Posted May 25, 2018. Filed under Announcements, Dance, Festivals, Performances & Programs.
Refugees are often seen as a burden on society, however, we tend to ignore the multidimensionality of this issue. Refugees have a wealth of life experience, talents, skills, as well as resiliency. They can be, and are, contributors in so many areas. To ignore that potential is to bypass an opportunity to show our humanity, our compassion, and our desire for inclusivity. In short, the ‘refugee crises’ is, as this article states, more of a ‘crisis in response’. Come join us @1journeyfestival to share tales of hardship and joy, challenge and triumph. Witness some of the beauty and #culturaldiversity that refugees bring with them through the mediums of dance, music, food, and the arts. https://goo.gl/PdQis8
Posted May 24, 2018. Filed under Announcements, Dance, Festivals, Performances & Programs.
Former child soldier – one of the “Lost Boys of Sudan”, and refugee turned actor/model, Ger Duany has given his support to the 1 Journey Festival. His work for the UNHRC and the plight of refugees is vocal and focused on creating dialogue and positive change. Join us as we take part in the conversation by showcasing the rich artistic heritage of countries around the world through dance, music, food, and storytelling. This is one journey we will all share as we move toward the future.
Utpalasia is pleased to present dances and a workshop from the Himalayan region and India at this first-ever festival to honor the achievements and contributions of refugees.
Photo: Ger Duany, with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, via Twitter.
Posted May 23, 2018. Filed under Announcements, Dance, Festivals, Performances & Programs.
Join us as we take part in the One Journey Festival, to be held on June 2 at the Washington National Cathedral. Come celebrate the contributions, talents, and stories of refugees from around the world. More than 65 million people have been displaced due to war and persecution, but no matter their country they are part of a larger journey – that of humanity. Food, music, art, and dance, as well as storytelling, will make this day one of discovery and sharing. Utpalasia will be performing Himalayan Folk and Indian Kathak dance along with a workshop as part of our commitment to create an environment of exchange, dialogue, and celebration of the things that bind us all together as One.
Posted April 29, 2018. Filed under Dance, Performances & Programs.
Happy International Dance Day for all those who find a special meaning in space, energy, motion, and creative thought! Whatever your style, whatever your beat, dance is the language that brings people together! In 1982 the International Dance Council established Dance Day (CID at UNESCO) and April 29 has been celebrated ever since by professionals and amateurs hoping to bring the beauty and excitement of this art to audiences through classic and original forward-thinking performances. Whether you love dancing around the house or entertaining on stage, dance is the ultimate expression and fusion of body and soul!
Posted April 5, 2018. Filed under Announcements, Dance, Festivals, Performances & Programs.
Mark the date on your calendar – April 14, 2018 – for the next University of Mary Washington Multicultural Festival to celebrate the richness of diversity. Utpalasia will be performing a varied cultural program of Buddhist, Classical Kathak, Bollywood, and Folk dance on the promenade of Lee Hall between 2:15 and 2:45pm. The performance participants include members of Utpalasia, Eagle Bhangra, and some of our students from India School in Bethesda. We are excited to be a part of this event which attracts more than 5,000 people annually. We also invite you to come and see original designs in jewelry, Boho handicrafts, and unique clothing at our beautiful orange tent, Yak Yak Yak Nepal! We hope to see you there!
Posted March 1, 2018. Filed under Announcements, Dance, Festivals, Performances & Programs.
Come celebrate Holi Festival with us at Durga Temple this coming Saturday, March 3 as some of our junior dancers present Bollywood and Kathak items in the cultural program, which begins at 1:30. Holika Dahan will be from 5:30 to 5:30pm. Details are available here: https://goo.gl/CnD2Fm
Posted October 20, 2017. Filed under Announcements, Dance, Festivals, Performances & Programs.
Join us tomorrow for the International Festival in Alexandria, Virginia when Utpalasia kicks off the show at 12pm with Bollywood classics and some new hits! It promises to be a beautiful day, so why not grab the kids and come out to Waterfront Park to enjoy the food, fun, and festivities!
Posted October 2, 2017. Filed under Dance, Festivals, Performances & Programs.
Thanks to all who turned out to support our youngest dancers as they enchanted the audience with their Bollywood and Kathak items for Dussehra/Dashain at Durga Temple on Saturday. It was exciting to see our performers present original choreography by Tasherit with so much grace and charm. You rocked the stage and the house!!
Posted September 30, 2017. Filed under Announcements, Dance, Festivals, Performances & Programs.
A very Happy Dashain to all from everyone here at Utpalasia! Join us at Durga Temple in Fairfax Station on September 30 as we participate in the annual Dussehra Cultural Program. Students from some of our classes will be presenting two Bollywood items and a traditional Kathak religious piece from 5:00-6:00pm. More info: https://goo.gl/jpHoKD We hope to see you there!
Posted August 24, 2017. Filed under Dance, Festivals, Performances & Programs, Uncategorized.
The women of Nepal are thronging Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu and their natal village homes to celebrate a unique festival which takes places each year in the month of Bhadau. Resplendent in their red saris, sindoor powder, glass bangles, and tilhari necklaces women sing and dance and perform cultural programs. The festival begins lasts for five days and includes prayer, fasting, puja, nightly vigils, and ritual bathing. You can see more here: https://goo.gl/pioa4W
A woman dance during Haritalika Teej Festival at Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square in the capital on Thursday. During the festival, Nepalese Hindu women observe a day-long fast and pray for their husbands and for a happy married life. Those who are unmarried pray for a good husband. August 24, 2017. PHOTO/SANJOG MANANDHAR