This season, the Asian Dance and Music Program charts migrations and explores the connections of cultures through the traditions of music, dance theater, poetry and calligraphy. At the dawn of this new era, as ancient traditions are being renewed and global connections are being fostered, the Asian Dance and Music Program offers a strand to pull through the tapestry of Asia, weaving cross-cultural connections, ancient ritual, and contemporary performance. The entire Asian Dance and Music Season translates the old into the new; it is a window into the past, from the vista of the present, looking toward the future. As a new courtesy for our patrons, we are offering a 20% discount when tickets for three or more events in advance. Buy your tickets early and save!

Central to this year's season is the Tibetan Performing Arts Residency of Lama Ugyen Wangdi. This innovative six week residency will examine the mythology and biography of Guru Padmasambhava, the quasi-mythic lama, said to have brought the tantric tradition of Buddhism from India to Tibet. Students in the course will craft a script in Lhamo, the traditional dramatic form, depicting Guru Padmasambhava's life, bringing contemporary interpretation to ancient mythos. The residency will be offered at Hampshire College, EDH Room 2, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7 to 9pm from September 18 through October 27. For more information, call 413-577-2487.

Featured in this year's season are flute virtuoso Shashank and the Carnatic Music Ensemble. Prior to the performance, Professor Indira Peterson will give a talk on the tradition of Carnatic music. Other features include The Sound of Ecstasy and the Nectar of Enlightenment: Buddhist Song and Dance from Korea; Halau Hula Ka No'Eau Hawaiian Dance Company; Anatolia; Bugaku Japanese Court Dance; Angkor Dance Company; and Nataraj Dance Company.

In addition to the performing arts, the Asian Dance and Music Program will present the lecture series "Spirit and Soul: Dialogues with the Masters," including "Nayiak at the Moment of Conception" with Dr. Rahul Peter Das; "A Master's Stroke: The Art of Arabic Calligraphy" with Professor Khalil Barhoum; and "The Flow of Yin and Yang: Chinese Calligraphy" with Professor Zongwei Shen.

Check out the Asian Dance & Music series