Event Details

What is MCPA?

Mrudanga (MCPA) is a registered non-profit organization, an institution for Dance & Music, provides professional training for Odissi dancers from the age group of five. Apart from Odissi dance the Institution also holding classes on Folk tradition of Western Orissa The organization is run by a dedicated group of volunteers and Board members. It was founded by Enakshi Sinha in 2007. For the past seven years, it has held events on an annual basis. It has also staged several major dance productions collaborating with different artistes from different genres. The enthusiasm, commitment and dedication of the students and volunteers attest to the need for such an organization

This application is for “Umang Festival: Light of Hope," a two-day Festival taking place November 17 and 23, 2024, in Brampton and Windsor. This year’s Festival theme is “Time and Space” where each presenter will bring a unique take on the artistic concept. Scheduled over a two-day period within the same week, the event includes a dance workshop featuring esteemed local practitioners in Eastern and Western dance styles, followed by a grand dance production featuring both local talents from the GTA and dancers from the United States and India on the second day.

Programming will include:

(1) November 17: two hours performance in Brampton at Lester B. Pearson Theatre, including performances by local emerging talents Tanveer Alam and Sukruti, renowned Mohiniattyam exponent Dr. Sunanda Nair from Texas, and the award-winning dancer Padmashree Guru Aruna Mohanty from Orissa, India;

(2) November 23: a workshop on Indian classical dance in Windsor at the Arts Council of Windsor and Essex. Structured as a lecture-cum-demonstration, the workshop will spotlight the artistry of Odissi, Kuchipudi, and contemporary dance forms. Distinguished local artists participating in the workshop include Enakshi Sinha, founder and director of the Odissi dance organization Mrudanga Centre for Performing Arts; Harikishan Nair, Kuchipudi dancer and Founder and Artistic Director of Regatta Kala Kendra; and Karen and Allen Kaeje, award-winning contemporary dance choreographers and performers. The workshop will be preceded by a showcase of dance performances.