Chicago Reader: For the past decade, Pranita Nayar, founder and executive director of Mandala South Asian Performing Arts, has used the organization to bring cultural education and entertainment to Chicago, making a place for dancers, musicians, and audiences both within and outside of the diaspora to celebrate South Asian culture.
2 comments:
Reading Pranita Nayar’s approach to blending traditional South Asian dance with contemporary styles made me reflect on how culture and art are always evolving. The way she talks about her journey with Mandala and how she navigates the tension between preserving tradition and embracing change feels so relevant in today’s world. I think what stands out most is her perspective on dance as a language—one that transcends time and space. It’s not just about moves or steps; it’s about the stories that are told through those movements. And what I love about her fusion of South Asian dance with other genres is that it expands how we can express these stories.It made me think about the pressure we often face in various fields, not just in the arts, to stick to the “rules.” Pranita’s commitment to both staying true to her roots and adapting to new influences resonates with me. It's inspiring to see how Mandala has created a space for artists to explore new ways of telling stories without losing the essence of where they come from. I also really appreciate how she embraces the idea of "accumulation" rather than "assimilation." It’s such a refreshing perspective on identity—how we don’t have to discard parts of ourselves to fit into one box, but rather, we can blend and add layers to create something unique.
I am not a dancer but I have a huge amount of respect for dancers. To be able to storytell in the form of dancing is so mesmerizing. To be able to do it while also merging different styles of dance together is even more impressive. Community performing arts is such a wonderful thing. It doesn't have to be professional grade and it's not meant to be. It’s meant to be a way to practice art with friends and family and to connect with other people who share a passion. It sounds like this is one of the main goals of Mandala. It brings the community together to make art. Combining both traditional and modern dance seems like a perfect place to have community. It’s a place to appreciate and celebrate tradition and culture, while creating new traditions.
Post a Comment