Two of LA’s most creative dance ensembles will share the stage in an exciting convergence of ancient and enduring traditions from India and Hawai’i. Rigorously trained in movement, Indian mythology and the ancient epics, the acclaimed Shakti Dance Company under the artistic direction of Viji Prakash depicts the cosmos through bharatanatyam--the sacred Indian temple dance.

The award-winning performing halau (school), Halau Keali’i O Nalani offers work that honors Hawai’ian myths and legends of the gods and ancestors through the deeply expressive language of movement, chant and music in both the kahiko (ancient) and auana (contemporary) styles. Director Keali’i Ceballos is a nationally recognized kumu hula (master teacher) who learned the art from his mother, the renowned Cissylani Ceballos.

Together, the ensembles present sacred choreography created especially for the World Festival of Sacred Music.