Footwork and facial expressions will be displayed when you put some culture into your life on Saturday night by attending the Society for Indian Tradition and Arts’ (SITAR) presentation of a rare and unique art form: traditional Indian classical dance in Bharata Natyam style at Ames City Auditorium.

Bharata Natyam is a traditional dance form of southern India. The roots of this dance date as far back as the fourth century A.D. “This is one of the oldest forms of Indian dance,” said Sridhar Desikan, president of SITAR.R

“It has a strong musical element attached to [it].” The purity of this art form has been preserved over the centuries.”

This dance was traditionally a temple dance that evolved over the years to be appreciated for its groovy footwork and knock-out facial expressions. The facial expressions are very important to evoke various moods that are portrayed by the dancer.

The dancers themselves have a real flair for this dance, Desikan said. Pavitra Prasad and her group are here to share their talents. Prasad, the acclaimed dancer from Madras, India, and her group will be performing two pieces: “Ritu Samhara,” the epic work of Kalidasa (seventh century A.D.) and “Aandal Kalyanam” (the wedding of devotee Aadal to the Hindu God Krishna).

Prasad started dancing at a very young age. In 1985, she gave her first public performance. Since then, she has performed for many dance schools and art centers in India. She has even been given a title from the Government of India—’Yuva Kala Bharati’ (Young Master of Art).

“[Prasad] is very young and talented,” Desikan said. “We contacted her through one of the sponsors in Washington, D.C.”

Not only will Ames have the pleasure of seeing a talented dancer and her group, but the dancers will be accompanied by a live orchestra that includes the choreography of Seetarama Sharma, a famous musician and master choreographer.

Desikan said that Iowa State students and other residents of Ames have expressed interest in other cultures, and that this dance performance provides an excellent opportunity for someone to branch out into Indian tradition.

“A good amount of interest among the Ames community has been noted for programs related to Indian classical music and dance,” Desikan said.

“This will be a very unique experience for most college students and the Ames community.”

Tickets for Saturday’s performance are available at the door of the Ames City Auditorium (515 Clark Ave.) for $10 general admission and $5 for SITAR members and ISU students with ID. The performance starts at 7 p.m.