NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Chapel Hill, NC, November 15, 2024: In a landmark performance, Laasya School of Dance celebrated its 29th annual day by showcasing Sattriya, India’s eighth classical dance form, possibly for the first time in the Southeast. The event was held before an audience of over 800 at the East Chapel Hill High School auditorium on October 26. Renowned artists Rohini Ananth from the UAE and Sridevi Jagannath from North Carolina, known collectively as Dvidala, brought the elegance and spiritual essence of Sattriya to the stage.
Sattriya, which originated in Assam, India, was introduced in the 15th century by saint-scholar Srimanta Sankardev as a devotional practice rooted in Vaishnavism. Recognized alongside Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Odissi, and others, Sattriya integrates dance, drama, and music to narrate stories from Hindu epics. Initially performed by male monks in monastic settings, the dance only gained widespread recognition in the mid-20th century and is now performed by both men and women, blending traditional elements with modern expressions.
Laasya School’s annual day event, directed by Sridevi Jagannath, drew 180 dancers and featured visiting artists from Dubai and India. Honoring this cultural achievement, Mayor Pro Tem Satish Garimella and State Senator Jay Chaudhuri presented Sridevi Jagannath with a proclamation recognizing her contribution to the arts. Additionally, Mayor T.J. Cawley awarded Laasya School a formal recognition from the Town of Morrisville.
