Nritya Darpan Celebrats India in USA

The recent Nritya Darpan 2024, a spectacular one-day dance festival presented by the Indian Heritage and Cultural Association (IHCA-NJ) in collaboration with the Consulate General of India, New York, left the audience spellbound. Held at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), the festival was a grand showcase of Indian classical and contemporary dance forms. Nritya Darpan 2024 was a memorable celebration of dance, blending tradition with innovation and leaving audiences eager for more. I sat down with Dr  Ashok Chaudhary, Founder and President of IHCA-NJ, to delve into the festival’s vision, its impact, and the journey of Nritya Darpan, excerpts from the interview:

Dr  Ashok Chaudhary

Congratulations on another successful edition of Nritya Darpan. Can you tell us about the vision behind this festival and how it all started?
Thank you! The vision behind Nritya Darpan is to provide a platform for exceptionally talented local artists and dance groups to showcase their work. I founded the festival in 2022 with the aim of celebrating and promoting Indian dance forms in a way that integrates contemporary elements while staying true to classical roots. We wanted to create an event that highlights the rich heritage of Indian dance and allows for creative experimentation with fusion styles. The goal is to bridge traditional Indian dance with modern interpretations, giving artists the freedom to explore and express new ideas.

How do you select the artists and dance companies that participate?
The selection process is quite rigorous. We have a team of highly respected curators who review a large pool of entries from across the USA. Dr. Maya Kulkarni-Chheda, our festival curator, plays a crucial role in this process. She has an eye for exceptional talent and ensures that we have a mix of classical and contemporary pieces. Our Festival Advisor Ms. Karen Greenspan, who is well known New York based dance journalist also plays an extremely role in selection so does our Executive Team Members Ms. Nutan Dabholkar Kalamdani and Mr. Nitin Ashtekar. Our goal is to present a diverse line up that reflects the creativity and versatility of our performers while maintaining high artistic standards.

Can you tell us more about five extraordinary performing that took place this year?
This year 5 multi-talented US based dance companies, performed six high quality dance dramas, each telling a story with amazing and unique techniques and using various Indian classical dance forms and, fusion with tap dancing, I am thrilled to share that all our five performances were totally exceptional.
Shubhamani Chandrasekhar’s ‘Apsara’ was a captivating performance that truly embodied the essence of classical Indian dance. Set in the Bharatnatyam style, the piece highlighted the celestial beings known as Apsaras. Shubhamani’s portrayal of Rahasyam, Rupam, and Gunam—each representing different aspects of beauty, charm, and musical prowess—was both lively and engaging. The interaction with the audience and the vibrant choreography provided a fresh and dynamic interpretation of traditional themes.
Parul Shah’s ‘All That Lies’ was a powerful statement on reclaiming cultural identities and challenging colonial stereotypes. By blending Kathak and Contemporary styles, she addressed the historical context of Indian dance in America, particularly the impact of Western constructs. Her use of movement and text to critique and question these perceptions was thought-provoking. The audience responded with deep engagement, and the performance sparked meaningful conversations about cultural representation and the evolution of dance.
‘Taalam’ by Vikas Arun was a euphoric celebration of rhythm and cultural fusion. Vikas Arun and his company Project Convergence did a remarkable job blending Bharatnatyam with American tap dance. The performance illustrated how different cultural elements can harmonize beautifully, celebrating diversity through a shared love of rhythm. The seamless integration of these two styles was a visual metaphor for cultural synergy, and the audience’s enthusiastic response reflected the success of this fusion.
Bharathi Penneswaran’s performances were a delightful addition to the festival. Both ‘Chahiti’ and ‘Shadjam’ brought a playful and humorous touch to the classical Bharatanatyam form. ‘Chahiti’ depicted a young woman’s pursuit of her elusive lover, while ‘Shadjam’ explored flirtation and excitement among young women. These pieces showcased the versatility of Bharatanatyam, highlighting its ability to convey joy and humor while retaining its classical integrity. They added a refreshing and engaging dimension to the festival’s lineup.
Mesma Belsaré’s ‘Jatayu’ was a standout performance that truly moved the audience. The piece, choreographed by Dr. Maya Kulkarni in the ‘Shilpanatanam’ genre, explored the character of Jatayu from the Ramayana. Mesma’s portrayal of Jatayu’s devotion and valor was both powerful and poignant. Her performance captured the character’s strength and vulnerability, leaving many in the audience deeply touched. It was a testament to the expressive potential of dance and the ability of performers to connect emotionally with their audience.

How do you feel about the audience’s reaction to this year’s festival?
The audience’s reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. We have received wonderful feedback and many attendees expressed their admiration for the high quality of performances. Even the Consul General of India, who attended with his family, was thoroughly impressed despite his busy schedule. His praise for the festival’s quality and the performances was a great endorsement of our efforts. We aim to continue delivering exceptional experiences that celebrate and innovate within the realm of dance.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of Nritya Darpan?
Our aspirations are to continue growing the festival and expanding its reach. We want to keep promoting diverse and innovative works while staying true to our mission of celebrating Indian dance. Each year, we aim to bring fresh perspectives and new talents to the forefront. We also hope to attract a wider audience and further integrate Nritya Darpan into the cultural landscape of the tri-state area and beyond.

Sandip Soparrkar holds a doctorate in world mythology folklore from Pacific University USA, an honorary doctorate in performing arts from the National American University, He is a World Book Record holder,
a well-known Ballroom dancer and a Bollywood choreographer who has been honored with three
National Excellence awards, one National Achievement Award and Dada Saheb Phalke award
by the Government of India. He can be contacted on [email protected]