testimonials

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 I've had the privilege of witnessing CIPA's remarkable journey since my time here in Seattle (2019), and I'm honored to have been a part of this incredible organization. Their unwavering dedication to the Indian classical art form has been truly inspiring. From showcasing talented dancers in solo performances to pioneering innovative productions, CIPA has consistently pushed boundaries.
Their diverse initiatives demonstrate a deep respect for tradition while encouraging creativity. The Confluence dance festival and Percussive Arts festival have become pivotal events, bringing together artists and inspiring new works.

Personally, I've been fortunate to have CIPA as a platform to showcase my art, collaborate with fellow artists and I've seen firsthand the opportunities it provides for upcoming artists. The organization's commitment to nurturing talent and promoting artistic excellence has been a game-changer for many, including myself.

CIPA's collaborative spirit has created a vibrant community that celebrates innovation and creativity. I'm grateful for the experiences and connections I've made through CIPA, and I look forward to seeing the organization continue to thrive and inspire future generations of artists. 

 The CIPA Percussive Arts Festival in Fall 2024 was a groundbreaking celebration of rhythm, bringing together top musicians and diverse music genres from across Seattle. It was inspiring to witness how percussion became the common language, uniting artists and audiences in an unforgettable musical experience. A true testament to the power of rhythm in bridging cultures and communities!

 For the past eight years, CIPA has been a source of inspiration and growth for the dance community, providing a space for artists to learn, create, and refine their skills. With a strong commitment to artistic excellence, CIPA has supported dancers at every stage, giving them opportunities to perform, collaborate, and explore new ideas.

From solo showcases that highlight individual talent to large-scale productions that push creative boundaries, CIPA has continuously set new standards in dance. Each initiative is thoughtfully designed to honor tradition while encouraging fresh, original ideas.

CIPA is not just about performance—it is about bringing artists together to create unique compositions, share their passion, and grow as a community. Through unique productions like the Thaniavarthanam live-music performance, Shuddha Nrittam group presentation, and a special dance dedication to Patri Satish Sir’s composition, CIPA has redefined artistic expression. Events like Confluence and the Percussive Arts Festival have provided a platform for collaboration, inspiring dancers to think beyond boundaries and develop new perspectives.

CIPA is more than just a platform—it’s a movement that fosters creativity, unity, and a deep love for the art form. Here’s to many more years of passion, innovation, and artistic brilliance! 

 The Percussive Arts Festival celebrated the rich rhythmic traditions of South Indian music, bringing together diverse genres under one roof. This unique festival, dedicated to Indian percussion, showcased a remarkable variety of styles and instruments. With a mix of pure performances, insightful lecture demonstrations, and interactive audience engagements, it had something for everyone—enthusiasts, learners, and connoisseurs alike. I personally enjoyed the lecture demonstration by Lakshman Mahadevan that contrasted a couple of styles of Mridangam playing. The Paṟai Isai performance beautifully highlighted how rhythm serves as the heartbeat of both dance and culture. The larger event showcased several students and talents from the greater Seattle area. Overall, it was a remarkable effort in uniting the community and diverse musical genres through the shared language of rhythm." - Balaji Santhanam, the Joy of Music 

As a Bharatanatyam enthusiast, rasika, CIPA volunteer, and a member of Seattle’s Indian arts community, I have witnessed firsthand the immense impact the Chamber of Indian Performing Arts (CIPA) has had in fostering classical Indian performance traditions in the Pacific Northwest. CIPA is not just an organization, it is a movement that brings together artists, musicians, dancers, and the larger community to celebrate the richness of Indian performing arts.

CIPA has consistently delivered unique, high-caliber productions that blend tradition with innovation. Some of the standout performances that truly showcase their vision and excellence were “Drums and Bells” (2019) and the Percussive Arts Festival (2024).

“Drums and Bells” was the first of its kind production that seamlessly fused rhythm, melody, and movement. This production explored the intricate relationship between the musicality, percussion and the dance itself. As a Bharatanatyam dancer, it was so joyous to be a part of this show. It was not just an artistic endeavor but an educational experience, helping audiences appreciate the nuanced interplay between classical music and classical dance.

In 2024, and CIPA once again proved its commitment to pushing boundaries with the Percussion Festival. This event brought together an incredible lineup of percussionists from across Seattle and India, featuring both the traditional instruments like the mridangam, tabla, kanjira, thavil, alongside contemporary global percussion influences. The festival also featured a Shuddha Nrittam creating a mesmerizing dialogue between percussion and movement. 

Beyond these productions, CIPA has played a crucial role in promoting Indian performing arts in Seattle by featuring prominent artists and local artists consistently since its inception and through workshops and lecture demonstrations. 

CIPA has been instrumental in keeping the traditions of Indian performing arts alive while also innovating in ways that keeps the audience engaged and provides a learning opportunity. The organization not only provides opportunities to perform, but also collaborate, and grow artistically. As a volunteer, I have seen the passion and dedication that goes into every event. And as a community member, I am grateful for a space that nurtures artistic expression and fosters cultural appreciation.

I look forward to many more original productions that continue to inspire and educate audiences while pushing the boundaries of artistic excellence.

 I had the incredible honor of performing at the Chamber of India Performing Arts (CIPA) during their Summer 2024, and it was truly a memorable experience. CIPA’s dedication to preserving and promoting Indian classical arts in Seattle, WA is commendable, and the platform they provide for artists is both inspiring and invaluable.

Their commitment to not only showcasing established performers but also uplifting local artists is truly praiseworthy. By creating opportunities for talent to flourish, CIPA plays a crucial role in keeping the cultural heritage alive while nurturing the next generation of artists.

From the warm hospitality to the well-organized event, every aspect reflected their deep respect for traditional art forms. The audience was engaged, appreciative, and receptive, creating an enriching atmosphere for storytelling through Odissi. It was a joy to share the stage and bring to life the beauty and essence of this ancient dance form.

I sincerely thank CIPA for their efforts in nurturing the performing arts and for allowing me to be part of their artistic journey. I look forward to many more such enriching collaborations.

CIPA has been an invaluable pillar of support for the Bharatanatyam community in Seattle for the past eight years. I feel a deep sense of joy and fulfillment every time I have the opportunity to be a part of their events. From the opportunity to perform in solo showcases to being part of truly unique and thought-provoking projects, I have witnessed their dedication in elevating Bharatanatyam in Seattle. One of the highlights of my experience was performing in the live-music Thaniavarthanam production - Drums and Bells in 2019, which was an incredible opportunity for me to explore the rhythm and depth of the art form in an entirely new way. The Shuddha Nrittam group presentation for the Percussive Arts Festival in 2024 was another unforgettable moment where we had the unique opportunity to collaborate closely with mridangam artists. It was a profound exploration of translating the rhythm and sound of the mridangam through our feet and ghungroos.
What has stood out the most to me is the organization's consistent drive to push boundaries and challenge the dance community. These collaborations have truly deepened my connection to Bharatanatyam, allowing me to expand my creativity while remaining rooted in tradition. The chance to perform in honor of Patri Satish Sir’s exclusive composition holds a special place in my journey as an artist.

It’s been a privilege to be part CIPA and I am truly grateful for the opportunities it has provided to grow as an artist and collaborate with so many talented individuals. 

 CIPA has worked tirelessly over the past 8 years in bringing the Indian Classical Dancers' community of the Greater Seattle area and beyond together. CIPA is perhaps a unique initiative in areas spanning Washington State and beyond to have instituted a collective that regularly aims to showcase Indian Classical Dance in its authentic solo avatar, featuring as many soloists of the area as possible. CIPA's activities have ventured into featuring stellar initiatives of creative storytelling, and exploration of grammatical nuances - essential features of the Indian classical dance and music repertoire. I wish our CIPA family all the best. 

 Since its inception CIPA has been instrumental to growing and creating opportunities for dancers in the Seattle area. From being a platform for Soloists to organizing creative programs like thematic productions with live music, featuring new composers of both music and percussive arts, and organizing arts festivals - CIPA has been an invaluable asset to our budding community! With all the silos in our community, CIPA has also created a unique space for artists to connect and collaborate on work and I've really appreciated being a part of their programming over the years 

 CIPA, a Seattle-based organization, is dedicated to supporting local artists and providing them with opportunities to showcase their talent to the community. 

Last year, I had the privilege of performing under their banner. It was my first experience performing a full Margam for a one-hour slot in Seattle which gave me an opportunity to showcase my talent and allowed me to connect with other local artists. 
Additionally, CIPA continuously brings innovative programs to engage local audiences. Recently, I was honored to be a part of a day-long percussive arts festival organized by CIPA, which highlighted the vital role of percussion in various types of music. One of the segments showcased the interconnection between rhythms and Bharatanatyam, an intriguing concept that enabled us dancers to experiment with different beats and rhythms in our performances. 
What truly stands out about CIPA is their commitment to exclusively supporting local artists. This approach not only strengthens and expands our community but also offers migrant artists like myself a valuable platform to share our art. 
I am incredibly grateful to CIPA for this opportunity and highly recommend their programs to any local artist looking to grow and thrive within a supportive and inspiring environment.