Sapna Govindan and Priya Bangal, who filled a lack of classical Indian dance in Boston with their Rasik Dance Concert Series, bring to town Neena Prasad, “truly a master of the mohiniyattam style, and her abhinaya tells a story,” Govindan said. Mohiniyattam is a style originating in Kerala in Southwestern India known for its grace and subtle gestures of the hands and facial expressions – abhinaya is the art of emoting in the dance – and rarely seen here, Bangal said, compared with styles such as kathak and bharatanatyam. The form and the music it’s paired with have co-developed, and Prasad will perform alongside Changanasseri Madhavan Nampoothiri (vocals), Ramesh Babu (mridangam, a double-headed barrel drum), Kalamandalam Arundas (idakka, hourglass shaped drum) and Shyam Kalyan (violin). “Their long-standing relationship allows space for Dr. Prasad to improvise, something she’s excellent at,” Bangal said. Prasad’s accolades for performing and choreography include the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, India’s highest honor in the arts. “Her artistry draws the audience in as she shares a story through movement,” Bangal said.
Rasik Dance Concert Series at 7 p.m. Oct. 4 at The Dance Complex, 536 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. $50.
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