Nrityamala

Founded in 2006, Nrityamala is Pittsburgh’s premier Indian classical dance team. It was the first collegiate classical dance team in the Pittsburgh area and its dancers strive to preserve, practice, and spread awareness for the Indian classical arts. We promote the art by performing on campus and in and around the Pittsburgh area, at events such as Bhangra in the Burgh, UPMC Children’s Ball, Dhirana, and the SPIFPA Cultural Festival. Nrityamala also takes part in several national collegiate competitions every year, and is an award-winning, highly ranked team. 
 
Our team consists of passionate dancers trained in various classical dance forms, including Bharathanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, and Mohiniyattam. Each year, we choreograph our own pieces to create a unique dance presentation on a specific idea or theme, which we then share with our community and take to competitive events.
 
Following our 1st place win at Laasya 2011, we hosted the Laasya national dance competition at Pitt in February 2012. The event had 1,000 attendees and raised nearly $10,000 for the charity Unite for Sight. From the success of Laasya 2012, we founded Dhirana, Pitt’s very own annual Indian classical dance competition, which raises money for the Birmingham Free Clinic. Over the past 8 years, we have raised and donated over $80,000 from ticket sales! Visit our Dhirana tab for more information!
 
In addition to this contribution to our community, Nrityamala has played a significant role in inspiring young dancers to continue to learn and grow as dancers, and in promoting respect and appreciation for the Indian arts and culture in our community. We look forward to continuing our mission for generations to come!