A renowned Indian playwright, theatre director, and dramatist, Padma Shri Ratan Thiyam passed away recently, he was known for his innovative contributions to contemporary Indian theatre. Born in Manipur in 1948, he was a leading figure in the “theatre of roots” movement, which blends traditional Indian performance styles with modern themes. Thiyam was the founder […]Read More
Kruti Gandhi Sharda wins Tango championship for India A dancer shaped by tradition and transformed by emotion, Kruti Gandhi Sharda moves between worlds—Garba, Bharatanatyam, salsa, and now, Argentine Tango. Her journey is one of cultural fusion and fearless exploration. Earning third place for India at the prestigious Indonesia Tango Championship Preliminaries, she continues to grow […]Read More
Born in the sacred city of Kashi, the duo has artistry rooted in a rich lineage of classical music and dance, twin torchbearers of the Banaras Gharana of Kathak are duo Saurav and Gaurav Mishra. Trained under their uncle and Guru, Pandit Ravi Shankar Mishra, they embody both devotion and discipline. Their performances blend rhythmic […]Read More
In metro India, where is leisure time – of a nice walkthrough park – acres of well-kept greenery and elegant buildings? In the heart of Delhi, there’s the Lodhi Garden then there’s the Sundar Nursery. Bangalore has Cubbon Park and Lalbagh; Bombay has Hanging Gardens and Borivali National Park; Chennai, the beach and Kolkata, the […]Read More
Recently, I was invited to South Korea to be a part of the iconic Duo Dance Festival (DDF), a premier international duet dance festival, held annually. It’s organized by the Duo Dance Festival Steering Committee, often in collaboration with the Korea Dance Arts Center and local theaters in Daehak‑ro, Seoul. It features both emerging and […]Read More
An eminent Bharatanatyam exponent, choreographer, teacher, and curator whose contributions to Indian classical dance span decades is the charming Kalashri Dr. Lata Surendra. Known for her deep scholarship and spiritual approach to dance, she brings rare depth and intensity to every performance. Her productions often transcend the stage, becoming profound experiences that blend tradition with […]Read More
Roller-dancer based in New York City, Shoshanna Gleich is a multidisciplinary artist, actress, filmmaker. She began performing as a child, training in figure skating, acting, painting, and filmmaking. Her short film Dinner at JoJo’s won Best Film at NYU Tisch and attracted attention from independent producers. Despite facing significant challenges, including trauma, homelessness, and mental […]Read More
The world of Indian classical dance has lost a radiant star. Guru Mangala Bhatt, an acclaimed Kathak dancer and teacher, passed away recently, leaving behind an irreplaceable void in the cultural and artistic heart of our nation. Her passing has shocked and saddened not just the Kathak community but the larger world of Indian arts, […]Read More
Damaru har har baje goes the popular Shiva stuti. Summer is here but drummers are quiet! And everyone in most of the hot and happening North India or South, East or West wish they were in cooler climes. Only one metro – Bangalore is 25 degrees in June! – read my lips T.W.E.N.T.Y F.I.V.E! Landing […]Read More
At 89 years old, Sheena Gough still lifts her leg gracefully to the barre, effortlessly demonstrating the moves that have inspired generations of dancers. After 72 years of teaching ballet, Sheena is finally hanging up her ballet shoes. I spoke with the Grande Dame of Scottish ballet during her final class in Edinburgh to reflect […]Read More