Cultural Festival 2023

Utpalasia was proud to be a part of the 33rd Annual UMW Multicultural Festival on Saturday. Although the rain drove performances inside, audiences were ready to enjoy Bollywood and Kathak fusion songs along with an Aamaachori – ‘mother and daughter’ – traditional Himalayan folk number. Special thanks to @tasherit.sturmdahal and our partner organization @amindforchange for… Continue reading Cultural Festival 2023

”Love Yourself” Workshop! 

Enjoy a free Bollywood Fusion workshop with us at Pohick Regional Library February 11th and 12th. Our “Love Yourself” fitness and wellness event is just in time for Valentine’s Day. Come along and meet new people, spend some quality time with your loved one, and revitalize yourself in the process! No experience required. Presented by… Continue reading ”Love Yourself” Workshop! 

Utpalasia in the News

Happy Fall, everyone! As we busily prepare for our upcoming community event on Dec. 3 at Pohick Library – Storytelling Through Dance – we are thrilled to share some other in-house updates with you! Senior dancer and choreographer, Tasherit Sturm Dahal, is in Boston this week at the American Public Health Association’s 150th anniversary conference,… Continue reading Utpalasia in the News

15 Years of Utpalasia!

All of us at Utpalasia are thrilled to be celebrating our 15th anniversary serving the Washington, DC Metro area with cultural heritage programs, wellness and social action events, dance and music classes and workshops, and the CID International Dance Certification. Our newest collaboration with A Mind For Change promises even more ways for us to… Continue reading 15 Years of Utpalasia!

Wellness & Self Care

Utpalasia Partners with A Mind for Change We’re super excited to announce our partnership with A Mind for Change, a new Meetup group located in the Washington DC area, offering both in person and online events. Dedicated to ‘a happier and healthier you’, A Mind for Change is a growing multicultural, inclusive community that organizes… Continue reading Wellness & Self Care

Outreach Saturday

Join us July 9, 2022 as we explore traditional music from Southeast Asia. See live demonstrations of Himalayan instruments, learn about scales and beat cycles, discover how music shapes dance forms, and see a variety of dance demos from India and Nepal. The event is free and includes an interactive mini-workshop in folk dance. Location:… Continue reading Outreach Saturday

Dance Day 2022

Time to celebrate another year of creativity, energy, and passion for dance by getting out there and moving to your own beat or with like-minded enthusiasts in a class or workshop. To get you inspired, he’s a peek at a classic Bollywood wedding medley with choregrapher, Tasherit Sturm Dahal, and talented young dancer, Azaarine! https://bit.ly/3KntW3m… Continue reading Dance Day 2022

CID Awards

Utpalasia is delighted to announce our first award ceremony for the International Certification of Dance Studies. We will be honoring students who have completed the 150 hour training requirement and who have passed the rigorous practical, theoretical, and technical examination. This year we are awarding levels one through three. Short performances will follow the presentation.… Continue reading CID Awards

Pandit ji Birju Maharaj Passes

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