By Amika Patel

Pitt Nrityamala is the University of Pittsburgh’s premier Indian classical dance team that competes at universities all over the nation. Indian classical dance comes in eight different forms, including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, etc. Through these different dance styles, dancers portray and depict different stories and topics ranging from mythological stories to current events. These various styles originate from various regions in India and date back to a thousand years ago; so being in Pittsburgh and being able to continue this old art form is a remarkable opportunity for students interested in this unique expression of Indian culture. The team was formed in 2006 and it has been growing ever since. Nrityamala keeps in touch with their classical roots through the pieces they perform.

Nrityamala keeps ancient traditions alive through providing a platform for classical dancers to continue dancing outside of their dance schools. I joined Pitt Nrityamala as a freshman at the University of Pittsburgh and I can wholeheartedly say that it was one of the best decisions I made coming into college. Not only did I make lasting friendships but I was able to develop as a dancer. Through Nrityamala I’ve learned more about classical dance as a whole and surrounded myself with other students who share my passion for dance. Over the past two years, I have met other dancers across the country through competitions. Even more, dancing with Nrityamala has enabled me to participate in another Pitt organization, Dhirana.

Dhirana is a non-profit organization that hosts classical teams from across the nation to compete at the University of Pittsburgh. All ticket proceeds from the show are donated to the Birmingham Free Clinic, a clinic that provides free medical care for the underserved population of Pittsburgh. Our mission statement is to provide a platform for classical dancers like myself to continue their passion for dance and spread awareness of the dance form, while also bettering the Pittsburgh community.

To be a part of something that continues to keep this art form alive is indescribable and gratifying. Through my years in Dhirana I was able to hold multiple positions ranging from general body member, assistant chair of Sponsorship committee, to my current position, Public Relations co-chair. As a sponsorship assistant chair, I was able to help find sponsors and raise money through different sources like Engage Pitt (an online crowdfunding campaign). As a Public Relations chair for Dhirana, I help promote the competition and other events to help spread awareness about our organization and the clinic itself. In November,I visited the Birmingham Free Clinic in, which it was very rewarding because I saw the direct impact Dhirana has on the staff and patients of the clinic. Dhirana raised enough money to provide them with their first EKG machine and over the past six years, we have successfully raised over $60,000 for the clinic, making us their most significant donor. Having the privilege to be a dancer on Nrityamala and also part of the board that runs Dhirana is something that I am grateful for because it has not only deepened my love and passion for classical dance, but connected me to my culture and religion.

        Dhirana and Nrityamala are unique in that they help preserve an ancient art form that was almost destroyed through years of oppression in India. By keeping these ancient traditions alive, the Indian community can bond over a shared cultural experience while allowing its participants to then share their love of dance with the wider Pittsburgh community. This year, we are excited to announce that Dhirana 2019 will be held at Soldiers and Sailors on February 23, 2019 and hope to see you there!