Category: Dance

Dance

Ambali  Praharaj’s Lifelong Tryst With Dance

BY RUCHIRA GHOSH I first encountered danseuse Ambali Praharaj last year (2024) in “Echoes of Narcissus,” a production by Delhi’s Nirvana Dance Academy. Based on the Greek legend, the performance featured Ambali as Liriope, mother of the beautiful protagonist. Her lithe, graceful movements and expressive portrayal of love, anxiety, and suffering were captivating. Later, over coffee on a chilly November morning, she spoke passionately about … Continue reading Ambali  Praharaj’s Lifelong Tryst With Dance

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Dance

Swayam Prakasha Kirana: When Tantra Meets Kathak

BY RUCHIRA GHOSH A Dance-Theatre Recital Like No Other The other day, I received an invitation to an unconventional—perhaps even quaint—dance-theatre recital. The theme was remarkable, certainly off the beaten track. Titled Swayam Prakasha Kirana (lit. “the light of self-manifestation”), the presentation draws inspiration from the profound philosophy of the Dasha Mahavidya Tantra. This subject is highly complex, intensely philosophical, and deeply psychological, which is why few dare … Continue reading Swayam Prakasha Kirana: When Tantra Meets Kathak

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Dance

The  Lovely Danseuse for Whom Kuchipudi is Life

BY RUCHIRA GHOSH From the remote suburbs of Liluah near Kolkata to the national capital, Kuchipudi danseuse Ayana Mukherji has indeed come a long way. She works as a dance consultant with premier schools in and around the national capital. In her words, “Creating curriculum, capacity development of teachers, creating new methodology to teach classical dance in schools…” Besides regular public performances, she teaches dance … Continue reading The  Lovely Danseuse for Whom Kuchipudi is Life

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Dance

A Passionate Exponent of Manipuri Dance

BY RUCHIRA GHOSH Dance is an integral part of human life, no matter which part of the globe we may be in. Dance infuses rhythm, discipline, and harmony into our lives. Moreover, its entertainment and recreational value is immeasurable. Here is a sequel to the article on Indian classical dances published a few weeks earlier. Dr. Yumlembam Bidyananda is an exponent of the Manipuri style … Continue reading A Passionate Exponent of Manipuri Dance

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Dance

Passionate Romance with Indian Classical Dances

BY RUCHIRA GHOSH Indian classical dances are highly venerated by cultural aficionados and the general public worldwide. The legendary dancers of yesteryears have left the limelight behind them, “yielding place to new.” Their progeny and outstanding disciples are striding forward to showcase their talent, more importantly, to uphold and sustain the sacred traditions bequeathed to them by their mentors. Here we portray two contemporary dancers, … Continue reading Passionate Romance with Indian Classical Dances

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