Indian dance is not one thing. And Blue13 Dance Company based out of Los Angeles is an exemplary example of this through their beautiful blend of art, dance, movement and more. I had a wonderful conversation with critically acclaimed artist Achinta S. McDaniel, founder and artistic director of Blue13 Dance Company as she and her artists are in preparation for two events you don't want to miss if you are in the Greater Los Angeles area. One is a fun Bollywood experience in Downtown Los Angeles at The Music Center on Friday, September 10th from 7pm-11pm, and the second one is an audience immersive, site specific, outdoor Contemporary and Bollywood Dance spectacular called Shaadi (Hindi for wedding) that is sure to be one of the most memorable events that you can attend. Shaadi is happening on Friday, September 17th and Saturday, September 18th at the Heritage Square Museum.
New Girl, Speechless with Minnie Driver, DJ Snake, The Amazing Race. Walt Disney World, Heineken, and Snapple to name a few. Household names and they all have something in common. The creative work of my guest today, Achinta McDaniel. In addition, the following words further describe this acclaimed artist: words Prolific. Powerful. A pioneer. Achinta S. McDaniel, choreographer, performer, educator and artistic director of Blue13 Dance Company based out of Los Angeles. She draws from techniques including Bhangra, Kathak, and Bollywood, Hip Hop, ballet, jazz, tap, and modern dance, to create spectacular and theatrical dance. She is known for her experimentation with international styles and for inventive staging of her signature contemporary Indian forms. Her choreography is highly dramatic and a real reflection of her upbringing: Eastern and Western, exotic, mysterious, wild, rebellious and unconventional. McDaniel’s work is fearless and inventive, ever-exploring the boundaries of contemporary dance as a first-generation Indian woman.
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