Sonali Skandan Offers Classic Indian Dance

09/27/2012 

Classical Indian dancer Sonali Skandan, a master of the traditional and passionate dance style, Bharatanatyam, will perform on Sunday, Oct. 7, at SUNY Cortland.

Skandan, a renowned and accomplished disciple of this popular form of dance expression in Indian culture, will begin at 2 p.m. in the Corey Union Function Room.

The cultural event is part of SUNY Cortland’s 2012-13 Campus Artist and Lecture Series. Tickets cost $5 for faculty, staff and the general public and $3 for SUNY Cortland students. Pre-school children will be admitted free.                  

Tickets can be purchased in Corey Union, Room 406, or beginning one hour prior to the performance at the Function Room. For more information, contact the Campus Activities and Corey Union Office at (607) 753-5574.

Sonali Skandan performs an intricately choreographed dance with members of her dance company.

Skandan has performed at major dance venues both in the United States and abroad. She is the artistic director of Jiva Performing Arts in New York City as well as the director of Sonali Skandan & Jiva Dance.

Bharatanatyam, the most recognizable of eight popular Indian dance styles being practiced globally today, embodies music, dance, drama, poetry and mythology to create a highly stylized artistic endeavor. The classical dance form of South India, its roots date back to the 5th century A.D. For the most part, this dance is a solo art form, historically performed in Hindu temples as a means of worship and devotion. 

A passionate and accomplished follower of Bharatanatyam, Skandan combines powerful rhythmically intense footwork, graceful and lyrical postures, and dramatic story-telling.

“I see Bharatanatyam as a beautiful and engaging art form that combines athleticism, drama, and beauty as well as the ability to see and feel deeply,” said Skandan, who is recognized for her clean and clear technique as well as her elegance.

Bharatanatyam presents themes of emotions, mythological and symbolic nature, and even day-to-day life in India, Skandan said. Many of the themes depict the state of anticipation between the dancer and their desire for union with the deity.

“The dance style presents many different aspects of emotion, and the music is based on poetry,” Skandan said. “The emotion being portrayed by the poet serves as the basis of narrative used in the choreography.”

More information on Sonali Skandan or Bharatanatyam dance style can be found on the company’s website www.sonaliskandan.com.