Name: HOUSE CONCERT
Start: 2024-11-10T16:00:00-05:00
End: 2024-11-10T17:30:00-05:00
Location: The Jones Center

Indian and Marshallese Dance Converge: Athira Omanakuttan and Arlynda Jonas

Over the years, the Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation House Concerts have become an opportunity to explore the intersection of Indian classical music and dance with contemporary, Western forms of those arts. Last year we explored the junction of Carnatic and Ozark Music. This November, we continue our exploration by presenting a unique and captivating performance that combines the intricate Mohiniyattam dance of Athira Omanakuttan with the rich Marshallese dance of Arlynda Jonas.
House Concerts are a unique opportunity for YOU to participate and engage directly with some of the finest local musicians and dancers from all genres in collaboration with those native to India. Performances and lectures are followed by open discussion and a free-flowing exchange of ideas and viewpoints, making these events uniquely fun and informative.

This year we proudly add The Jones Center to our growing list of artistic partnerships. The Jones Centre will host Athira Omanakuttan and Arlynda Jonas in this year’s stellar House Concert on Sunday, November 10, 2024. Be sure to reserve your tickets .NOW for this uniquely entertaining dance experience!
The Performers
Dr. Athira Omanakuttan
Dr. Athira Omanakuttan, a Bentonville based Mohiniyattam artist. Athira started learning dance at a very young age. Athira has been trained in Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam, and Kuchipudi from prominent gurus for 18 years, including Kalamandalm Satyabhama Jr. . Athira has performed in several prestigious festivals in Kerala. She has secured first prize in the school and college-level dance competitions, including the state school and college youth festivals. She has a doctorate in Biotechnology. She moved to Bentonville in 2017 and performed in several programs as a part of the Team Daffodils, a dance group of moms. Currently, she is pursuing her passion for Mohiniyattam by teaching at her dance school, Laasya.
Arlynda Jonas
Practitioner of Pacific Island Dances
Born in the Marshall Islands, I am of both Marshallese and Kosraean heritage. My journey with Pacific Island dances began at age 8, and in 2011, I honed my skills at an arts school in Kansas City. Since moving to Northwest Arkansas in 2014, I have led a hula ministry and offered private lessons. I currently lead "Ocean Wave," a group based at the Jones Center in Springdale, Arkansas. We perform across NWA, focusing on the exploration and education of Pacific Island dances. Our mission is to preserve cultural traditions and empower youth through this unique art form.
"Where Indian and Marshallese Dance Converge: Athira Omanakuttan & Arlynda Jonas"
Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation House Concert
Venue Partner: The Jones Center
Sunday, November 10, 2024
3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
“The Chapel”
The Jones Center,
922 East Emma Avenue,
Springdale, AR 72764.
Tickets: FREE and open to the public.