TWIS Talks RIAF: Dance Sage's Homage to Classical Indian Dance Tradition

One thing about the Ringling International Arts Festival that has always struck me, even in my role as a casual and distant observer in years past, is its commitment to showcasing an ever-changing, fresh and diverse selection of artists and traditions from around the world, whose combined presence brings a symphony of cultural revelation to Sarasota each year.

Last week I told you about Ensemble Basiani, a polyphonic choir from the country of Georgia whose eccentric melodies are a modern re-discovery of a folk tradition that dates back to the medieval ages in Eastern Europe.

This week we look to Shantala Shivalingappa, who will also grace the stage at RIAF 2012 to showcase Kuchipudi, a style of dance from South India whose origins predate the music of Ensemble Basiani by 1000 years or more.

Click here to read the rest of “Dance Sage's Homage to Classical Indian Dance Tradition” and subscribe to the official RIAF 2012 blog.