Divya Devaguptapu Press kit

D E V A G U P T A P U bharatanatyam artiste

“It is maturity that sets her apart...�, THE HINDU, India

divya devaguptapu

about the artiste

Divya Devaguptapu, is an internationally acclaimed Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer, based in San Diego, USA and Chennai, India. She is known as a cerebral dancer and is a highly creative artiste. Her work is deeply rooted in the traditional framework of Bharatanātyam and laced with contemporary thought, creating a unique style that is meaningful across global audiences. Her choreography has been critically acclaimed as thought provoking and mature. She is widely known for her sensitive and involved abhinaya (expressions). She is also a Carnatic vocalist (Classical Music of South India) and her knowledge of music enhances her dance making her choreography a studied yet instinctive response to music. She has developed a unique repertoire comprising of thoroughly researched, well thought out and rarely performed pieces with themes ranging from the highly spiritual to most evocative of human emotions. Her performances are marked with technical excellence along with a burning passion, making them unforgettable aesthetic and spiritual experiences. In addition to traditional Bharatanātyam performances, Divya is exploring the global language of dance in her collaborations with western artists including Patricia Rincon, Peter Kalivas and Jacques d’ Amboise.

Divya’s touring ensemble includes four virtuosic musicians who have collaborated and performed extensively with her. Their technical brilliance and sophistication along with a complete understanding of each other’s artistry lends depth to her performance, making it a soulful combination of melody, rhythm and dance. The musical ensemble comprises of Vocals, Rhythmic Vocals, Violin and Percussion (Mridangam and Tabla).

A passionate teacher, she is Adjunct Faculty of Dance at University of California in San Diego and a Teaching artiste with Young Audiences of America, taking art education to schools. She also presents various educational and outreach activities through pre-performance lectures, master classes and workshops across the world.

A firm believer in the timelessness of Bharatanatyam, my work is a celebration of its classicism imbued with contemporary thought making Bharatanatyam relevant in today's world - to myself, and my audience. As a researcher with a keen interest in classical literature and mythology, I strive to explore several beautiful and neglected Indian literary works through my dance. Stretching the boundaries of Bharatanatyam to promote it to today’s global audiences through deeper interpretations and metaphors, my goal is to make this form mainstream in global conversations of dance.

reviews

critical acclaim

“Touch of the Spiritual - Philosophy and abstract ideas are often suggestive of solemn expositions, but this was not the case with Divya Devaguptapu’s Bharatanatyam performance for The Music Academy. Though the artist dealt with weighty concepts which was presented in Margam, the vim and vigour that pervaded her dancing lent a refreshing air to the recital””, THE HINDU “Divya has an excellent energy about herself and her dance…”, NARTHAKI “Divya Devaguptapu from USA packed her Bharatanatya with plenty of punch and made it a very powerful performance, graceful and eloquent. Her intense but changeable emotions were exquisitely expressed. Her virtuosic flamboyancy made a compelling case for her versatility in nritta, nrithya and abhinaya”, THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS “Divya Devaguptapu’s energetic Bharatanatyam opened the fete. Intricate choreographic patterns combined with rich abhinaya conveyed spiritual import of the piece in abundance”, THE HINDU “Expansive expression… Divya Devaguptapu scored purely on her abhinaya. In such features of expression, Divya was exceptional than the present day veterans”, THE HINDU “There is always this challenge to be unique and unforgettable, especially for a Bharatanatyam dancer who showcases his or her skill through a centuries-old classical style that has little elbow room for creativity and a long list of contenders. For Divya Devaguptapu, it was maturity that set her apart. It was a well-thought out recital, with an unusual repertoire, clever rhythm and thought-provoking interpretations.”, THE HINDU “Her performance was marked with the quality of precision and structural excellence”, AFTERNOON DISPATCH AND COURIER, Mumbai “Set to a score by Anoushka Shankar, Devaguptapu is riveting as she tells the story of the Hindu God Shiva with expressive hands and solid presence, SAN DIEGO UNION TRIBUNE “Her jatis were crisp and efficient. Quick changes in the phases from the energetic pace of the jatis to the intense expression of bhava (demanded by sahityam) showcased her talent as a dancer and choreographer”, NARTHAKI FULL REVIEWS AVAILABLE ONLINE at: www.divyadevaguptapu.com/press

on tour

performances

Available 2015-2016 OMKARA 60 min Omkara is performed solo with live or recorded music OM is not just a chant or vibration, but a symbol of supreme consciousness or pure existence. Omkara is an exploration of the profound meaning of the chant OM though the expressive movement language of Bharatanatyam.

DVAYAM… 90 min Performed solo with live music DVAYAM…dualities We often encounter two states – around us, within us and in our perception. Two states in opposition, as parallels or in confluence are inherent in life, art and philosophy. In Dvayam, we explore these inherent dualities of life. The theme is explored in its various dimensions ranging from the very essence of dance – of capturing the stillness in movement, to the different ways of realizing the divine – of devotion through sensual love, a metaphor for the longing experienced by the human soul to unite with the supreme. The most poignant of all being the duality we experience most often as humans; a conflict between heart and rational mind, right and wrong and of hope and despair – this is inspired by the episode from the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata, where in unwed-mother Princess Kunti abandons her child in the river Ganga.

ADHYATMA… 90 min Performed solo with live music ADHYATMA… a spiritual experience AdhyAtma celebrates the inherent spirituality of Bharatanatyam through the highest of Indian philosophies – “aham bhrahmasmi – I am that”. The highlight is a composition extolling Devi - the Divine Goddess, who is truly attainable to only those who seek within. Divya and her ensemble of musicians transcend the music, drama, rhythm and poetry, inherent to Bharatanatyam, creating an experience for the audience… a spiritual experience of sublime aesthetics.

90 min Performed solo with live music NADA SUDHA RASA Celebrating the musicality of movement A very unique repertoire that celebrates the grandeur of Carnatic music as it explores the union of music and dance.

The highlight is the choreography to a musically rich composition by Violin maestro RK Shriramkumar. A technically intricate presentation, this new work is a true visual and aural treat for rasikas (connoisseurs) of Carnatic Music and Bharatanatyam alike.

90 min Performed solo with live music AMUKTAMALYADA… AMUKTAMALYADA… The giver of the worn garland Based on emperor Krishnadevaraya’s epic poem “Amuktamalyada” this production depicts the life of the medival saint poet Andal or Goda Devi and her passionate devotion to Lord Vishnu. The specially commissioned music has composed by Violin maestro RK Shriramkumar.

a. Pre and Post show discussions Connecting with our audiences is utmost importance. In a pre-show discussion, Divya gives the audience an insight into the art form of Bharatanatyam, about her choreographic vision and details on the work being presented that evening. Post-show discussion is offered to help audiences with any questions they may have about the form and performance. b. Education and Outreach Divya offers residencies, master classes and workshops to give interested students an insight into Bharatanatyam, its historical and cultural context as well as an experience of its movement language. c. Appreciating Bharatanatyam A lec-dem on the nuances of Bharatanatyam, its choreographic approach and an in-depth exploration of its various layers helping audiences develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the form.

CLEVELAND THYAGARAJA FESTIVAL USA Apr 2015 SAN DIEGO DANCES IN COLLABORATION WITH PETER KALIVAS USA Mar 2015 IFAA ANNUAL MUSIC & DANCE FESTIVAL San Diego, USA Apr 2015 MUSIC ACADEMY Chennai, India Jan 2015 KARTIK FINE ARTS Chennai, India Jan 2015

KRISHNA GANA SABHA Chennai, India Dec 2014 DHARANI FESTIVAL Cochin, India Dec 2014 KALA NADAM FESTIVAL Bangalore, India Nov 2014 NATIONAL CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS India Nov 2014 KALAKSHETRA FOUNDATION Chennai, India Nov 2014 POWAY CITY California USA Oct 2014 SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL FRINGE FESTIVAL USA Jul 2014 IFAA San Diego City College, USA May 2014 DANCE ON THE EDGE ART WALK San Diego, USA Apr 2014 CHENNAI MARGAZHI FESTIVAL Chennai, India Dec 2013- Jan 2014

REGATTA FESTIVAL Thiruvananthapuram, India Nov 2013 NAADANEERAJANAM TT DEVASTHANAM Tirupathi, India Nov 2013 KERALA SANGEETH NATAK AKADEMI Palakkad, Calicut, India Nov 2013 COLUMBUS CARNATIC MUSIC ASSOCIATION USA Jul 2013 DVAYAM SD CITY COLLEGE San Diego, USA Jul 2013 NATIONAL IYENAGAR YOGA CONVENTION, CONVENTION San Diego, USA May 2013 INDIA HABITAT CENTER New Delhi, India Jan 2013 VISAKHA MUSIC AND DANCE ACADEMY Visakhapatnam, India Jan 2013 MARGAZHI MAHOTSAV Chennai Dec 2012- Jan 2013

KALASAGARAM ANNUAL FESTIVAL Hyderabad, India Nov 2012 YOUNG AUDIENCES San Diego, USA Nov 2012 YUVA BHARATI San Jose, CA USA Sep 2012 WORLD CULTURES PROGRAM SD CITY COLLEGE, COLLEGE USA Sep 2012 PARTHASARATHY SWAMI SABHA Chennai Aug 2012 INTERNATIONAL DANCE ALLIANCE India Aug 2012 BHUBANESHWAR MUSIC CIRCLE Bhubaneshwar, India Aug 2012 SPIC MACAY XIM BHUBABESHWAR, BHUBABESHWAR India Aug 2012 KINKINI DANCE FESTIVAL Mumbai Aug 2012 KARTIK FINE ARTS Chennai, India Aug 2012 NALLI AADI FESTIVAL BRAHMA GANA SABHA, SABHA Chennai, India Jul 2012 OMKARA SAN DIEGO CITY COLLEGE, COLLEGE USA Jun 2012 DANCE MOVES SHOWCASING BHARATANATYAM AT TEMECULA, TEMECULA CA, USA Apr 2012

tour history highlights

contact & booking 11919 mil pitrero road, san diego ca 92128

858.229.5696

www.divyadevaguptapu.com www.facebook.com/DivyaDevaguptapu

photo credits karan nevatia | ramanathan n. iyer | soundharya muthukrishnan

design & layout www.oviyadesignstudio.com

info@divyadevaguptapu.com