‘Bantaba’ dance concert sets in motion relationship between community and art

‘Bantaba’ dance concert sets in motion relationship between
community and art

World arts and cultures students celebrate fine arts, music and
dance

By Denise Cruz

Daily Bruin Senior Staff

A nude performer on stage pantomimes taking a bath as other
dancers surround her, acting out her memories. As she bathes, her
motions become more and more frantic, almost as if she feels
stained by the visions.

Nina Kaufman’s "Das Andenken" ("The Memory") is only one of the
haunting performances in this weekend’s UC Dance Concert,
"Bantaba." Produced and performed by students in the world arts and
cultures department, "Bantaba" features seven different pieces in
modern dance and traditional cultural styles.

"’Bantaba’ is an African word that refers to the dancing ground
where the community comes together to be with another and share,"
says Eugene Hutchins, a fourth-year dance student and the concert’s
producer.

Master’s of fine arts candidate Malathi Iyengar says she decided
to audition for "Bantaba" because of its focus on the relationship
between a sense of community and the arts.

"The meaning behind it is so much a part of Indian culture, too
– a way to come together and celebrate through music, dance and the
fine arts. ("Bantaba") is like the Indian word utsav – to celebrate
a festival."

The concert will open with Iyengar’s piece, "Push Panjali," a
piece performed in the classical South Indian dance style Bharata
Ntyam.

"Push Panjali is generally an opening dance to invoke the gods,"
says Iyengar. "(In this dance), I offer prayers to … the mother
earth and also Shiva, lord of dance, and her son, Ganesha.

"We pray to Ganesha in the beginning of any major undertaking
because he removes obstacles and blesses us with good luck,"
Iyengar continues.

Hutchins also choreographed two of of the pieces. In "Dreaming,"
Hutchins says that he tries to bring to life "how dreams can be so
real and how those dreams can become nightmares." His second work,
"Numb," delves into the patterns that men and women end up
following day after day.

Fifth-year senior Shyamala Moorty’s piece is set to the song
"Why" by Tracy Chapman. Master’s of fine arts candidate Forest
Franker’s piece, "Clap Hands," deals with the idea of being watched
and seen.

The concert includes the humorous side of life with fifth-year
dance student Carmela Hermann’s duet, "Hit and Miss." In "Hit and
Miss," Hermann brings to life the first awkward moments at the
beginning of a relationship.

Although each piece represents a different topic or emotion,
"Bantaba’s" individuality is its strength.

"More than anything, it’s a celebration of our unique
perspective," Hutchins says. "How we express ourselves in dance and
movement reflects how we perceive our world."

DANCE: "Bantaba." UC Dance Theater. Feb. 9 and 10 at 8 p.m. in
the Dance Building, Theater 200. For info call (310)
825-3951.Comments to [email protected]