Padma Dance Academy will present a classical Indian dance drama, “Swagatam Krishna,” from 6-8 p.m. Aug. 26 at the East Hawaii Cultural Center.
Padma Dance Academy will present a classical Indian dance drama, “Swagatam Krishna,” from 6-8 p.m. Aug. 26 at the East Hawaii Cultural Center.
Academy director Champakalata Fiorentino has been studying Bharatanatyam dance since 1986 from the renowned Sudha Chandra Sekhar of Michigan. Fiorentino has had her own school since 2002, with academies in North Carolina, West Bengal, India, and Hilo. She and her students have performed nationally and internationally, often to audiences of thousands.
“Bharatanatyam originates from the sacred confines of India’s ancient temples,” Fiorentino said. “Similar to hula, it is a dance with spiritual roots, performed in praise of the divine. It is infused with historic stories of heroism, mystery and romance.”
Padma Academy dancers are Hilo and Puna girls who’ve grown up studying this rigorous and emotive form of dance, most of them since they were 3 years old.
The Aug. 26 performance tells the story of how Krishna appeared on Earth in the prison of his uncle — a tyrant with an insatiable thirst for world domination. Krishna escapes in the dead of night in a monsoon storm, brings joy to simple villagers, and tames a huge sea monster.
Indian-style delicacies and various snacks will be available for purchase during the intermission. Proceeds from the event will help sponsor the girls’ trip for dance immersion study on the mainland.
The East Hawaii Cultural Center is located at 141 Kalakaua St. in Hilo.
Ticket prices start at $10 and can be purchased online at radharani.com/dance/tickets or by calling Fiorentino at 858-762-3609.