Posted August 12, 2020. Filed under Class Info.
Time to get fit and healthy for those long hours you know are coming in front of a computer screen as more and more people work remotely and schools begin their online fall semester. Workout machines are great, but nothing matches the joy and excitement of getting up and dancing your heart out.
Utpalasia is offering:
Want a great workout and enriching activity for learners of all ages with no prior dance experience? Give Utpalasia’s Himalayan folk dance classes a try! Get a first hand view of Nepal’s cultural heritage as you learn to dance using easy-to-follow choreography.
We’ve also got you covered with classes in popular styles like Bollywood fusion, a mix of Indian movie dance paired with hip hop, contemporary, and other styles.
If classical Asian dance is more your speed, we offer classical North Indian Kathak at beginner/intermediate and advanced levels. You’ll find incredible beauty in this challenging visual art and reap a long list of physical and mental benefits along the way.
The fall semester starts on September 6. Sign up for classes before August 24 for the early bird special to save $25!
Posted June 11, 2020. Filed under Announcements, Class Info, Dance.
Dance is a multi-faceted activity that not only works your body, but has a positive effect on mental health as well. It is a tremendous stress reliever and pumps you full of endorphins, essentially giving you a shot of happiness.
Health organizations all recommend doing consistent cardio throughout the week and dance is a fun way to reach your goals and stay fit! At Utpalasia, we integrate the many diverse styles that now make up Bollywood fusion, from cinema Bollywood, classical Kathak, and traditional folk dance to hip hop, belly dance, and more to present you with original, exciting content.
Still not convinced about what dance can do for you? Here are some of the major benefits:
We could go on and on! Even if you are currently taking regular dance classes, Utpalasia’s three online workshops in June, July, and August will give you some amazing challenges. These sessions are designed to provide an aerobic and cardio workout meshed with learning an originally choreographed Bollywood fusion item. They will also encourage you to maximize your competence and confidence in presenting performance ready pieces.
Each session features a different piece and focuses on key elements such as:
We recommend at least 2 years of Bollywood experience and/or a firm command of another style, such as hip hop, but we also welcome the brave at heart who want to be courageous and try something challenging and new!
Sessions will be held online via Google Meet.
We hope you will join us in having some fun, getting healthy, and loving dance as much as we do!
Posted September 19, 2019. Filed under Announcements, Class Info, Dance.
Utpalasia’s classes have started for the Fall Semester, but it’s still not too late to register! Join us every Sunday at India School in Bethesda http://bit.ly/2kJBKqu or plan to attend Cerdafied Dance Studio’s newest classes in Bollywood Fusion featuring Tasherit every Thursday evening http://bit.ly/2mr8IfG. We offer beginner to advanced levels for both children and adults. Need something tailored just for you? Utpalasia private lessons are also available. You can email us at info@utpalasia.org for details. Keep that happy summer vibe going into fall!
Posted September 5, 2019. Filed under Announcements, Class Info, Dance.
Get up and join Tasherit Sturm Dahal at Cerdafied Dance Studio in Franconia, Va every Thursday evening as she powers up with Bollywood Fusion for Young Adults from 6-7pm, followed by adults from 7-8pm! More info here: http://www.cerdafiedstudios.com/
Posted April 12, 2019. Filed under Announcements, Cultural Heritage, Dance, Festivals, Performances & Programs.
Bring the family for an incredible day of fun, food, and entertainment as the University of Mary Washington presents its 2019 Multicultural Festival, rain or shine. Shop with hundreds of vendors from around the world, watch diverse music performances, eat delicious specialties, and participate in free workshops for all ages. Kids have a dedicated activity center, too! Utpalasia will be presenting a program of original fusion, classical Indian, and folk dance at 2:15 in Monroe Hall. We hope you’ll join us! The event runs from 10am to 5pm. Parking is free.
Posted April 1, 2019. Filed under Announcements, Cultural Heritage, Dance, Festivals, Performances & Programs.
Spring is a wonderful time to get motivated, energized, and ready to hit the outdoors and the warmer weather. Bring the family and enjoy performances and workshops in Kathak, Bollywood, and Himalayan folk dance at one of our many events. Next up – UMW’s Multicultural Festival on April 13. Mark your calendars now!
Posted March 13, 2019. Filed under Announcements, Class Info, Cultural Heritage, Dance, Festivals, Performances & Programs.
Join us this coming Saturday, March 16, at Kenmore Middle School in Arlington, VA for the 10th Annual Move Me Festival. The event is FREE and runs from 1 – 4 pm. See dancers from Utpalasia and India School perform Bollywood hits and classical Kathak dance. Bring the family and participate in our afternoon workshop to learn folk steps and Bollywood. Enjoy the Bowen McCauley Dance Company and a host of other local dance groups and artists. Get up, get out, get moving! Hope to see you there!
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:Â https://goo.gl/CnD2Fm