Melissa Dittmann

Melissa Dittmann

Major: Intercultural Arts Programming and Performance

“A true understanding of other art forms and the cultures of their origins comes much more clearly with first-hand participation,” says Melissa Dittmann.

Melissa studied traditional Indian arts at Vijnana Kala Vedi, a cultural school located near the southwest tip of India, during the winter of 2005-06. There she took classes in kathakali, a form of South Indian dance-drama which features tales drawn from the great Hindu epics, the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

One of the unique features of kathakali is its elaborate makeup, as Melissa demonstrates here. Heroic characters have predominantly green faces symbolizing nobility and piety.

“The arts can be a powerful tool in building bridges between people of disparate backgrounds — a way to promote intercultural dialogue, understanding, and peace,” says Melissa. “My goal is not only to act as a coordinator for this type of programming, but to be a participant and performer as well.”

The Individualized Major Program gives you the freedom to create a multidisciplinary major that addresses issues and explores topics of your own choosing. The ability to select major courses from Indiana University's many schools and departments puts you in charge of your education in ways that conventional majors don't allow. As a student in the IMP you'll have the opportunity, rare in an institution of IU's size, to develop a close working relationship with one or more faculty sponsors who will guide you throughout your academic career. And, when you graduate, you'll have the distinction of having pursued a personalized course of study. Learn more about the IMP.


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