The Mamata Shankar Ballet Troupe is an internationally-renowned 14-member performing group based in Calcutta. Formed in 1977, the group has toured extensively in the United States and performed in more than 20 countries.

The dance company's repertoire encompasses classical, folk and contemporary dances of India. Its style is based on the tradition of Uday Shankar, one of the great masters of Indian dance.

The chief choreographer of the ballet troupe is Mamata Shankar, daughter of Uday Shankar and niece of the sitar maestro, Pandit Ravi Shankar. In the past, Mamata Shankar, has also served as the troupe's lead dancer. She is also an accomplished actress, having played the heroine in Satyajit Ray's last three films, "Ganashatru" ("Enemy of the People"), "Shakha Prashakha" ("Branches and Twigs"), and "Agantuk" ("The Stranger").

More details on the Mamata Shankar Ballet Troupe can be obtained from their website: www.mamatashankar.org.

Venue Location:

Ballantyne Auditorium,
Kirkwood Community College,
Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Traveling Direction:

• From I-380, take exit 16 onto Hwy 30 East (Mt. Vernon).
• On 30 East, take the next exit, and off the ramp turn left on Kirkwood Boulevard.
• After a few stoplights, on the left side, take the second entrance (South entrance) to Kirkwood Community College. Veer left to get to Ballantyne Auditorium. Parking is free.
• Due to ongoing construction at the site, you may need to enter the building through Kirkwood Hall entrance, and follow a long hallway to get to the auditorium.

Ticket Information:

$15 (regular)
$10 (students)
$35 (VIP Ticket: see information below)

How to Purchase Tickets:

In Cedar Rapids:

Zeeshan International Groceries (447-4350)
Taj Mahal Restaurant (393-4500)
Jayeeta Sen (447-9101)
jayeeta.sen@wcom.com

In Iowa City:

India Cafe restaurant (354-2775)
Masala restaurant (338-6199)
Shashi Goel (354-7367)
afarooqi@cornell-iowa.edu

Availability:

Tickets available for purchase starting May 30.

Special Offer:

VIP Ticket ($35) includes preferred front-row seating, and catered dinner with the artists immediately after the concert. VIP tickets should be purchased by June 13.