An Interview with Visaic

We recently sat down with Visaic, a young German-American composer and part of the Utpalasia family of artists, who has recently released his newest work, “The Corruption of Princes”. Thanks for being with us today, Visaic! We’re excited about your new track and eager to learn a bit more about your process and inspiration. First… Continue reading An Interview with Visaic

The Multidimensionality of the Refugee Issue

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,… Continue reading The Multidimensionality of the Refugee Issue

Utpalasia’s 10th Anniversary: Celebrating Asian Culture & the Arts

We turned 10 this month! It has been quite a journey, beginning with Nepal Dance School in 2007 and culminating in today’s Utpalasia. During that time we transformed ourselves and our programs, focusing more on public engagement and education while continuing to attract students interested in learning dance and music through classes and workshops. Our… Continue reading Utpalasia’s 10th Anniversary: Celebrating Asian Culture & the Arts

Happy Teej!

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… Continue reading Happy Teej!

Happy Teej!

Red sari-clad women are thronging Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu today to celebrate Teej through prayer, offerings, music, and dance. Teej is the beautiful festival in which women pray and make offerings to Lord Shiva for the their husband’s longevity, prosperity, and happiness. For unmarried women, it is hoped that this worship will lead to a… Continue reading Happy Teej!

Vajrayogini Dance at the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum

Senior dancer, Tasherit Sturm Dahal, will be performing the Vajrayogini dance, a charya nritya, or meditative Buddhist dance, as part of Kites of Asia, a free family program at the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum this Saturday from 10:30-3 pm. The Vajrayogini is a rare and beautiful dance in which the qualities of a… Continue reading Vajrayogini Dance at the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum

Kites of Asia

Gather your family and friends and join us for Kites of Asia, a day of free family programs at the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum, including (of course!) amazing kites, Himalayan dance and music, performances, mask making, and more! Grab the kids for an unforgettable day of entertainment and discovery from 10:30 am to… Continue reading Kites of Asia

Visaic’s New EP Released!

The New Year is off to a great start: We’re just thrilled to be announcing the debut release of our own artist-in-residence, Visaic, today. Check out his album and collection of singles on https://visaic.bandcamp.com/, https://soundcloud.com/visaic, and  https://goo.gl/9hak6L and more. We happen to think his original cover art is pretty amazing too. Congrats, V!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing everyone a safe, bountiful, and happy Thanksgiving! From all of us at Utpalasia to you and your loved ones, thank you for your support and encouragement as we keep on sharing our Himalayan heritage through dance, music, and the arts.

Celebrate Tihar, the Nepali Festival of Lights!

Come and join us as we partner with Curry in a Hurry in Dumfries, Virginia to celebrate Tihar (Deepawali) on Saturday, November 14, 2015 from 6-8 pm. Bring your family and friends to hear traditional Himalayan music and see village folk dance while enjoying Newari specialties, such as choila, and other tempting Nepali and Indian… Continue reading Celebrate Tihar, the Nepali Festival of Lights!