CHICAGO: Aavegh Dance Troupe performed an encore presentation of its third production Tyaag, showcasing a series of unique and moving pieces taking audience members through the emotions involved with “letting go.”
Described as “visceral,” “moving,” “honest,” and “transformative” by audience members, the production was showcased at College of Dupage’s McAninch Arts Center On Saturday, June 27,2015.
Since its inception a decade ago, Aavegh has raised over $12,000 for organizations such as Apna Ghar, CARE, Women’s Heart Association, and Rainbows for All Children. For their June performance, Aavegh focused on raising funds for the recovery efforts in Nepal.
Tyaag brought together the different dance styles of south Asian classical, folk, ballet, modern, and contemporary dance to depict different experiences of releasing the past and moving forward.
The production explored a range of human experiences including saying goodbye to a loved one, letting go of a son as he goes to war, sending your son to his first day of school, and moving forward from debilitating cancer. Set to a powerful soundtrack, each piece’s message was enhanced with original poetry authored by Aavegh members.
As one audience member commented, “Each number was visceral in a way I have not experienced in a dance show in quite some time.” Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General of India and Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Consul General of Pakistan, were present at this event
Aavegh’s founder and director, Supna Jain, found inspiration for the production from the experiences of family and friends: “With so much hardship, suffering, and loss experienced daily, I was inspired by and wanted to focus on the strength of those around me to “let go”, stay positive, and move forward.”
Unique not only in its dance style and its efforts to provide young professionals an opportunity to pursue their creative interests, Aavegh also seeks to raise awareness and donations for nonprofits with a mission tied to each production’s theme.
Aavegh was started in February 2005 by Supna Chaudhari Jain, an accomplished Bharata Natyam, modern, and Indian folk dancer Through its blending of Indian classical and folk dance with modern dance forms, art, and poetry, Aavegh promotes its mission of creating awareness and raising donations for local and worldwide nonprofits with each performance.
For more information regarding the organization and its powerful work, visit www.aavegh.org or www.facebook.org/aavegh.
Sadruddin Noorani
