Energy, Power, Myth, Movement and Magic, that is the Tandav-Shiva! Having explored Shiva as the all-auspicious one, today as part of the 45 Days of Dance Stories, I wish to talk of the Tandav. Originating from the Sanskrit verb “Tand”- which means “to restore balance”, this word is a symbol for Lord Shiva himself and all associated activities of destruction and regeneration connected to … Continue reading Glorifying Tandav-Shiva!
When we talk of Bharatanatyam and the course of its journey from east to west there is only one women and her discipline and delight in this form of classical Indian Dance that truly complete that story, and that is none other than Balasaraswati. Born to one of the last musical families of the South of India, Bala’s historical import in the modern … Continue reading A Dance story for 29th November 2014 : Balsaraswati
The Oxford English Dictionary defines Kathak as : “A Type of Norther Indian Classical Dance, with alternating passages of mime and dancing.” For others, scholars and dancers alike, Kathak has been a symbol for many things, be it devotion, storytelling, symbiosis and synthesis or then emerging colonial and postcolonial identities. It’s intricate ties with Hindustani Music, the khayals, thumris, ghazals and bandishes, all weave the fabric … Continue reading Defining Kathak
The last two days have been a meditation on Sitara Devi, hence on Kathak. Her many performance on stage or then on celluloid for Films such as Baghban(1938), Roti(1942)and Mother India (1957) – Sitara Devi’s contribution to Kathak is one that has been well documented and is sprawling in its influence to inspire. True to her moniker – “Sitara” (which means Star in Hindi), she … Continue reading R.I.P. Sitara Devi (1919-2014)
As part of 45 Days Dance Stories, I’m still looking back at the body of work by the one and only Ruth St. Denis. she was one of the key proponents of Indian Dance and Hindu Philosophical thoughts through her meditatively choreographer pieces. Today I wish to share Ruth St. Denis’s depiction of the East Indian Nautch Dance, where the women is explorer and seductress, … Continue reading East Indian Nautch Dance : Ruth St. Denis
Over the next few days I want to celebrate the work and talent that was Ruth St. Denis, as part of the 45 Days of Dance Stories. Ruth St. Denis was not only applauded for her progressive choreography and the legacy of work she has left dancers world over, but for me it was her unique talent and insight that enabled her to bridge classical … Continue reading Incense by Ruth St. Denis
On this lazy sunday when winter has truly settled in, these are a few of my favourite quotes – lets Dance! Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion. Martha Graham “You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching, Love like you’ll never be hurt, Sing like there’s nobody listening, And live like it’s heaven on earth.” ― William … Continue reading A Few of my Favourite Quotes
There has been a constant echo in my mind today of the choices we make with our body. What we put in, how we dress, how we choose to interact with the outside world and the bridges we create between our internal voices and the outside objects. In between all this plotting and planning, maneuvering and repression, it is true what Jean-Luc Godard once said, … Continue reading Dance like your soul is watching
Delhi is a City that encourages transition, and one space within the City that has found itself re-inventing itself, based on the needs of its inhabitants is the area of Haus Khas. From a literal water-well, to a space of learning, to a creative hub. Haus Khas has had many versions. This is its centuries old journey compressed for easy consumption. Haus-Khas owes in equal … Continue reading Art Spaces in Delhi : Haus-Khas
One of my many favourite lines from this part philosophical, part prophecy, part exploration of cultures, religions and “then” contemporary society has to be “We think of the key, each in his prison thinking of the key, each confirms a prison.” As the poem meanders like a giant pregnant river, the knowledge explored and encased in its five sections : I. The Burial of the … Continue reading The Waste Land by T.S. Elliot
D's Art Takes 