Professional Training & Cultural Exchange
Carlito Catalano's "Homeward" Journey
A Cross-Cultural Artistic Achievement
Carlito Catalano, a dedicated Bahamian dancer specializing in Odissi classical Indian dance, recently completed a transformative artistic journey with his performance at the University of Chicago's Logan Center. His three-part collaboration with Mandala Arts Chicago explored themes of slavery, migration, and civil rights through the powerful lens of cross-cultural dance.
The "Homeward" Production
"Homeward" began as a Zoom conversation about slavery, migration, and the civil rights movement's impact on the Immigration Act of 1965. Under the guidance of Kevin Iega Jeff, Former Artistic Director of Deeply Rooted Dance Company, this interdisciplinary production challenged Catalano to expand his artistic capacity both physically and mentally.
"It has been a wonderful experience working on Homeward with Mandala Arts Chicago and renowned choreographer Kevin Iega Jeff," Catalano reflected. "Being part of this production has allowed me to explore my ability and capacity as a dancer, not just physically, but mostly mentally, coming from an Indian classical background."
Three Transformative Phases
April 2025: Creative Foundation Catalano joined approximately a dozen dancers in a generative workshop that established the creative foundation for exploring themes of human migration, struggle, and historical trauma through movement.
July 2025: Community Connection Select dancers performed at Chicago's Dance in the Parks festival at Warren Park and Lincoln Park. "Being able to stage the work for the first time for an audience was an experience I wouldn't forget," Catalano shared. "The energy we felt as a collective was well received by those spectating."
September 2025: Artistic Culmination The final performance at the Logan Center represented the ultimate artistic achievement. "Over the course of one week we choreographed, rehearsed, refined, and presented a story of slavery, migration, and triumph over tribulation."
A Powerful Solo Performance
As part of the culminating performance, Catalano presented a solo piece that served as the physical manifestation of the cross-cultural concepts central to "Homeward." Drawing upon his mastery of Odissi classical dance techniques, his solo performance embodied the journey from displacement to resilience.
His performance translated complex historical and social themes through the precise movements and expressive storytelling inherent in Indian classical dance, creating a bridge between cultures and experiences.
Shirley Hall Bass Foundation Support
The Shirley Hall Bass Foundation has been instrumental in supporting Catalano's artistic journey. "Carlito's dedication to mastering Odissi dance, despite the geographical and cultural distances, exemplifies the transformative power of art," said Cristin Carole, who leads the Foundation.
This partnership exemplifies the Foundation's commitment to fostering cross-cultural artistic dialogue and supporting emerging artists who bridge diverse cultural traditions while addressing important social themes.
An Artist's Journey
Catalano's path began in his teenage years when he discovered Indian classical dance videos online. Through determination and technology, he taught himself the intricate movements and choreographies of Odissi and Bharatanatyam.
In 2019, his dedication led him to study with renowned dancer Bijayini Satpathy, who became his guru when training moved online during COVID-19. While maintaining a career in the insurance industry, he has continued to develop his artistry through formal education and residency programs.
He completed the Indian Classical Dance Educators' Professional Development course at UNC Charlotte in 2020 and was selected for the competitive Unrehearsed Artist Residency Program in 2023. Catalano has also made notable contributions to the local dance community through presentations at the Shirley Hall Bass Dance Educators Forum.