choreography a distinct, unique flavor.
Program Details and Venue
Wednesday August 27, 10:30 am-12:30 PM
Ohio Staters, Inc. Traditions Room 2nd floor
The Ohio Union
10:30 — Welcome Remarks by Debanuj Dasgupta
10:35 — Introduction by Prof. Brian Joseph
10:40 — Main Talk by Jhelum Paranjape
11:30 — Q and A Session
11:45 — Catered Lunch Reception
This event has been co-sponsored by the Departments of Comparative Studies, East Asian Languages and Literatures, and Near Eastern Languages and Cultures
Download a PDF of the Event Flyer
