Indian Dancer Comes to UW For Performance

February 29, 2008 — Boston-based classical Indian dancer and choreographer, Sudarshan Belsare, will perform March 7-8, at the University of Wyoming.

The visit begins with a brown bag lunch Friday, March 7, at noon in Room 002 of the Wyoming Union.

Belsare will offer an open class and dance demonstration, "Gender Transformation in a Post-9/11 World," that day at 4 p.m. in the Crane Studio. Participants can try gestures and positions of the classical Indian dance form of Bharatanatyam and can volunteer to participate in a dance narrative.

"I will demonstrate how one composition that was written about 200 years ago resonates with contemporary audience sensibilities," Belsare says.

He will cover various topics, including the political aspect of his work, how gender and related expectations shape responses and perceptions, and how performance can help reinforce and redesign gender patterns.

The performance, "Gender and Transformation: An Evening in Classical Indian Dance," is Saturday, March 8, at 7:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Studio Theatre.

Belsare transforms his male body by performing in the clothing and gestures of a female subject. He brings together the old and new, showing how an ancient form can remain innovative and relevant in the 21st century.

For more information, call Bonnie Zare at (307) 766-2168.

Photo

Boston-based classical Indian dancer and choreographer, Sudarshan Belsare, will visit the University of Wyoming, March 7-8. Friday, March 7, Belsare will hold an open class and dance demonstration of the classical dance form "Bharatanatyam" at 4 p.m. in the Crane Studio. Saturday, March 8, Belsare will give a performance, "Gender and Transformation: An Evening in Classical Indian Dance," at 7:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Studio Theatre. (Courtesy Photo)