Pennaach
PENNaach, the University of Pennsylvania's internationally award-winning all-female South Asian dance troupe is the first such to win university recognition. The troupe performs in modern, semi-classical and traditional Indian dance styles choreographed to beats from all around the world.
Pennaach was founded in October 1997 to promote South Asian dance and culture within and outside the University of Pennsylvania through traditional, classical and modern dance, and fusions of these. Pennaach choreographs and performs an annual show, typically in mid-February. In 2010, "A Night with Naach" featured popular dance styles ranging from Bhangra to Bollywood influence. Pennaach also performs on and off campus as guest acts and in South Asian cultural events.
Dance, an integral part of most South Asian cultures, frequently incorporated into traditional festivities. In the classical styles, gestures and facial expressions tell religious and historical tales. More recently, Western elements from Jazz, Hip-Hop and Ballet are being mixed into South Asian music and dance, as in Indian music and dance dramas.
Pennaach performances have included a traditional diya (candle) dance that highlights three classical dance styles (Bharathanatyam, Kathak and Odissi); lavni, a style which is typical to coastal fishing communities of western India; Giddha, an upbeat Punjabi folk dance; Garba, a popular Gujarati folk dance, as well as modern items such as Madonna's Om Shanti and various Hindi movie dances.
