PRAKRITI DANCE

artist website: https://www.prakritidance.com

social links:

Prakriti Dance is an innovative performing company based in the United States, specializing in the Indian classical dance form of Kuchipudi. Under the artistic direction of Kasi Aysola, a renowned Kuchipudi dancer and choreographer, the company celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025, marking a decade of dynamic contributions to Indian dance in the modern world.

Prakriti Dance draws from India’s rich movement vocabulary to interpret both traditional and contemporary themes through performance. The company crafts original works that blend storytelling, philosophy, poetry, nature, and sound to transcend cultural boundaries and explore the human experience. With a bold, interdisciplinary approach, Prakriti aims to evolve the Indian aesthetic in conversation with the world today.

Prakriti’s original productions include Prakriti: Faces of Goddess Earth, Amba Shikhandi: A Journey of Courage, Through Fish Eyes, and its latest creation, Ritual of Identity, which premieres in 2025 to mark a decade of boundary-breaking work. The company has toured both traditional and original choreography at prominent venues and festivals such as Jacob’s Pillow 90th Anniversary Festival (MA), The Kennedy Center (DC), Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival (DC), Drive East (NYC), Spring to Dance (MI), and the Kuchipudi 50th Flag Festival in India.

Prakriti Dance is also deeply committed to access and education. The company has brought Indian dance and storytelling to over 80 schools and community venues across the greater Washington, D.C. area and regularly offers public workshops, university masterclasses, and Kuchipudi training to both emerging and professional artists.

Prakriti’s original dance works have been supported by organizations such as the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County, Barr Foundation, Maryland State Arts Council, National Academies Keck Futures Initiative, The Boston Foundation, and the Boston Cultural Council.

Through performance, teaching, and creative collaboration, Prakriti continues to forge a dynamic, diasporic voice for Indian dance in the modern world.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOLS & COMMUNITIES

Engaging, educational performances, workshops, and residencies for schools, libraries, and other community settings. Programs are typically led by a solo artist or duo – a larger ensemble is also available by request. Programs may be presented in-person or virtually and may be tailored to students in grades K-12, families, college students, and adults.

PERFORMANCES

Storytelling Through Classical Indian Dance
Prakriti Dance shows students stories told in a new way – through the body and face movement of classical Indian dance. Stories presented will draw from Indian mythology and the fables of the West, showcasing dance as a versatile language that transcends cultural boundaries. Students learn a variety of hand gestures and have opportunities to brainstorm about how they are used in storytelling. Available as a performance, workshop, or residency theme.

Through Fish Eyes
This unique program utilizes dynamic classical Indian dance styles to spark students’ interest in what lies beneath the ocean’s surface. Prakriti Dance shares the wonders of marine life through the language of dance and illuminates the ways in which humans are affecting the world’s oceans. Students will be inspired by the beauty of nature and empowered to make small changes in their own lives to help minimize environmental damage. Available as a performance, workshop, or residency theme.

WORKSHOPS & RESIDENCIES

Introduction to Classical Indian Dance Workshop/Residency
Using a combination of dance movements and rhythms based on classical Indian dance styles, students explore the traditions, music, and stories of South India and how they have shaped the classical performing arts. Students learn traditional dance steps and experience the dance style’s intricate rhythms and hand gestures. This workshop engages all students as they journey into this ancient dance style from India.

Storytelling Through Classical Indian Dance Workshop/Residency

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Through Fish Eyes Workshop/Residency:

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