Nrityagram Dance Ensemble at Center for the Arts at George Mason University

Set to the sounds of live flute, violin, harmonium, manjira, and drums onstage, Ahuti is a mesmerizing performance and collaboration between Mason Artist-in-Residence Nrityagram Dance Ensemble and the Chitrasena Dance Company. Through the classical movements of Odissi dance, Nrityagram Dance Ensemble brings stories of the Hindu epics to life with their bodies. Chitrasena has been leading the development of Kandyan dance in Sri Lanka, being a key proponent to opening this dynamic style to women, whilst also preserving it as a cultural tradition. Nrityagram Dance Ensemble has been on The New York Times’ “Best Dance of the Year” list for two consecutive years, in 2015 and 2016. More than a dance company, Nrityagram was founded as a one-of-a-kind community devoted to the art of dance. The all-female ensemble’s daily life includes intensive training and meditation, which they bring to the stage in sensual and lyrical performances admired worldwide. “The women of the Nrityagram Dance Ensemble are rock stars in the dance world!” (New York Post). “So beguiling, you resist blinking in case you miss a moment!” (The Herald). As Mason Artists-in-Residence, the companies will also work with the community through classes and workshops during the week leading up to the performance.