Seton Hill University Theater Program

 Seton Hill University Theater Program

Performance: When Two Rivers Meet

May 9-11, 2014

Seton Hill Performing Arts Center

100 Harrison Ave, Greensburg, PA 15601

Choreographers: Vijay Palaparty, Nalini Prakash, Spilling Ink

In Fall of 2013, Spilling Ink offered a series of Indian dance workshops to dance and theater students at Seton Hill University. After a high level of participation and enthusiasm for the classes, Spilling Ink returned to Seton Hill to produce two dance pieces in partnership with Seton Hill students. Student met for six sessions of two day rehearsals, followed by a final planning day, with Spilling Ink choreographers and dancers to create performances full of dynamic movement and vibrant staging. In May 2014, Seton Hill performers and Spilling Ink performed Friday - Sunday, for three packed shows. The final collaboration was a demonstration in cultural education transcending boundaries, and expanding dance and movement understanding.

Spilling Ink’s Fall 2013 Seton Hill Workshops:

1. Master Class

   This master class highlighted three foundational elements of classical Indian dance forms. Focusing on the Bharatanatyam form from South India, Vijay Palaparty and Nalini Prakash first introduced students to technique, which involves intricate footwork and hand gestures, along with a foundation on classical Indian music, which is integral to the dance form. Second, students were introduced to the hand gesture language, which is an important tool not only for technique, but also in conveying ideas and narratives. Last, students experienced a codified set of expressions, which form the basis to convey feelings and emotions that are inherent in the dance form—to convey India’s rich canon of literature including myths and folktales.

2. Community Workshop

   This community workshop was meant for participants of all ages, and began with an introduction to India’s rich canon of literature, including myths and folktales. Vijay Palaparty and Nalini demonstrated how classical Indian forms use various elements, including technique and rhythm, a hand gesture language, and codified facial expressions to not only create beautiful visual patterns, but also convey ideas and tell stories. Participants experienced these different components in the workshop, and walked away with an understanding of an interesting, creative, and fun way to incorporate different vocabularies that comprise all classical Indian dance forms.

3. Dance/Movement Therapy Information Session

   Students learned about dance/movement therapy (DMT) as a viable, professional career option. Although DMT is currently a small field, it is emerging rapidly. In fact, at the time of this workshop, the Bureau of Labor Statistics had predicted that employment for dance/movement therapists is expected to increase 15 percent between 2008 and 2018.  This growth will stem from the therapy needs of an aging population in the world, as well as the federally funded extension of services for disabled students in schools. The speaker, Nalini Prakash, answered questions about required professional training, the application of DMT, and other relevant questions about DMT as a career option, drawing from her own personal and professional experiences.

Presented by Spillng Ink, in partnership with Seton Hill University Theater Program and Performing Arts Center.