GARBA GATHERING! Join us October 21 at 4:00 pm at High Concept Labs as we gather and celebrate the Fall. This event is free and open to the public!

Come dance Garba and Dandiya with us. All ages and experience levels welcome. Dress up, dress down, we don’t care. We are just excited to share space with each other!

This program is co-presented by Ishti Collective and High Concept Labs (HCL) in Joint Residency with the Monira Foundation at Mana Contemporary.

The Shades of Blue, all building open house programs are featured in conjunction with the South Asia Institute’s upcoming “Indigo: The Blue Gold” art exhibition by Shelly Jyoti which is focused on and is themed around the history associated with the blue dye derived from the indigo plant that has touched many communities across the world. Through this series of free performances and events, the South Asia Institute (SAI) looks to help highlight, educate, and celebrate the roots and journeys of Chicago blues music and jazz music, and South Asian performing arts and share the parallel stories of the color blue dye and Indigo plant’s own journey.

WHEN: Saturday, October 7, 2023, 2:00PM (Doors open at 1:30PM

WHERE: South Asian Institue : 1925 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60616

Here are the featured performers and film for the third edition of Shades of Blue.

Ishti Collective (Dance)

Kavita Shah's Cape Verde Blues Project (Music)

The Arab Blues with special guest Arun Visvanath on mridangam (Music)

Billy Branch & Saraswathi Ranganathan Duo (Music)

Join us for an evening of Kolum/Rangoli art workshop, dance performance and communal healing ritual. We reflect, honor and celebrate everyone who has returned to this earth with Returning Home III. 

Performances are FREE and for ALL ages! Bring your chairs, blankets, friends and family! 

Returning Home is a series of outdoor performances featuring works by Ishti Collective and collaborating guest artists. Audience members and artists come together, rediscovering ways to connect and share a special moment in time, creating and healing communally. This year, we share our in-development work “Antarabhava", exploring grieving and healing rituals, embracing impermanence and mortality. Featured collaborating artists for this series are Jasmine Mendoza and Solomon Bowser.

Ishti Collective's Returning Home is presented as part of the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks series, supported by the Mayor’s Office and Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Now in its 10th year, the 2023 Night Out in the Parks program presents cultural events year-round in neighborhood parks throughout the city. The Chicago Park District in partnership with over 100 local artists and organizations, present engaging events and performances that enhance quality of life across Chicago and amplify the artistic and cultural vibrancy in every
neighborhood.

Join us for an evening of Kolum/Rangoli art workshop, dance performance and communal healing ritual. We reflect, honor and celebrate everyone who has returned to this earth with Returning Home III. 

Performances are FREE and for ALL ages! Bring your chairs, blankets, friends and family! 

Returning Home is a series of outdoor performances featuring works by Ishti Collective and collaborating guest artists. Audience members and artists come together, rediscovering ways to connect and share a special moment in time, creating and healing communally. This year, we share our in-development work “Antarabhava", exploring grieving and healing rituals, embracing impermanence and mortality. Featured collaborating artists for this series are Jasmine Mendoza and Solomon Bowser.

Ishti Collective's Returning Home is presented as part of the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks series, supported by the Mayor’s Office and Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Now in its 10th year, the 2023 Night Out in the Parks program presents cultural events year-round in neighborhood parks throughout the city. The Chicago Park District in partnership with over 100 local artists and organizations, present engaging events and performances that enhance quality of life across Chicago and amplify the artistic and cultural vibrancy in every
neighborhood.

Join us for an evening of Kolum/Rangoli art workshop, dance performance and communal healing ritual. We reflect, honor and celebrate everyone who has returned to this earth with Returning Home III. 

Performances are FREE and for ALL ages! Bring your chairs, blankets, friends and family! 

Returning Home is a series of outdoor performances featuring works by Ishti Collective and collaborating guest artists. Audience members and artists come together, rediscovering ways to connect and share a special moment in time, creating and healing communally. This year, we share excerpts of our work, “Antarabhava", exploring grieving and healing rituals, embracing impermanence and mortality. Featured collaborating artists for this series are Jasmine Mendoza and Solomon Bowser.

Ishti Collective's Returning Home is presented as part of the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks series, supported by the Mayor’s Office and Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Now in its 10th year, the 2023 Night Out in the Parks program presents cultural events year-round in neighborhood parks throughout the city. The Chicago Park District in partnership with over 100 local artists and organizations, present engaging events and performances that enhance quality of life across Chicago and amplify the artistic and cultural vibrancy in every
neighborhood.

See an excerpt of Kinnari Vora’s production, Antarabhava which will be presented as part of Elevate Chicago Dance 2022 Festival’s Closing and Lab Artists Celebration!

Antarabhava is a meditation on mortality, the journey of consciousness and impermanence. What can we learn from our ancestors, nature, different religious, cultural and societal practices to bring acceptance, preparedness, and celebration to the death transition? What must we do to be at peace with ourselves so that we may live presently and die gracefully? We propose to initiate a dialogue about alternative ways of approaching aging, death, and end-of-life care in our society. 

The closing party for the Elevate Chicago Dance 2022 festival will include...

• Performance of “Antarabhava” (excerpt-in-progress) by 2022 Lab Artist, Kinnari Vora / Ishti Collective at 6:30PM

• Celebration of the soon-to-be-announced 2023 Lab Artists

• Festival Closing Dance Party with DJ

$15 TICKET includes reception with open bar. Click here to purchase tickets.

Venue is wheelchair accessible.

If you can’t make it, watch portions of the Festival Closing and Celebration of the 2023 Lab Artists LIVE on Twitch.

For more information including directions, program, and accessibility, please visit https://chicagodancemakers.org/show-item/oct-16-21c-museum-hotel-chicago/.

Save the date for Ishti Collective’s workshop and performance on September 18th, 2022. Workshop and performance times will be announced soon!

The Mayfair Arts Center presents a new, monthly performance and class series featuring dance and music with 6 FREE introductory classes and a collaborative, free and affordable performance

Three free classes from 1-1:50pm, three free classes from 2-2:50pm, informal performance from 3:30-4:30pm features 3-4 companies sharing the stage with a wide range of music and dance.

Register and Questions: https://www.chicagotap.org/mayfair-arts-center

Ishti Is back performing for Chicago’s Night Out in the Parks Event Series!

“Returning Home II” features live performances by Ishti Collective and various collaborating artists to honor and celebrate those who have returned to this earth which we consider our home. Audience will also be guided to co-create Rangoli designs.

This is a free event for all ages!

Ishti Is back performing for Chicago’s Night Out in the Parks Event Series!

“Returning Home II” features live performances by Ishti Collective and various collaborating artists to honor and celebrate those who have returned to this earth which we consider our home. Audience will also be guided to co-create Rangoli designs.

This is a free event for all ages!

Ishti Is back performing for Chicago’s Night Out in the Parks Event Series!

“Returning Home II” features live performances by Ishti Collective and various collaborating artists to honor and celebrate those who have returned to this earth which we consider our home. Audience will also be guided to co-create Rangoli designs.

This is a free event for all ages!

FREEDOM FESTIVAL DAY 02 - August, 14th 2022

Celebrating 75 Years of Independence with TWO days of very special music and dance performances. Presented in conjunction with the exhibition Unbearable Memories, Unspeakable Histories: The Partitition Anti-Memorial Project

Day 02 LINE UP

1PM: Zeshan B: Chicago-based, multi-instrumentalist soul, opera, gospel, and ghazal singer, who is also a songwriter and recording artist

2PM: DJ Ase Wonder: Chicago-based cultural producer, community organizer, interdisciplinary artist, and disc jockey (Opening and playing during intermissions) 

3PM: Ishti Collective: Chicago-based, classically trained, contemporary Indian dancers and choreographers.

4PM: Jina Brass Band Featuring Members of Funkadesi: Jina Brass Band, Chicago’s first Indian baraat dhol and brass band in their first collaboration with Chicago-based bhangra, Bollywood, folk, reggae, funk, and Afro-Caribbean band, Funkadesi.  

THIS IS A FREE EVENT - Registration is required!

ALSO CHECK OUT DAY 01 LINE UP - August 13th 2022

1PM DJ Spin Cycle: Ankur Malhotra: Delhi and Midwest-based record label owner and disc jockey (Playing during intermissions) 

2PM: Riyaaz Qawwali: USA-based, Pakistani Qawwali music ensemble

3PM: Soham Dance Space: Chicago-based dancer, choreographer, musician and teacher Anjal Chande creates, innovates and introspects through multidisciplinary dance.

4PM: Karsh Kale & Fareed Haque Project featuring special guests Priya Darshini, Max ZT with musicians Alex Austin on bass and Greg Fundis, on drums.

USA/India based percussionist, composer, DJ, producer, Karsh Kale collaborates with Pakistani Chilean Chicagoan, and noted jazz guitarist, composer, and music professor, Fareed Haque, noted jazz guitarist, composer, and music professor. Joined by special guests Grammy nominated vocalist Priya Darshini and dulcimer wizard and House of Waters band leader, Max ZT.

Join us for a FREE HCL Open Labs event the evening of Saturday, July 23, 2022

7:00 PM Sarmishtha Sarkar Workshop Presentation and Artist talk

8:00 PM Antarabhava: An Existence in Intervals Process Sharing

This program is co-presented by Ishti Collective and High Concept Labs (HCL) in Joint Residency with the Monira Foundation at Mana Contemporary. It is supported by the Chicago Dancemakers Forum Lab Artist Program and partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

While the event is free, registration is strongly encouraged. Register Here!

If you are an individual with a disability and need any accommodations to attend, please contact Kinnari Vora at kinnari@ishticollective.org.

This workshop will be guided by Ishti’s Artistic Co-chair, Tuli Bera. Bera began her classical ballet training at the age of 5 at Champaign Urbana Ballet Academy. She continued her dance training, receiving her BFA in Dance at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Since then she has continued teaching ballet at various dance studios throughout Chicago. Bera understands that Ballet can be an intimidating art form. Her goal in sharing her knowledge of this art form is to make it accessible to anyone who wishes to experience it.

Join us for a very beginner friendly workshop at Old Town School of Folk Music!

Workshop price: $25 ($23 for members)

Click here to register!

Prakriti II: We Are Here explores how we as individuals and as a collective, persist and move forward in the current polarized socio-political world. We are guided by hope and trust in humanity that we can do better; we deserve better than the anxiousness and rage caused by the divisiveness. Maybe we can find ways to channel our differences in a way that doesn’t destroy us. We recognize that it requires on-going work and there may not be one particular or any resolution. We look inwards to pause and heal, reach for grounding strength, listen and open our minds, shed our egos, bring brevity and find joy in little things and seek empathy and kindness.

Ishti is thrilled to share excerpts of Prakriti II as a site specific performance at the Nature Center at Indian Boundary Park. Prakriti I: A History of Present was initiated at Indian Boundary Park in 2018; four years later, the second installment emerges. This work is co-created by Tuli Bera and Kinnari Vora along with co-choreographers and performers Lauren Reed, Emily Loar and Ashaand Simone, music by Bob Garrett, costumes by Erika Ochoa and Kinnari Vora.

This is a FREE event! Be sure to check out all the other amazing artists and workshops happening during this festival. Click here for more information.

This presentation is partially supported by Tuli Bera’s Individual Artist Program Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events, as well as a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency through federal funds provided by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Prakriti II is an exploration of how we, as individuals and as a collective, sustain and move forward in the current socio-political polarized world. We are guided by hope and trust in humanity that we can do better; we deserve better than the anxiousness and rage caused by the divisiveness. Maybe we can find ways to channel these differences in a way that doesn't destroy us. We recognize that it requires on-going work and there may not be one particular or any resolution. We explore ways to pause and heal, reach for grounding strength, listen and open our minds, shed our egos, bring brevity and find joy in little things and seek empathy and kindness. 

Throughout the past 5 years, we have morphed and grown as artists, as a collective and more importantly with our creative collaborative process. This work is directed and choreographed by Tuli Bera and Kinnari Vora along with co-choreography by Ashaand Simone, Lauren Reed and Emily Loar. Music composed by Bob Garrett and costumes by Kinnari Vora and Erika Ochoa.

For more information click here. Save the date, ticket info coming soon!

This workshop will be guided by Ishti’s Artistic Co-chair, Tuli Bera. Bera began her classical ballet training at the age of 5 at Champaign Urbana Ballet Academy. She continued her dance training, receiving her BFA in Dance at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Since then she has continued teaching ballet at various dance studios throughout Chicago. Bera understands that Ballet can be an intimidating art form. Her goal in sharing her knowledge of this art form is to make it accessible to anyone who wishes to experience it.

Join us for a very beginner friendly workshop at Old Town School of Folk Music!

Workshop price: $25 ($23 for members)

Click here to register

Ishti has performed and taught folk dance at Chicago Summer dance, various Chicago Park Districts and CPS. This workshop will be guided by Ishti’s Artistic Co-chair Kinnari Vora. Kinnari grew up in Gujarat, India and learnt these folk forms as social practice before she joined a professional company where she was trained in dances from other regions of the country. Kinnari is thrilled to share the joy of these folk dances with the community.

Join us for this exciting 90-minute workshop at Old Town School of Folk Music

Workshop price: $25 ($23 for members)

Click here to register.

Join us for the first Ragdale In Chicago event. It will be an opportunity to learn more about Ragdale during their open application window which runs from March 1-May 15, 2022. There will also be a special performance from Ishti Collective .

7 pm-7:30 pm Learn about residency + fellowship opportunities at Ragdale
7:30 pm-8 pm Performance by Ishti Collective, featuring Ragdale alumna, Kinnari Vora
8 pm-8:30 pm cash bar cocktail reception and conversation with Ragdale staff and alumni

This event is free and open to the public. To register, click here.

Links Hall's COVID-19 Health & Safety Information:

Proof of vaccination OR a negative COVID-19 PCR test (taken within 72 hours of the event) is required for entrance to Links Hall. Please see our website for additional details about these policies, and ongoing health and safety measures.

Visitors, staff, and artists are still expected to wear masks at all times in public spaces, or when two or more people are gathered.

Learn more about Ragdale here.

Free public program, presented by ComEd!

Join us for the celebration of Holi at Navy Pier, a part of the Global Connections series presented by ComEd, on Saturday, March 19 from 1pm-5pm.

This FREE event, sponsored in part by the Delhi Committee of Chicago Sister Cities, will feature live music, dance and educational programming in the Aon Grand Ballroom, along with the iconic powder throwing and DJs outdoors at Navy Pier’s Beer Garden from 1pm-4pm.

Powder will be available for purchase on-site while supplies last! Enjoy food from Bombay Wraps in the Aon Grand Ballroom as well as beverages that will be available for purchase in multiple locations throughout the event.

• Introduction by Ravi Baichwal from ABC7 News

• Master of Ceremonies – Rahul Sharma from Funkadesi

Performances by:

Funkadesi

Surabhi Ensemble

DJ Krush & DJ Jeet

Natya Dance Theater

Bollywood Groove

Meher Dance Company

Ishti Collective - Performing at 3PM!

Mandala Arts

Chitrahar Cultural Academy

“Returning Home” is a series of drive-in/walk-in performances featuring works by Ishti Collective and various collaborating artists. Audience members and artists will come together in person, rediscovering new and safe ways to connect and share a special moment in time, celebrating the joy of creating and connecting with one another.

In accordance with Be Safe Chicago Guidelines for Parks and Recreation Activities, participants in this activity will be required to wear a mask and practice social distancing at all times while participating. Patrons who are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to stay home and join us for an event when symptoms subside.

Location:

Fosco (Peter) Park

1312 S. Racine Ave
Chicago, IL 60608

This is a free event for all ages!

“Returning Home” is a series of drive-in/walk-in performances featuring works by Ishti Collective and various collaborating artists. Audience members and artists will come together in person, rediscovering new and safe ways to connect and share a special moment in time, celebrating the joy of creating and connecting with one another.

In accordance with Be Safe Chicago Guidelines for Parks and Recreation Activities, participants in this activity will be required to wear a mask and practice social distancing at all times while participating. Patrons who are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to stay home and join us for an event when symptoms subside.

Location:

Gompers (Samuel) Park

4222 W. Foster Ave.
Chicago, IL 60630

This is a free event!

Join us as we close out Chicago Dance Month with a Scavenger Hunt!

Audiences take a self-guided tour through the historic McKinley Park with site-specific performances happening throughout the park. Featuring performances by Bellydance by Phaedra, Dancing Petals, Helen Lee/Momentum Sensorium, Ishti Collective, Lawson Dance Theatre, Noumenon Dance Ensemble, Raks Inferno, RE|dance group, Synapse Arts, Yin He Dance and more.

McKinley Park, 2210 W. Pershing Rd.
Wednesday, June 9 and Wednesday, June 30 • 4:30–6 p.m.

Ishti is honored to be a part of heARTseva COVID Relief Fundraiser.

A virtual event featuring artists from across the globe offering performances of dance, music and more, as we raise awareness and funds for 3 amazing organizations working in India to provide critical aid to the many in need. 

All donations will be made to Noorani Dance (501c3 non profit tax id# 83-3468481) of which 100% of the proceeds will be evenly distributed to the following organizations: 

Home of Hope, Inc
Indian Muslim Relief & Charities
Khalsa Aid

Join us and support as we offer seva through the arts.

Register and donate here

Chicago Takes 10 is a new virtual performance series sponsored by the Walder Foundation to provide support to performing artists and arts organizations who have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ishti Collective will be sharing an excerpt of Prakriti: A History of the Present on April 29th 6PM CST. The full performance will feature 10 Chicago based artists curated by Pivot Arts.

Featured artists:
Jenn Freeman (Po’Chop)
Irene Hsiao
Danielle Ross
Ishti Collective
Antwon Funches
Ashwaty Chennat & Alvin Cobb, Jr.
Aaliyah Christina

BAAD! showcases yet another group of talented womxn choreographers for its BAAD!ASS Women Dance Compilation Concert, with this unique virtual LIVE offering: 4 choreographers will present live from BAAD! and 4 will present their works remotely. 

Whether live or remote, the spirit and celebration of dance comes alive with performances from Surya Swilley, Anabella Lenzu, Angelica Mondol Viaña, Nulu-danza, Ishti Collective, Tamara Williams, Kayla Farrish, and Sara Pizzi!

See Tuli Bera and Kinnari Vora at Links Hall’s THAW!

Links Hall is proud to present THAW 2021: ABUNDANCE, our annual fundraiser and celebration of the performing arts community, on Monday, February 8, 2021. In previous iterations the singular event has drawn hundreds of live arts supporters and makers to revel in one of Chicago’s largest cross-disciplinary art parties. THAW 2021 captures that surprising, electrifying spirit through dance, music, puppetry, installation, and more. With both pre-recorded and live performances from Links Hall and off-site locations, join us in celebrating Chicago's imagination, joy, generosity, and our collective ABUNDANCE.

Visit http://bit.ly/THAW2021 to register! Donations are encouraged.

THAW Abundance is produced by a multi-disciplinary creative team, led by Co-Directors Erin Kilmurray and Giau Truong. The event will be Emceed by Alex Grelle and Jyldo, with Noah Ginex Puppet Company joining as Guest Host. Eleanor Kahn will design and build THAW installations that are woven into the virtual event. The full creative team also includes Giau Truong (Technical Direction and Cinematography), Jacob Snodgrass (Lighting Design), and Paul Scudder and Vin Reed (Production Associates). Featured artists will soon be announced.

THAW Abundance is made possible by generous support from Event Sponsors Ginger Farley & Bob Shapiro; Robert R. McCormick Foundation; and the THAW Abundance Host Committee: Mike Anestor, Cheryl Lynn Bruce & Kerry James Marshall, Julie Hobert, Maggie Kast, Trevor Martin & Parker Benton, Dina Merrell & Tim Hartford, Anna Minkov & Samuel Burick, and Christy Uchida. (To discuss joining the Host Committee, please contact THAW Chair Mike Anestor at THAW@linkshall.org).