CPCC Presents 16th Annual Performance Of DANCES OF INDIA

CPCC presents 16th annual performance of 'Dances of India' on April 21. This signature event celebrates history, culture of India through dance; brings 3,000-year old dances to life.

Internationally acclaimed performer and choreographer Dr. Maha Gingrich will present the 16th annual show of "Dances of India," a community outreach initiative of Central Piedmont Community College, on the college's Halton Theater stage.

This year's performance will feature a large ensemble of dancers performing new choreography, including dance dramas and community dances. Attendees will be enchanted watching India's rich, 3,000-year-old classical dances brought to life using brilliant costumes, back drops and traditional props. This year's show will focus on the importance of live drums in many cultures. West Africa dancers and Brazilian martial arts group, Charlotte Capoeira, will join the show, performing to live music and sharing the message of "we are more alike than different."

And, in classic "Dances of India" tradition, the evening will close with the show's signature dance, "Unity in Diversity. The piece will feature eight different international dance styles set to live music using instruments from many parts of the world.

Under Gingrich's direction, "Dances of India" has received a number of accolades, including being named one of the top nine memorable events among the nation's community colleges by Community College Week. Gingrich, who danced professionally in her native India, has been teaching dance in Charlotte since 1986. Trained in three different dance traditions, Bharatha Natyam, Kuchipudi and Kathak, she has a great love for these dance forms and keeping the heritage alive in this community while sharing the message of unity in diversity with residents at the regional level and beyond.

To see a sneak peek of "Dances of India," visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L99x_XAwL8U&feature=youtu.be.

This year's "Dances of India" event is being made possible, in part, with funding from the Arts & Science Council, the N.C. Arts Council and TIAA.

Tickets are $5 for individuals under 18, and $10 for adults (plus applicable N.C. admission tax). Tickets may be purchased online here or by calling the SunTrust Box Office at 704.330.6534. Free event parking is available.

Central Piedmont Community College is one of the largest community colleges in the Carolinas, offering nearly 300 degree, diploma and certification programs; customized corporate training; market-focused continuing education; and special interest classes. CPCC is academically, financially and geographically accessible to all citizens of Mecklenburg County. CPCC responds to the workforce and technology needs of local employers and job seekers through innovative educational and training strategies. Established in 1963, CPCC has provided more than 50 years of service to Mecklenburg County residents, business and industry.