The foremost master of classical Indian Kathak dance, Pandit ji Birju Maharaj, passed away on January 17, 2022. He gave the world a unique glimpse of master storytelling through dance with skill, finesse, and beauty. Born into the most prestigious family of Kathak artists – Shambhu Maharaj, Lachhu Maharaj, and Acchan Maharaj – he was… Continue reading Pandit ji Birju Maharaj Passes
Category: Cultural Heritage
CID UNESCO Seminar
Utpalasia is honored to be among the speakers for the International Dance Council – CID UNESCO online seminar to explore and discuss “Indian Dance in the Americas.” We will be joined by professional educators, as well as artists and dancers from around the globe providing inciteful glimpses into the challenges faced, and current innovations implemented,… Continue reading CID UNESCO Seminar
The Gau: Portable Sacred Space of the Himalayas
Vintage Himalayan jewelry is in a class by itself. It has flourished in land-locked societies, in middle hill villages, on steep and stark plateaus, on the Earth’s highest peaks, and in green and fertile flatland. It has been traded and bartered, passed down and upcycled. Craftsmanship skills are passed from generation to generation, but this… Continue reading The Gau: Portable Sacred Space of the Himalayas
Utpalasia Celebrates Newest CID Members
We had the pleasure of presenting a new group of students with their International Dance Council memberships last month. Each of these motivated young dancers is a candidate pursuing their Certification in Dance Studies for the year 2021 with Utpalasia. The Conseil International de la Danse (also known as CID) is an official partner of… Continue reading Utpalasia Celebrates Newest CID Members
Redefining Dance in the Age of COVID
Since March of 2020 Utpalasia has been supporting our students and continuing both classes and workshops online. There have been challenges, to be sure, but we have engineered new found energy into our sessions to keep our dancers motivated and pursuing their passion in exciting ways. A large part of our ability to do that… Continue reading Redefining Dance in the Age of COVID
In Memoriam: Laxmi Nath Shrestha
We are immensely saddened by the passing last week in Nepal of honored mentor and beloved teacher, Laxmi Nath Shrestha (1949 – 2020). I had the privilege and honor of studying with Laxmi ji at the University of Heidelberg (SAI Institute). His unique instruction of the Nepali language, often interspersed with cultural anecdotes, was engaging… Continue reading In Memoriam: Laxmi Nath Shrestha
International Dance Day
No time like the present to learn, practice, demonstrate, and share your love of dance! UNESCO’s CID is offering the opportunity of uploading your event for free tomorrow in honor of International Dance Day. So get up, get moving, and pass along some happiness by sharing your favorite style with the world. To catch some… Continue reading International Dance Day
The Magic of Lokta
For almost 2,000 years, the Daphne Cannabina, also known as “lokta”, has been prized as the source for handmade paper in Nepal. It grows at an elevation of 2000 to 3500 meters in the understory of forests. The bush, which is an evergreen shrub and a subspecies of laurel, grows wildly and in abundance. Amazingly,… Continue reading The Magic of Lokta
Nepal’s Tihar in a Nutshell
Tihar is a five day festival celebrated in Nepal. The first day is dedicated to the crow (or kaag) who is seen as the messenger of death. The second day focuses on the dog (or kukur). Dogs are believed to lead the souls of the dead to the underworld. They are also honored as trusted… Continue reading Nepal’s Tihar in a Nutshell
Dashain Aayo!
It’s holiday time again in Nepal! Navaratri has begun and people are on the move to rejoin their families and friends for the largest Hindu festival of the year. Bus tickets have sold out and local bazaars are jammed with enthusiastic holiday shoppers looking for traditional gifts of clothing and accessories for their loved ones.… Continue reading Dashain Aayo!