Midwest Ars XPO Conference

Sacred Earth (excerpts) "Ragamala shows how Indian forms can be some of the most transcendent experiences that dance has to offer." - The New York Times “This intergenerational company builds exquisite, contemporary worlds with Bharatanatyam better than any American company I’ve seen.” - The Chicago Tribune Sacred Earth, is a powerful journey of movement and music that celebrates the beauty and vitality of the natural world. Performed as a continuous arc of high-energy dance and evocative poetry, the work unfolds like a living ritual. Through lush visual (projected) imagery, original recorded music by powerhouse musicians from south India, and poetic movement that integrates intimate solos with ensemble choreography, the performers channel the enduring relevance of ancient wisdom in contemporary life. Inspired by the ephemerality of Indian art forms—kolam rice flour drawings, Warli wall paintings, Bharatanatyam, and ancient Tamil Sangam poems—Sacred Earth reflects the company’s singular vision of the delicate, interdependent relationship between humanity and nature. Sacred Earth is an evening-length performance that runs 60 minutes, featuring 7 dancers. The company will perform a compilation of excerpts for their showcase. Wednesday, September 23 About Sacred Earth