Irvine – “Dance Conversations” is a public performance and dialogue event to be held on May
2nd hosted by the Ektaa Center the Arpana Dance Company. Ektaa is a 501(c) 3 organization
recognized by the city of Irvine and celebrates the arts and culture of India and has a long history
of serving the extended community in So. California.  
Dance Conversations will feature six premier Bharata Natyam teachers and torchbearers in the
United States. Bharata Natyam, one of the many classical dance forms of India, has gained
global recognition for its rich history, expressive storytelling, and rigorous technique. The
featured artists collectively represent more than five decades of sustained artistic practice,
pedagogy, and cultural leadership within the South Asian diaspora. Each artist will present a
short solo performance accompanied by a personal narrative reflecting on their artistic journey.
These presentations will be followed by a moderated talk-back session with the audience, lead by
dance historian, Jennifer Fisher.
The goal of this project is not only to present Bharata Natyam as a living classical art form, but
also to honor, document, and preserve the history and evolution of the form in the United States.