Critically acclaimed Natya Dance Theatre performs two free shows next week as part of the “On Stage at Noon” concert series in the Pritzker. The performance, as the title suggests, is a collection of short pieces exemplifying Bharata Natyam, the classical dance form of southern India. Natya’s founder and artistic director Hema Rajagopalan seeks to commune with both the creative and divine (and are they not one in the same?) through her choreography, introducing Western audiences to the ritualistic beauty of South Indian dance. The Bharata Natyam form is characterized by florid gesture and facial expression, along with percussive footwork and radiant, statuesque postures. If you haven’t seen Natya perform, you’re in for a treat, and these hour-long performances look to be a captivating introduction to a beautiful and reflective art form. (Sharon Hoyer)
At the Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph. August 19 and August 20 at noon. Free.
