Sangam (Convergence)

Commissioned by Walker Art Center and the Southern Theater

"[Aparna Ramaswamy] undertakes a choreographic challenge that produces lovely results.... A joyous cross-cultural work" --Camille LeFevre, Minneapolis Star Tribune Full Review Choreographer Aparna Ramaswamy joins forces with virtuouso music ensemble Speaking in Tongues in Sangam (Convergence), a confluence of timeless artistic traditions. Choreographed in the South Indian classical dance style of Bharatanatyam and set to an evocative original score, this collaborative work is a dynamic physical interpretation of Speaking in Tongues' compelling musical subtleties. Speaking in Tongues is Gao Hong (Chinese pipa), Sowah Mensah (West African drums), Enrique Toussaint (bass), and Marc Anderson (multi-percussion).

Sangam underscores the versatility and creative capacity of Bharatanatyam. Sangam: Section One deconstructs the ancient vocabulary of Bharatanatyam, paring it down to its most basic components and using them to construct a new movement language. Sangam: Section Two, introduces a new influence, as Ms. Ramaswamy and co-choreographer Matthew Janczewski draw inspiration from one another in a work for three Ragamala dancers and three modern dancers. In Sangam: Section Three, Ms. Ramaswamy collaborates with modern dancers Any Behm, Maryann Bradley, and Dana Holstad in a unique process that allows her choreography to evoke modern movement. That movement then, in turn, inspires new Bharatanatyam explorations, resulting in a joyous work for nine dancers. 9 dancers; live music by arrangement Available for booking

Sangam premiered as part of Momentum: New Dance Works in July of 2004 at The Southern Theater, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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