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
Swapnasundari stands as a monumental figure in the realm of Indian classical dance, seamlessly blending the intricate rhythms of Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam with profound scholarly insight. Her journey from a young enthusiast in Chennai to a globally acclaimed artist is a testament to her dedication, research, and passion for the arts. In this comprehensive interview, […]Read More
The vibrant essence of Indian culture is making waves in Uzbekistan, where Indian classical dance, yoga, and the Hindi language are enjoying an unprecedented surge in popularity. At the heart of this cultural renaissance is the Lal Bahadur Shastri Centre for Indian Culture (LBSCIC) in Tashkent, a hub of creativity and learning that has become […]Read More
Ahmad Joudeh is a Syrian-Dutch ballet dancer and choreographer born in the Yarmouk refugee camp near Damascus. Growing up stateless, he pursued dance despite societal and familial opposition, studying at Syria’s Enana Dance Theatre and the Damascus Higher Institute for Dramatic Arts. In 2016, he moved to the Netherlands with support from the Dutch National […]Read More
India that is Bharat is so rich and diverse in its arts and crafts, that all of Europe and America put together may not have such diversity of forms, richness of tribal, folk, ritual content and continuity, historically. This is no sweeping statement but borne out of research. Google now helps even the uneducated to […]Read More
In the world of social media and 30-second reels, a wholesome approach to dance is rare. However, Sanjukta Wagh is an artist who believes that a dancer can become an artist and a performer only if they fully immerse themselves in the art. Sanjukta Wagh Wagh, an accomplished Kathak dancer, has established Beej to create […]Read More
If I mention iconic Bollywood numbers like Hari Om Hari from Pyaara Dushman (1980), Tu Mujhe Jaan Se Bhi Pyaara Hai from Wardaat (1981), or Rambha Ho Ho Ho from Armaan (1982), what comes to your mind? For me, these unforgettable item numbers of the 1980s instantly bring up images of one dazzling and electrifying performer […]Read More