Indian dance - classical and beyond
Produced by: Gurukulam
Rating: G
Synopsis:
Gurukulam is a traditional Bharatanatyam school dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of classical Indian dance. Founded and led by Mallika, the school nurtures students of all ages in the ancient guru-shishya parampara — where knowledge is passed down through a deep, personal bond between teacher and disciple. At Gurukulam, students learn not just the technique and repertoire of Bharatanatyam, but also the values of discipline, devotion, and cultural storytelling.
For the Omaha Fringe Festival 2025, Mallika and her students will share a presentation that reflects their collective journey — celebrating tradition, community, and the timeless grace of Bharatanatyam.
Q & A with the Artist
We are proud to showcase a variety of different kinds of performing arts at the fringe.
What is your show? What kind of performance is it? What is it about?
Gurukulam presents a captivating Bharatanatyam performance that blends classical storytelling with powerful expressions of devotion and identity. Rooted in ancient tradition yet resonating with today’s audiences, the show showcases the grace, rhythm, and rich cultural depth of Indian dance.
Fringe festivals are a place for art at all levels of creation. Where are you at in your process?
Is this a first draft? A previously produced piece? An experimental show? Or something else?
This is an original production in active development, specially created for the Omaha Fringe Festival. While rooted in the classical Bharatanatyam tradition, the piece is experimental in structure—blending narrative, rhythm, and movement to explore timeless themes through a fresh, contemporary lens.
Why did you submit your show to Omaha Fringe?
We submitted our show to the Omaha Fringe Festival to bring the beauty and depth of Bharatanatyam to new and diverse audiences. The festival’s inclusive and creative spirit offers a unique platform to share Indian classical dance in innovative ways and spark cultural connection through performance.
What are you hoping audiences will experience when they see your performance?
What can audiences expect to take away?
We hope audiences will experience the emotional depth, storytelling power, and rhythmic brilliance of Bharatanatyam. Through expressive movement and evocative music, we invite viewers to connect with universal themes of devotion, identity, and resilience. Audiences can expect to leave with a deeper appreciation for Indian classical arts and a sense of shared humanity across cultures.
Show Times
Venue
Friday 8/8/25 9:30pm
Saturday 8/9/25 3:30pm
Sunday 8/10/25 8:00pm