About the Residency

 

As part of our "Experiencing the World" multicultural series, Mouli Pal will lead performances and workshops in Odissi, a form of Indian classical dance. Highly stylized, it utilizes energetic footwork with graceful postures and movements to create an illusion of sculpture coming to life.

Mouli will offer her Discover India Through Dance assembly as well as workshops for students, dancers and yoga students during her residency. The assembly can be customized for students of all ages as well as seniors or other community audiences. There will also be several public performances throughout the region of this beautiful and energetic art form.

These programs are part of an artist residency presented by the Arts Alliance of Northern New Hampshire and supported in part by the New England States Touring Program of the New England Foundation for the Arts, made possible with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts Regional Touring Program and the six New England state arts agencies, including the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts.All are welcome regardless of their ability to pay. All programs will be held at sites that are accessible to those in wheelchairs. If you require additional accommodations, please contact us in advance.


Upcoming Performances

A concert of Indian Dance


Monday, November 16, 7 p.m.
Starr King Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
101 Fairgrounds Rd, Plymouth, NH 03264


Thursday, November 19, 7:30 p.m.
Littleton Opera House
2 Union St., Littleton, NH



Friday, November 20, 7:30 p.m.
Medallion Opera House
20 Park St., Gorham, NH

Tickets: $12/person, $5/Student, $30/Family. Additional discounts for Arts Alliance Members! Click the buttons to purchase tickets. Also available at the door.

Odissi, a form of Indian classical dance, is a graceful and lyrical dance form that engages the audience by portraying moods and emotions based on Indian music, literature, poetry and paintings, creating the effect of sculptures coming to life.Mouli's community concerts will feature a traditional Odissi repertoire that weaves stories of passion and devotion. Experience this Indian classical dance through the beautiful costumes, music and movement of Odissi. Mouli will provide historical and contextual context for each piece to help foster understanding and appreciation. Audiences will also have a chance to ask Mouli questions after the performance.
Please note that no one will be turned away from our programs; if the price is a hardship, pay what you can or come as our guest. (Call or email us to register if the cost is prohibitive.)

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Workshops & Demonstrations

Yoga Through Indian Dance:
A Workshop with Mouli Pal

Tuesday, November 17, 6:15-7:45 p.m.
Balance Bethlehem
2087 Main St., Bethlehem, NH

Cost: $20/person, $15/Arts Alliance Member with ID             Poster to Share

Wednesday, November 18, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Dragonfly Yoga Barn & Studio
280 Bennett St, North Sandwich, NH

Cost: $15/person, $12/Arts Alliance Member with ID, $10/Student with ID          Poster to Share

Indian classical dance is a form of yoga; these sessions will explore the deep connection. The session will include: a glimpse into Odissi dance, a short demonstration, postures and positions through a square based (chouka) position and a triangular (tribhangi) position, mudras (hand gestures that expresses emotions, conveys stories and also have healing properties), a short choreography to music performing the Sun Salutation through dance, as well as an exploration of breathing, concentration and balance through Odissi. Enrollment is limited - preregistration is requested by using the above buttons.

A Free Demonstration & Discussion of Indian Dance with Mouli Pal

Thursday, November 19, 12:30 p.m.
Gibson Center for Social Services
14 Grove St., North Conway, NH

Cost: Free! All are welcome. No reservation required.    Poster to Share

Watch a Sample

About the Artist

 

Boston-based Odissi dancer Mouli Pal enchants on stage due to her breathtakingly captivating performances radiating with lyrical grace and intensity of emotions. With numerous solo concerts to her credit, she is also a dedicated teacher, director, choreographer and a passionate proponent of the dance form.

Mouli received intensive training under the personal tutelage of the legendary Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, the undisputed master and architect of Odissi who revived and stylized the dance form into its present intricate and elegant form. 

Raised in Kolkata, Mouli frequently travelled to Orissa to study under the maestro and closely observed him choreograph masterpieces, groom renowned dancers, mesmerize audiences and ultimately emerge as a humble and compassionate individual of high moral values and deep spiritual devotion. These inspired interactions had a profound impact on Mouli and influenced her unique artistry. Guruji introduced and accompanied Mouli at her Manchapravesh (debut concert) in 1997 at Kolkata and later continued to support and encourage her efforts till his sad demise in 2004. 

Mouli has also been guided by leading dancers and committed teachers. Eminent dancer Dipanwita Roy of Kolkata initiated her into Odissi while the illustrious Guru Rathikant Mohapatra, refined her finesse and techniques. She presently continues to perfect the art form with acclaimed dancer Nandini Ghosal.

The desire to promote Odissi in North America prompted Mouli to form "Upasana" a Not For Profit Organization that brings together artists and connoisseurs through concerts, enrichment programs and fund raisers. The organization has been applauded for its efforts in preserving the art form through intensive classes, workshops, summer camp and college scholarship programs.