INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCE
The term Indian classical dance encompasses over eight forms of dance that originated in the Hindu tradition of musical theater and are based on the principles of the Sanskrit text, the Natya Shastra. The typically recognized forms are Bharathanatyam, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, Kathak, Odissi, Kathakali, Manipuri, and Sattriya, although other forms such as Yakshagana and Chhau are also considered forms of classical dance. Each form is rooted in a particular region and is greatly influenced by the local culture, folklore, language, and music.
Traditionally, Indian classical dance is performed as a mix of pure dance steps set to a rhythmic beat and storytelling that makes use of intricate hand gestures, eye movements, and expressions. While the forms have grown and spread widely in content, practitioners, and audience, it remains for many dancers a path to liberation of the soul and connection with the universe.
OUR HISTORY
Founded in 2006, Nrityamala is Pittsburgh’s premier Indian classical dance team. It was the first collegiate classical dance team in the Pittsburgh area and its dancers strive to preserve, practice, and spread awareness for the Indian classical arts. We promote the art by performing on campus and in and around the Pittsburgh area, at events such as Bhangra in the Burgh, UPMC Children’s Ball, Dhirana, and the SPIFPA Cultural Festival. Nrityamala also takes part in several national collegiate competitions every year, and is an award-winning, highly ranked team.
Our team consists of passionate dancers trained in various classical dance forms, including Bharathanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, and Mohiniyattam. Each year, we choreograph our own pieces to create a unique dance presentation on a specific idea or theme, which we then share with our community and take to competitive events.
Following our 1st place win at Laasya 2011, we hosted the Laasya national dance competition at Pitt in February 2012. The event had 1,000 attendees and raised nearly $10,000 for the charity Unite for Sight. From the success of Laasya 2012, we founded Dhirana, Pitt’s very own annual Indian classical dance competition, which raises money for the Birmingham Free Clinic. Over the past 8 years, we have raised and donated over $80,000 from ticket sales! Visit our Dhirana tab for more information!
In addition to this contribution to our community, Nrityamala has played a significant role in inspiring young dancers to continue to learn and grow as dancers, and in promoting respect and appreciation for the Indian arts and culture in our community. We look forward to continuing our mission for generations to come!
AWARDS
2021-2022
3RD PLACE ORIGINS QUALIFIERS
2019-2020
- ORIGINS CHAMPIONSHIP TOP 12
- SPIFPA PLAQUE
2018-2019
- 1ST PLACE & VIEWER'S CHOICE, TU BHI NACHLE
2016-2017
- 1ST PLACE, TU BHI NACHLE
- VIEWER'SÂ CHOICE, LAASYA (PSU)
2014-2015
- 2ND PLACE, MAYURI
2012-2013
- 2ND PLACE, LAASYA (DUKE)
- VIEWER'S CHOICE, MAYURI
2011-2012
- 1ST PLACE &Â ABHINAYA MEDLEY, NRITYA MALA (JHU)
- PERFORMANCE GROUP OF THE YEAR AT PITT
2010-2011
1ST PLACE, LAASYA (UMD)
February 19, 2022
Dhirana is the University of Pittsburgh's annual Indian classical dance competition. It is a nonprofit organization and all proceeds of the competition go to the Birmingham Free Clinic of Pittsburgh, which provides free medical care for Pittsburgh's underserved population. Pitt began the tradition of hosting a national, intercollegiate competition when Pitt Nrityamala placed first in Laasya 2011. As champions, the team won the honor of hosting Laasya 2012 on their campus. With strong support and attendance from the Pittsburgh community and enthusiastic involvement from Pitt students, Laasya 2012 was a resounding success. Unhappy to see the traveling competition leave its city, Pitt Nrityamala and University of Pittsburgh created Dhirana to foster Indian classical dance interest in their community. This competition provides collegiate classical dance teams with a platform to showcase their talents during an unforgettable weekend experience.
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Mission: To promote awareness of Indian classical dance, provide a platform for collegiate dancers to continue pursuing the art, and better the Pittsburgh community through philanthropy and service.