buh-ruh-tuh-naa-tee-uhm
Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form from the Indian subcontinent, that has grown to become one of the most widely practiced solo dance forms in the world.
Well, if its complicated enough to say… Why should one care at all?!
What is Bharatanatyam?
Bharatanatyam (pronounced buh-ruh-tuh-naa-tee-uhm) – a classical dance form from the Indian subcontinent – has been long held as an ethnic Art form, practiced widely by the Indian diaspora as a means to stay close and connected to their cultural roots. This has limited its access mainly to those who feel some prior connection to Indian culture. The long held notions of Bharatanatyam being a mystical art form preaching spirituality and long lost stories, hence one that is only relevant to a select few, have only further limited the diversity and number of attendees.
Should the magic of this Art, any Art, be restricted to a few?
We, at RootEd, believe Bharatanatyam is an Art form of today – an Art form for all. So here we are, inviting you into our spaces to come and experience the the world through the lens of this Art form.
What is OSC Koncerts?
One Step Closer Koncerts is a multi-city dance festival seeding the coming together of artists and audiences in the Indian Classical Art of Bharatanatyam (pronounced buh-ruh-tuh-naa-tee-uhm).
In our maiden year, we come to you in 6 cities, with 7 Koncerts each designed in a narrative performance format intended to inform, converse and entertain.
OSC Koncerts is a completely dancer run event. The primary objective of OSC Koncerts is for us, a community of artists, to share with you something we care deeply about. To bring artists and audience one step closer.
OSC Koncerts is the first in-person event of the USA wing of RootEd Foundation. We consider it a flagship event that propagates our motto “One Step Closer”.
24 hours. 1 idea. 6 cities.
The idea is to generate conversation around the art form of Bharatanatyam. For us to tell you why we think this dance form is beautiful and has something to offer to everyone. For you to tell us what was your experience watching it and ask us questions you may have.
For the artist to know what the audience thinks of their art. For the audience to learn what the art and artist have to offer.
Why is Koncert spelt with a ‘K’?
In the south of India, where Bharatanatyam traces its origins to, a concert is called Kutcheri. Kutcheri was a term that came into concert parlance a few centuries ago, when it was common for performances of art to take place in the courts of Kings (kutcheri in Hindi meaning “court”). This was used as a space for artists to present new work to a mix of afficianados and lay audiences, and for audiences in return to express their approval, appreciation or reservation on the works presented. The “kutcheris” or courts became on of the important epicentres for the sharing of art, where art was consumed critically. It was a space where connoisseurs came to share, to exchange ideas, to appreciate art. It is in this spirit, we wanted to name it concerts with a ‘K’.
What can you expect
One Step Closer Koncerts are designed in a narrative performance format intended to inform, converse and entertain. The duration of the event will be 90 minutes, where the dancer [who will perform solo as is the traditional way in Bharatanatyam] will present a selection of pieces from traditional repertoire while also doubling up as the Sutradhar, the narrator, who will hold the thread to walk you through all aspects of the performance – big and small. There will be ample time for an audience to share impressions and ask questions.
Who are the performers?
The OSC Koncert performers are all artists of the next generation, belonging to the Indian diaspora in USA and Canada, who care deeply about Bharatanatyam and about sharing this form with their own communities. Each city’s Koncert will be presented by a dancer domicile in that city. These young dancers currently also straddle professions from other walks to life ranging from good old software, to medicine and physical therapy, to policy makers, economists and entrepreneurs.
Attend a One Step Closer Koncert in your city
The Rooted Foundation 