Business Provides Services for Enrichment

Priya Narthakii started her Indian classical dancing career at the age of just two and a half. After giving over 350 performances as both a soloist and as a principle dancer in the Natya Priya Dance Academy ensemble, she decided to step away from it all to focus on her corporate career.

After the birth of her son, she decided to return to the arts.

“One and a half years ago, I left my corporate life behind and revived my dedication to the arts, while searching for a deeper connection to the human spirit,” Narthakii said in an email.

Narthakii started Muvements Media & Arts in Huntley to provide services for those of any age that are looking to enrich their lives through dance, yoga, education and renewal workshops.

Some of the workshops include "Dance Mudras to Boost Health, Yogic Cooking for Spunk, Mantras for a Deeper Yoga Practice and many others,” Narthakii said.

Narthakii also has put together a stunning dance performance, entitled Mystic Legends, which is an Indian dance tribute to the Wisdom of the Ancients. It premieres Sunday, July 29 at 6 p.m. as a fundraiser benefitting the organization UPS for Downs.

“After this event, I want people to go home feeling renewed, not only from having contributed to performing arts opportunities for the Down syndrome community, but also from having shared an experience of journeying around the world together,” Narthakii said in an email.

A portion of every ticket sold will be donated to UPS for Downs, while the rest of the money will be put towards future events.

“I feel so fortunate to have partnered with an organization like UPS for Downs who is a parent-directed non-profit group offering support, education, and encouragement for parents, families and others who love and care about persons with Down syndrome and who inspire community acceptance by sharing with others the presence, potential and abilities of people with Down syndrome,” Narthakii said in an email.

Mystic Legends is part of the Mudra Project, and will be a three-act performance lasting approximately 100 minutes. It will be performed at the Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center in Palatine, 150 E. Wood Street. Ticket prices range from $20 to $95 for adults, $12 for children aged four to 12 and $2 for children three and under.

Purchase tickets online at the Cutting Hall website.

In act one of the show, Narthakii performs alone.

“I will be performing a solo dance presentation, in the classical south Indian dance style known as Bharathanatyam,” Narthakii said in an email. “The dance is performed barefoot, with vigorous and brisk movements and with intense expression used to tell colorful stories about the Hindu pantheon. This Act will also feature my brother and guest artist Sumanth Suresh, who has Down syndrome, [who] will be providing Indian percussion accompaniment on the tabla.”

Act two showcases AcroYoga by guest artists Wendy Dahl and Adam Braun. Act three features another solo performance by Narthakii.

“Overall, it is a multi-media theater event that will takes you on a journey around the world to experience stories that are steeped in the mystery and magic of the human spirit,” Narthakii said in an email.

The show also highlights carefully selected music, custom-made masks and colorful costumes to entertain audience members of any age.

“This project is really about harmony,” Narthakii said in an email. “The simplest way I know how to share harmony is through vibrant and soulful dance. ”

For more information on Narthakii’s company or to book workshops or special events, visit the Muvements Media & Arts website, email transform@muvements.com or call (312) 741-3969.