Winter Fantasia: Reimagined
Shawn Harper Photography
Dancers in the "Winter Fantasia: Reimagined" program.
Dancers in the "Winter Fantasia: Reimagined" program from Kanopy Dance Company.
Kanopy Dance reminds us that holiday dance doesn’t stop at The Nutcracker. In the varied program “Winter Fantasia: Reimagined,” Chalo Ramiye will feature South Asian dancer and choreographer Udbhav Desai in this garba dance that’s part of the nine-day Hindu festival Sharad Navratri. Once Upon a Winter’s Eve and The Norse Tree of Life are drawn from Scandinavian folklore and Winter in the City is inspired by Leonard Bernstein’s score from On the Town. Shows at 7 p.m. on Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 1, 2 and 5 p.m. on Dec. 2, and 1 and 4 p.m. on Dec. 3.
media release: Kanopy presents Winter Fantasia: Reimagined, designed to enrich the spirit of the holiday celebration by showcasing important contributions from a mosaic of cultures.
The centerpiece, “Chalo Ramiye”, was commissioned by Kanopy from South Asian dancer and choreographer Udbhav Desai who will also guest perform in the dance. “Chalo Ramiye” (or “let’s play in Gujarati”), is a “garba” folk dance, and it is performed in ritualistic reverence of the Hindu goddess “Durga”, a protector of all that is good and harmonious in the world. Performing the festive garba dance form is a major highlight of the nine-day Hindu festival, Sharad Navratri, that honors “Durga” and has been observed for centuries.
Two cherished winter stories rooted in Scandinavian folklore, choreographed by Kanopy’s co-artistic director, Lisa Thurrell and brought to life through the magic of dance: “Once Upon a Winter’s Eve” and “The Norse Tree of Life”, continue to be a treasured part of the program.
And a joyful Kanopy holiday favorite, “Winter in the City”- --inspired by American composer Leonard Bernstein’s score from “On the Town” and the family of 1940’s musicals for film--- returns to the festive lineup, Kanopy’s co –artistic directors, Lisa Thurrell and Robert Cleary, created the original choreography for the three featured episodes in “Winter in the City”.
Winter Fantasia: Reimagined
Nov 30-Dec 3, 2023
Thursday 7:00 PM; Friday 7:30 PM, Saturday, 2PM & 5 PM, Sunday,1PM & 4PM
Tickets (reserved seating): $40
Groups: 4 or more $35
Ages 18 & under and Students $20
Overture.org (608) 258-4141