Celebrating Experience: Ramya Harishankar To Headline Show ‘Thriving’

India-West Staff Reporter

LOS ANGELES, CA — For its 40th anniversary, Donna Sternberg & Dancers is presenting ‘Thriving,’ a performance honoring the creativity and endurance of mature choreographers and dancers in the Los Angeles community.

The show aims to challenge stereotypes of aging, showcasing the depth of experience and artistry that comes with a lifetime of dance and at the heart of ‘Thriving’ is Ramya Harishankar, Artistic Director and founder of Arpana Dance Company, the well known Bharatanatyam dancer.

Celebrated internationally, Ramya has performed and taught extensively across India, Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America. She is a recipient of numerous awards including the Kala Seva Bharathi, Helene Modjeska Cultural Legacy award, and recognition as a legacy artist by the California Arts Council. Her work continues to bring classical Indian dance to new audiences while mentoring the next generation of performers.

Other participants include Jeff Slayton, co-founder of LA Dance Chronicle, who brings decades of modern dance experience; Oguri, founder of Body Weather Lab Los Angeles, whose butoh-based practice explores the human body in relation to nature; and Donna Sternberg, the contemporary choreographer behind DS&D, whose work spans theater, educational programs, and site-specific performances.

Younger dancers from DS&D will also join, examining what aging means in a field where youth is often prized.

‘Thriving’ will be presented November 8 and 9 at the Helms Bakery Complex in Culver City. For tickets and information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/thriving-tickets-1708852797719