ALASTAIR MACAULAY of THE NEW YORK TIMES reviews SWAHA: RITUALS OF UNION

August 2010, New York Times, Alastair Macaulay

Excerpt from the Article:

The lively rhythm of the feet, the often sculptural fullness of the sustained poses, the unusual vivacity of the eyes (opening and closing them becomes rhythmic in itself), and the ravishing harmony of face, arms and torso make this a complex experience. By classical virtues of Odissi dance, I certainly don’t mean “classical,” as in ballet. Yet almost every ballet dancer today could learn plenty about the use of the upper body from Indian dance, which often exemplifies the interconnection of shoulder, neck, arm, eyes, hands, more poetically than anything on the ballet stage today. READ MORE

ROBERT JOHNSON of THE STAR LEDGER reviews SWAHA: RITUALS OF UNION

August 2010, The Star Ledger, Robert Johnson

Excerpt from the Article:

The women’s bodies, too, with all the sensuality of curved poses designed to accentuate their femininity, are placed in service to an ideal. The “union” in “Swaha: Rituals of Union” is a longed-for merger with the divine. When Taiis Pascal-Charles enters the space in semi-darkness, walking slowly in the glimmer of her adornments, viewers may feel that they, too, are approaching an encounter with the sacred. She tilts forward, balancing on one leg with her hands extended in prayer, and this simple image suggests so much. Reaching from the earth where her foot is firmly planted into a space of airy rapture, her pose suggests a hope both grounded and precarious. READ MORE

ANTONIO MININO of THE HAPPIEST MEDIUM reviews SWAHA: RITUALS OF UNION

Excerpt from the Article:

One of the best things about the Fringe Festival is how it embraces diversity – it becomes one of the best summer reminders as to how culturally rich and fascinating this city can be. In Swaha: Rituals of Union Trinayan Dance Theater mixes tradition, with dance, storytelling and ritualistic precise movements that will evoke your senses and successfully accomplish the elephantine task of getting you out of your head, no verbal dialogue required. READ MORE

DAVID LIPFERT of CURTAINS UP reviews SWAHA: RITUALS OF UNION

Excerpt from the Article:

For anyone unfamiliar with Odissi Indian dance, Manhattan-based Trinayan Dance Theater's Fringe presentation will make a great introduction. A troupe of five women (men are always in short supply) begin with a stylized movement greeting to gods and audience and continue with excerpts from lengthy narratives featuring gods and mortals. READ MORE

DEBORAH JOWITT of THE VILLAGE VOICE reviews NEEL: THE ETERNAL BLUE, Nov. 2004

Joyce Soho, NYC

Excerpt from the Article:

New York is always throwing us surprises. Who could have envisioned that a group of women with diverse cultural roots and an impressive variety of careers outside dance would band together to present concerts in the ancient Indian style of Odissi? Believe it. And believe that the six members of Trinayan Collective and Bani Ray, their teacher, perform with a technical power, passion, and devotion that does their guru, Shri Durga Charan Ranbir, proud. Their dedication and discipline are in themselves moving. READ MORE