Chicago's Mandala Festival redefines male classical Indian dance with Purush
A unique dance performance is coming to Chicago this weekend as part of the Mandala Makers Festival. The show, Purush: When Power Becomes Poetry, will feature male dancers exploring classical Indian styles with a softer, more expressive approach. Organised by the Mandala South Asian Performing Arts group, the event marks a celebration of storytelling through movement.
The Mandala South Asian Performing Arts organisation was founded over a decade ago to bring South Asian performances to Chicago. Around seven or eight years later, the Mandala Makers Festival began as a small street event on Devon Avenue. Since then, it has grown into a month-long celebration running through October.
This year’s festival includes Purush, a performance blending Indian cultural traditions for Asian American and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month. The show will take place on Saturday at 7:30 PM at Visceral Dance Center, located at 3121 N. Rockwell St. Unlike typical portrayals, the dancers will highlight a gentler side of male classical Indian dance.
For the performers, the experience goes beyond movement. Dancer Kiran James sees dance as a way to tell stories and connect with audiences. He described being part of the festival as an honour and a privilege. Colin Mascarenhas, another dancer, finds the performance deeply emotional and meditative. To him, dance is a spiritual and liberating form of self-expression that he hopes to share with others.
The festival continues to expand, offering a platform for South Asian artists in Chicago. Purush will showcase a different perspective on male dancers, blending strength with grace. Audience members can expect an evening of cultural storytelling through movement at Visceral Dance Center this Saturday.
