BHAVAN 50
PERFORMANCES
COLLABORATIONS
FESTIVALS
ARTISTS
Immerse in plethora of art showcasing the bets of artists across Indian classical Arts
STUDENTS
Learn from some of the senior most Gurus.
YOUTH
Indulge your creativity with workshops and events
AUDIENCE
Celebrate with us with performances, art exhibitions, and workshops tailored to suit various tastes.
BHAVAN 50 EVENTS
BOOKINGS OPEN
Dr. Sastry Memorial Lecture Series - 'The beauty of Sanskrit' by Diwakar Acharya
Join us for our annual Dr. Sastry Memorial Lecture Series. This year, we are delighted to present a lecture on 'The Beauty of Sanskrit' by Diwakar Acharya.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER - Diwakar Acharya, a fellow of All Souls College, is the Spalding Professor of Eastern Religions and Ethics at University of Oxford. He is also the chief editor of Journal of Indian Philosophy. He is an expert on Indian religions and philosophies, and Sanskrit literature. He has discovered rare Sanskrit and Prakrit texts from Nepalese manuscript archives, and published widely on topics which extend from the early Upaniṣads to philosophical systems, from early inscriptions to pre-modern documents, and from poetry to ritual manuals.
THE BEAUTY OF SANSKRIT
Sanskrit is important for the understanding of India and Indians and their relations with other civilisations in Asia and beyond. It is beautiful in multiple ways. It allows artistic compositions with layers of meanings. It is a metalanguage, a language of languages, that is used for the analysis of Indic languages including Pali, Prakrit, Marathi and Dravidian languages and also of Classical European languages.
However, Sanskrit is not just a language; it stands for a corpus of all kinds of texts of various knowledge systems. Sanskrit beautifully bridges not only North and South India but also Indian and Chinese cultures and unites people across the Himalayas and across the oceans.
Therefore, to understand ourselves, our cultural selves, our minds and hearts, and the grounds of ethical judgement, we should heed to Sanskrit texts.
This talk will reflect on these and other aspects of the beauty and purpose of Sanskrit language and literature, and the culture it conveys.
KALAIMAMANI BALA DEVI CHANDRASHEKAR PRESENTS -
'PADMAVATI - AN AVATAR'
Renowned artist Bala Devi Chandrashekar presents a stunning dance drama; an immortal classic from Gita Govindam by poet Jayadeva. This production gives us a glimpse into the character of Padmavati, the divine consort of Lord Venkateshwara.
"Where Dance meets poetry, this production is a beautiful lyrical dance-drama laced with romance"
- Indian Express
"Where Dance meets poetry, this production is a beautiful lyrical dance-drama laced with romance"
- Indian Express
BHAVAN'S CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS AND TRIBUTE TO DR. JOHN MARR &
MRS. WENDY MARR
Join us for our annual Christmas celebrations at The Bhavan.
Along with the Christmas celebrations, we will be paying tributes to one of the most respected couple - Dr. John Marr and Mrs. Wendy Marr.
Dr John Marr was associated with the Bhavan for over 40 years, and served as the Bhavan's former vice chair.
Bhavan students will present carols, trained under James Marr. This will be followed by short dance performances.
The event will be followed by snacks.
Along with the Christmas celebrations, we will be paying tributes to one of the most respected couple - Dr. John Marr and Mrs. Wendy Marr.
Dr John Marr was associated with the Bhavan for over 40 years, and served as the Bhavan's former vice chair.
Bhavan students will present carols, trained under James Marr. This will be followed by short dance performances.
The event will be followed by snacks.
2023 EVENTS
THE BHAVAN'S FOUNDERS DAY 2023
The Bhavan is proud to host its annual celebration of students’ talents in a weekend extravaganza of performances. All the dance, music and language departments will showcase their art. Join us in this visual and artistic treat as we applaud, appreciate and encourage our students and teachers for their dedication towards their art.
FEBRUARY 2023
SPECIAL LECTURE OF DANCE SCULPTURES AND TEMPLES OF INDIA
Dr. K Sivakumar presents a special lecture on the temples of India which are known for their sculptures of dance including Brihadeeshwara temple and the famous Chidambaram.
The art of Bharatanatyam began in the temples and continued in the kingly courts before finally moving to the present-day auditoriums we see.
The art of Bharatanatyam began in the temples and continued in the kingly courts before finally moving to the present-day auditoriums we see.
This lecture is designed to echo the dance performance following.
It will throw light on the history of the sculptures, the movement/poses depicted in them, and the sculptures of music and instruments, concluding with a brief insight into the Natyashastra.
It will throw light on the history of the sculptures, the movement/poses depicted in them, and the sculptures of music and instruments, concluding with a brief insight into the Natyashastra.
DIVYA KASTURI PRESENTS ‘VARNAM’ - THE MYRIAD SHADES
A classical Bharatanatyam dance concert with live musicians.
Fresh from her critically acclaimed work
“To Varnam…with love” - that has toured nationally in the UK recently, Divya brings a classical version to the Bhavan stage that she will ascend after more than a decade.
“To Varnam…with love” - that has toured nationally in the UK recently, Divya brings a classical version to the Bhavan stage that she will ascend after more than a decade.
A means to invoke and cherish the generosity of her esteemed Gurus, Divya presents this special Dance Offering as an ode to Tradition, Lineage, Ancestry and Guru-Parampara.
Divya is being supported by a team of ace-musicians consisting of Sri Mavin Khoo (Nattuvangam) Sri Vamshikrishna Vishnudas (Vocal), Sri M. Balachander (Mridangam) and Sri Vijay Venkat (Flute).
TRIBUTE TO LATA MANGESHKAR BY POOJA ANGRA AND KARAN RANA
Brother Sister duo Pooja and Karan return to the Bhavan to pay tribute to the Nightingale of India - Swar Kokila Lata Mangeshkar. They will be performing timeless melodies spanning various genres from Lata Mangeshkar's repertoire.
THE BHAVAN PRESENTS - TRIVENI – 3 DAYS OF TRIPLE BILLS | DAY 1
The Bhavan Youth Festival of Indian Classical Dance and Music
The Bhavan announces the first edition of a spectacular festival celebrating young talents nurturing their art forms at The Bhavan. Join us to watch the future torch bearers of Indian Classical Arts in the UK
DAY 1 | Feb11 – Featuring senior disciples of Hindustani vocal, Sitar, and Tabla
HINDUSTANI VOCAL - Chiraag Agarwal, Gaurav Uniyal, Shayonima Ghosh, Pramodini V Nayak. Trained by resident Guru Smt. Chandrima Misra
HINDUSTANI VOCAL - Chiraag Agarwal, Gaurav Uniyal, Shayonima Ghosh, Pramodini V Nayak. Trained by resident Guru Smt. Chandrima Misra
SITAR – Sujaya Matthews, Sani Chawla, Naveen Kaiser, Caroline Macedo Guandalin. Trained by resident Guru Sri Sanjay Guha
TABLA – Dhanraj, Deeptarka, Soumyaraj, Madhavi, Gobind, Akshay, Neil, Siddhant, Aadit, Amey, Ameya, Manav. Trained by resident Guru Pt. Rajkumar Misra
THE BHAVAN PRESENTS - TRIVENI – 3 DAYS OF TRIPLE BILLS | DAY 2
The Bhavan Youth Festival of Indian Classical Dance and Music
The Bhavan announces the first edition of a spectacular festival celebrating young talents nurturing their art forms at The Bhavan. Join us to watch the future torch bearers of Indian Classical Arts in the UK
DAY 2 | Feb 12 – Featuring senior disciples of Karnatic vocal, Veena, Karnatic violin
KARNATIC VOCAL – Srividhya Srinivasan, Balahari Balatkumar, Malathi Anton, Niharika Dasaka, Lakshmi Nair, and Sreeya Daruri
Trained by resident Guru Sri Sampath Kumarachary Daruri
Mridangam - Aniyanth Kannan
Mridangam - Aniyanth Kannan
VEENA – Shangary Rajendran, Pairaviy Rajendran, Shaaruka Vasudevan, Roshani Kulendran. Trained by resident Veena Teacher Shangary Rajendran
Mridangam - Thayaparan Thanapalan
Mridangam - Thayaparan Thanapalan
KARNATIC VIOLIN - Rachanna Chittari, Rohit Bharadwaj Chivukula, Sharanya Ghanti, Aditi Shri Prabhu , Rohith Vikram Prabhu, Agastya Iyer.
Trained by resident Guru Sri Balu Raguraman
Mridangam - Ramanath Iyer Vaidyanathan
Trained by resident Guru Sri Balu Raguraman
Mridangam - Ramanath Iyer Vaidyanathan
THE BHAVAN PRESENTS - TRIVENI – 3 DAYS OF TRIPLE BILLS | DAY 3
The Bhavan Youth Festival of Indian Classical Dance and Music
The Bhavan announces the first edition of a spectacular festival celebrating young talents nurturing their art forms at The Bhavan. Join us to watch the future torch bearers of Indian Classical Arts in the UK
DAY 3 | Feb 19 – Featuring senior disciples of Odissi, Kathak, Bharatanatyam
ODISSI – Richi Mohanty, Ashvini Ojha (Keshavan), Katrina Rute. Trained by resident Guru Katrina Rute.
KATHAK – Kiran Krishna, Anagha Mainkair, Amun Bhachu and Abhinav Mishra. Trained by resident teachers Amun Bhachu and Abhinav Mishra
BHARATANATYAM – Lakshaajeni Thevapalan, Thivahene Thevapalan, Roshani Kulendran. Trained by resident Guru Sri Prakash Yadagudde
THE BHAVAN CELEBRATES SHIVARATRI
The Bhavan welcomes you to our annual Shivaratri puja celebrations. Join us for Vedic Puja, chanting, and music and dance performances by the Bhavan students. Prasad will be served in the form of dinner.
Event sponsored by Smt. Pratibha Sharma and family.
WORKSHOP IN GLOBAL MUSIC : TOOLS FOR EDUCATION - Voice, Body Percussion, Saxophone, Bass, Guitar, Drums
The featured artists have been at the forefront of innovative new curricula for western and non-western
GLOBAL MUSIC
Modal String Techniques with Martin Lillich – Bass and Alexey Wagner - Guitar
music forms.
Participatory workshops create an opportunity for students to learn this looks at different musical styles and genres which are normally specific to a particular country or region, and create an interactive and flexible learning environment which will be suitable for students of all genres to improve their niche.
GLOBAL MUSIC
Modal String Techniques with Martin Lillich – Bass and Alexey Wagner - Guitar
This workshop will look at finger technique and hand positions based on dividing the modes into their constituent tetrachords. It will also contain exercises to develop control, fluency and flexibility when playing in a specific mode. There will also be exercises to develop control, fluency and flexibility in the pluck hand. Open to all string players.
Applying Modal Harmony to Carnatic Modes – In this interactive workshop members of the band will demonstrate how they approached the different modes used in the Carnatic Comfort Zone repertoire and what solutions they found to develop the compositions using both modal and functional harmony. Participants will also be able to experiment themselves, - Both singers and Instrumentalists are welcome. A workshop suitable for all ages who are interested and curious about learning.
ARTISTS:
ARTISTS:
Manickam Yogeswaran - Voice
Professor Dietrich Wöhrlin - Drums, body percussion
William Ramsay - Saxophone
Alexey Wagner - Guitar
Martin Lillich - Bass
(Scroll down for the second workshop details)
image credit - Max Hartung
(Scroll down for the second workshop details)
image credit - Max Hartung
WORKSHOP IN GLOBAL MUSIC : TOOLS FOR EDUCATION - Rhythmic Independence with Professor Dietrich Woehrlin
Rhythm can easily be experienced, internalised and re-created using the body. Body percussion is a practical way to learn and maintain rhythmic security. It allows the exploration of different rhythms without the need for instruments or written music.
The body is the instrument. In body percussion we stamp with our feet, drum on the body, recite rhythmic (Sol-kattu) syllables, snap our fingers and sing. Body Percussion can be used for basic and advanced rhythmic training but it also helps you to experience and understand polyrhythms. It is fun to do in a group but you can also practice alone.
image credit - Max Hartung
image credit - Max Hartung
SITAR CONCERT BY
SMT. PUNITA GUPTA AND STUDENTS
Smt. Punita Gupta and her students present a special Sitar concert celebrating 50 years of her career as a Sitar player.
A senior disciple of Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar, Smt. Punita Gupta is a renowned name in the field of Sitar.
Tabla accompaniment : Udit Pankhania and Hevylen Seenan
A senior disciple of Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar, Smt. Punita Gupta is a renowned name in the field of Sitar.
Tabla accompaniment : Udit Pankhania and Hevylen Seenan
Mridangam : M Balachandar
THE CARNATIC COMFORT ZONE: Music Concert
The Berlin based German-Sri Lankan group, Carnatic Comfort Zone is led by the charismatic Sri Lankan singer and composer Manickam Yogeswaran. The Comfort Zone explores South Asian music traditions through Yogeswaran’s music, which combines poetry of Rabindranath Tagore and compositions based on the ancient Thirrukural, Thiruppugal and his own texts using some of the more unusual modes of the Melakartha Ragas with modal harmony, improvisation and funky bass lines. The Carnatic Comfort Zone explores the fault lines between ancient and modern traditions playing haunting arrangements in a kaleidoscope, which reflects the diverse backgrounds of the musicians in the band. The line-up includes Manickam Yogeswaran on Voice, Kanjira, Will Ramsay on saxophone, Martin Lillich on bass, Alexey Wagner on Guitar and Dietrich Woehrlin on drums.
Comfort Zone is delighted that Bhavan's residence teachers, Sri M Balachandar on mridangam and and Sri Balu Raghuraman on violin will perform together with the band. Yogeswaran is also joined by a long time collaborator in London including a concert at the South Bank, Lawrence Ball. The duo will present a piece of improvisational music (piano/voice). To add to the colours, Michael Tusch an exceptional lighting designer from the UK will synchronise music and lighting on this special day of Bhavan's jubilee celebrations.
ARTISTS
Manickam Yogeswaran - Voice Kanchira
Manickam Yogeswaran - Voice Kanchira
William Ramsay - Saxophone
Alexay Wagner - Guitar
Dietrich Wöhrlin - Drums
Martin Lillich - Bass
Balu Raguraman - Violin
M Balachandar - Mridangam
Lawrence Ball - Piano
Michael Tusch - Light design
image credit - Peter Engelke
MARCH 2023
YAKSHAGANA PERFORMANCE BY KEREMANE SRIDHAR HEGDE AND TEAM
SANGEET UTSAV - THE BHAVAN'S INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
APRIL 2023
SA DHA ARTS PRESENTS – A CLASSICAL EVENING EXTRAVAGANZA –SAROD AND KATHAK - accompanied by Tabla and Harmonium
OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS
GLIMPSE INTO OUR UPCOMING GALLERY EVENTS
PAST GOLDEN JUBILEE EVENTS
PRAKASH YADAGUDDE PRESENTS 'NRITHYARCHANA' 2022
The Bhavan is proud to present an evening of Bharatanatyam by the emerging talents of our students, training under Guru Prakash Yadagudde.
A melange of traditional pieces as well as new, thematic choreographies, the evening will showcase all the multifaceted aspects of Bharatanatyam.
A melange of traditional pieces as well as new, thematic choreographies, the evening will showcase all the multifaceted aspects of Bharatanatyam.
KALAKAR ARTS UK PRESENTS
‘JALSA' – A LIVE MUSICAL
Celebrating the life and music of Gauhar Jaan and Indubala
Jalsa - a fresh new take on Indian classical music for the music-lovers of the globe- is bringing the mystery and magic of the untold and unheard stories of the forgotten courtesans and queens of Thumri and other breathtaking genres of Indian semi-classical music in the early twentieth century.
Researched extensively, scripted and directed by one of the finest Indian classical vocalists Chandra Chakraborty, the production portrays the story of tireless struggle against patriarchy, revival of dying but powerful styles of some immortal music through impeccable presentation of acting, dancing and hypnotic singing.
Kalakar Arts UK will be launching a series of musicals, ‘Tale of Tawaifs’.
The series will see 4 stunning musicals premiered in the UK based on the life and music of eight famous Tawaifs (courtesans).
Jalsa will be the very first, and the launch of the series.
Artists: Vidushi Chandra Chakraborty, Amy Freston, Pandit Chiranjeeb Chakraborty, Dr Vijay Rajput, John Erik Schelander, Satarupa Ghosh, Sangeeta Lahiri Srivastav, Shree Ganguly, Indrani Datta, Gairika Mathur, Maher Ahmed, Shantanu Goswami, Manash Chowdhury, Amith Dey, Aniruddha Mukherjee.
HINDUSTANI MUSIC FESTIVAL
Bhavan’s resident Hindustani vocal Guru Smt. Chandrima Misra presents her students in
a two-day classical music recitals with a
melange of solos, duets, and group performances.
a two-day classical music recitals with a
melange of solos, duets, and group performances.
The first evening ‘BHAIRAV TO BHAIRAVI’ and the second evening ‘VARIOUS EVENING RAGAS’ offer the audience a chance to soak up the beauty, complexity, and the variety in Hindustani Classical music.
'RANG' - INTERNATIONAL KUCHIPUDI FESTIVAL
Arunima Kumar dance company in collaboration with the Bhavan presents the annual Kuchipudi International dance festival 'RANG' – the largest in the UK.
The evening will present artists from diverse backgrounds and ages and will showcase the art of Kuchipudi in all its glory.
Also featuring Counterpoint and Natarang (Poland) artists.
The evening will present artists from diverse backgrounds and ages and will showcase the art of Kuchipudi in all its glory.
Also featuring Counterpoint and Natarang (Poland) artists.
SITAR BY GAURAV MAZUMDAR ACCOMPANIED BY Pt. RAJKUMAR MISRA ON TABLA | RAVI SHANKAR MEMORIAL CONCERT
As part of our annual Ravi Shankar Memorial Concert series, we are proud to present Sri. Gaurav Mazumdar in a solo Sitar concert. He will be accompanied by Pt. Rajkumar Misra on Tabla.
The Ravi Shankar memorial Concert Series are sponsored by The Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust
The Ravi Shankar memorial Concert Series are sponsored by The Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust
'AUNTY' - A TRIBUTE TO OUR GURU
Please join us in celebrating the life of our beloved Smt. Sivasakthi Sivanesan on 30th October 2022, one year on from her passing.
The celebration will honour her memory and legacy through performances by The Bhavan’s music and dance students whose lives she blessed.
‘Aunty - A Tribute to Our Guru’ will be a ticketed event with all proceeds going to the Sivan Arul Foundation, a charity which aims to empower the vulnerable in the Northern and Eastern parts of Sri Lanka.
All donations welcome.
KARNATIC FLUTE RECITAL BY FLUTE J.A.JAYANT AND TEAM
Flute J.A.Jayant, young exponent on the Karnatic flute is a true prodigy having started performing since the age of seven. He has been featured in major festivals and venues across the globe and has won the best instrumentalist award 7 times from The Madras Music Academy. He has collaborated with Pt. Ronu Majumdar, Guitar Prasanna, Veena Rajhesh Vaidhya, Nandini Shankar to name a few. He is the first Karnatic flautist to unveil the 106 cms long Double Bass bansuri in performances.
Accompanists:-
Accompanists:-
Sumanth Manjunath - violin
K. Sai Giridhar - Mridangam
SITAR AND SAROD JUGALBANDHI – THE MOHAN BROTHERS
The Bhavan presents a scintillating evening of the best of classical instrumental music. The Mohan brothers Lakshay Mohan and Aayush Mohan present a jugalbandhi concert of Sitar and Sarod. The first Indians to perform at the Grammy Museum at Los angeles, the brothers have achieved critical acclaim for their art.
They will be accompanied by Pt. Rajkumar Misra on Tabla and M Balachandar on Mridangam.
"The first Indians to perform at the Grammy Museum Los Angeles."
-- The Times of India
"Unique style of playing"
"Unique style of playing"
- FOX Television, USA
SOLO KATHAK RECITAL BY MAYA DHANANJAY
Young danseuse Maya Dhananjay presents a solo Kathak recital. The evening will feature ‘Nrithyabandhas’, traditional pieces of the Kathak repertoire.
About the artist
Maya Dhananjay has been training in the sacred dance forms of Kathak and Bharathanatyam since her birth under the able guidance of her mother and teacher, Guru Shubha Dhananjay, Artistic director of Natyantharanga, Bengaluru, India. She also received intensive training under Guru Smt. Geethanjali Lal and Sri Raghavraj Bhatt. She is a graded artist for the National Broadcast Media Doordarshan in
both Kathak and Bharathanatyam forms. She has achieved her proficiency/ Videath qualification in both the styles as well. She has extensively performed at various prestigious platforms across India, USA, Dubai, China, Malaysia, Indonesia and UK for which she has been entitled many awards. Maya also practices Odissi dance with equal grace and charm.
She is an engineer, an MBA graduate and currently sharing her love for art and culture through youth and community development projects as a Lead Culture Artist at Young Asian Voices, Sunderland UK.
“Dance is that unfathomable human experience which can never be suppressed”, says Maya and that, there’s a constant growing need for
that direct contact with life which is felt through DANCE!!
KALAKSHETRA IN LONDON
The Bhavan is delighted to be part of this new initiative - a new journey in shaping skills and knowledge in Dance Practice by Partnering with Kalakshetra to deliver the techniques and the core principles of the Kalakshetra Methodology. Through this exclusive collaboration we can provide an opportunity to work with the source teachers and experience the Kalakshetra methodologies here in the UK.
OBJECTIVES
INTERMEDIATE SESSIONS
OBJECTIVES
• Enable the current generation of dancers to engage directly with the source material and teacher from Rukmini Devi's direct Lineage.
• Enhance existing learning processes and present new ways of looking at and exploring material that may already be well known.
• Explore the contemporary relevance of Rukmini Devi’s choreography.
• Support teachers to refresh their Repertoire and an opportunity to engage with the senior professor and connect to the Institute.
A certificate of participation will be offered to all attendees.
OPEN TO ALL DANCERS
Minimum 3 years of experience
LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE *
To avoid disappointment, please book in advance
ANY FURTHER QUERIES PLEASE WRITE TO
STELLA SUBBIAH - stella@bhavan.net
Dates, Timings and Prices
OPEN TO ALL DANCERS
Minimum 3 years of experience
LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE *
To avoid disappointment, please book in advance
ANY FURTHER QUERIES PLEASE WRITE TO
STELLA SUBBIAH - stella@bhavan.net
Dates, Timings and Prices
INTERMEDIATE SESSIONS
TECHNIQUE CLASS | RUKMINI DEVI’S CHOREOGRAPHY FROM SOURCE | PRACTICAL AND VISUAL INTERPRETATION OF RUKMINI DEVI’S CHOREOGRAPHY THROUGH ORIGINAL VIDEOS OF HER
DANCE-DRAMAS
Sat Oct 8 and Sun Oct 9
10.30am – 1.30 pm
TECHNIQUE AND SEQUENCING OF ADAVUS | PRACTICALS
Mon Oct 10, Wed 12, & Thur 13
6.30 pm – 8 pm
FEE
Weekend per session - £30
Weekday per session - £20
All 5 sessions - £100
TEACHERS’ REFRESHER SESSIONS
REVISITING BHARATANATYAM PEDAGOGY OF KALAKSHETRA
Theory and Practice (All dancers/dance practitioners welcome)
Tue Oct 11
11 am – 12.30 pm | 2PM – 3.30 PM
FEE
£30
BHAVAN PRESENTS - ELEMENTAL GODDESS
Bringing Goddess and earth systems together, building bridges between faith and climate action through art.
Elemental Goddess is a live performance of new solo choreographies drawing from rich diverse performance traditions of India.
DANCERS:
Chamundeeswari Kuppuswamy - Bharatanatyam
Mathangi Keshavan - Bharatanatyam
Debanjali Biswas - Manipuri
Amrita Jayakrishnan - Kuchipudi
Katrina Rute - Odissi
Ranjitha Chowalloor - Mohiniattam
Sonia Chandaria – Kathak
Devika Rao - Yakshagana
Devika Rao - Yakshagana
‘NRITHYA SANDHYAA’ BY UPAHAAR SCHOOL OF DANCE
One of the core philosophies of Upahaar is that dance & music enhances one’s mental and physical health and can therefore be learnt and performed at any age. The school aims to bring Indian classical dance to every sector of the community through its various activities and events, highlighting the organisation’s commitment and dedication to promoting arts.
ABOUT THE ENSEMBLE
ABOUT THE ENSEMBLE
The Ensemble is a semi-professional core group of well-trained dancers who undertake intensive training, and will present an evening of natyam in at least two of the three styles taught at Upahaar. The Ensemble present both traditional Margams as well as thematic productions. They have performed in prestigious venues across the UK, including the British Parliament, the Queen’s Gallery (Buckingham Palace), and the British Museum. They have also performed internationally. Through regular presentations, they reiterate Upahaar’s objectives of promoting the arts and making it available to one and all.
SAMMILAN – A BHARATANATYAM AND KATHAK JOINT WORKSHOP
Join us for a unique dance workshop that looks at the similarities of Bharatanatyam and Kathak. Open to students of both dance forms, students will have the opportunity to understand the methodology of the two dance forms and learn how a single piece of music can be choreographed and expressed in the two different forms.
This workshop will be taught by Guru Shubha Dhananjay, assisted by Maya Dhananjay and Mudra Dhananjay.
ABOUT THE TEACHER
Smt. Shubha Dhananjay is one of the foremost dancers from Bangalore, India of her generation, equally proficient in Bharatanatyam and Kathak. Trained under Late Guru S.V Srinivas in the purest Tanjore shall of Bharatanatyam and Guru Dr. Maya Rao in the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak, she has carved a luminous career spanning over 35 years in which she has performed extensively across the world, trained hundreds of students of international and Multicultural backgrounds, and presented several solo and ensemble thematic presentations to critical acclaim.
The workshop will enable students to learn from her unique methodology and perspective of looking at and performing Bharatanatyam and Kathak.
The workshop will enable students to learn from her unique methodology and perspective of looking at and performing Bharatanatyam and Kathak.
Maya Dhananjay and Mudra Dhananjay , her daughters and disciples with extensive training in both dance forms, will assist her in the workshop.
SOLO KUCHIPUDI PERFORMANCE BY
BHAVANA REDDY
*POSTPONED - due to unforeseen travel difficulties*
Bhavana Reddy will be presenting Solos in traditional Kuchipudi Indian Classical Dance Drama form. The lineup will be featuring new and rare choreographies by her parents Raja Radha Reddy & herself.
"Her performance of Solos in Kuchipudi shows a transcendent understanding and use of physical technique that takes her presentation into the realm of the spiritual." Jeffrey James editor of SoundWordSight, New York
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
"Her performance of Solos in Kuchipudi shows a transcendent understanding and use of physical technique that takes her presentation into the realm of the spiritual." Jeffrey James editor of SoundWordSight, New York
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Bhavana Reddy represents Kuchipudi dance the world over as a performer. “Raja Reddy's daughter dances like lightning” – The Hindu newspaper, India
As a solo performer, she has presented concerts for prestigious organisations, embassies and consulates of India (across the world including Germany, Singapore, Sydney, San Francisco); Temple of Fine Arts (Malaysia & Indonesia), National Museum (Copenhagen), Kennedy Center (Washington DC), NCPA (Mumbai, India), Spic Macay.
Bhavana is the recipient of the coveted Indian National Award, ‘Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar’ amongst other awards and a choreography grant from the legendary European choreographer Jiří Kylián’s Foundation.
Some collaborative highlights include - at the Walt Disney Concert Hall to Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra’s, ‘Rite of Spring’ with Kitty Mcnamee.Artist-in-Residence Korzo Netherlands, choreographing with ex Artistic Director Leo Sprekse. In Dublin City University, Ireland with Prof. Ronan Guilfoyle, Director School of Jazz.
'SHUDDHA LASYAM' -
Feminine and Delicate Rendering through dance
Kuchipudi workshop with BHAVANA REDDY
*POSTPONED* - due to unforeseen travel difficulties
Bhavana Reddy delves into the forte of the Kuchipudi dance and drama: Shuddha Lasyam - grace and fluidity that alights another dimension to the rhythmic movements of Kuchipudi Dance. Participants will examine expression (Abhinaya) in their own body and also become familiar with the delicate aspect of femininity through the exploration of drama and role playing that is unique to Kuchipudi dance. How do the stories come to life in your imagination and how can they be expressed in this language of dance? In this workshop weekend you will learn about expressing yourself empathetically and delicately without inhibition which you can apply to your own dancing personality.
Open to dancers of all styles : Level: Basic/ Intermediate
Open to dancers of all styles : Level: Basic/ Intermediate
'The Art of Tabla' - Recital and lec - dem with
PT. SANJAY MUKHERJEE *CANCELLED
NOTICE - DUE TO TRAVEL COMPLICATIONS AND UNAVOIDABLE CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR REACH, WE UNFORTUNATELY HAVE HAD TO CANCEL BOTH THE EVENTS - THE LEC - DEM ON SAT, THE 25th OF JUNE AT 11 AM, AND THE RECITAL ON SUNDAY THE 26TH OF JUNE.
WE APOLOGISE FOR THE LAST MINUTE CANCELLATION AND ANY INCONVENIENCE CAUSED.
ALL TICKET HOLDERS WILL BE REFUNDED FOR THE TICKETS PURCHASED
The Bhavan is proud to present a first of its kind event – ‘THE ART OF TABLA’.
Featuring a stalwart of the Farukhabad Gharana, the maestro Pt. Sanjay Mukherjee accompanied by Sri Hiranmay Mitra on Harmonium, the event offers a unique opportunity for all to witness the precision and the rhythmic vitality of the Tabla.
This is a wonderful opportunity to watch a performance as well as attend a lecture demonstration by the artists and interact with them.
RUKMINI VIJAYAKUMAR PRESENTS - TALATTU
Raadha Kalpa Dance Company presents – Talattu – a mother’s song and a lover’s farewell
* SOLD OUT *
By Rukmini Vijayakumar
Talattu addresses two very strong bonds of love that we share in our lives – the bond between a mother and child and the bond with a lover. The two bonds are very different, and we are seen very differently by these two very important people in our lives. Talattu takes the examples of Yashodha and Radha and their love for Krishna. It shows their personal journeys of joys and sorrows and how they deal with Krishna’s departure in very different ways.
Parents give up a part of themselves from the time a child is born. Both men and women take on the joys, sorrows, victories and defeats of their children as their own. The role of a parent is immense in the growth of a child and the emotional attachment that parents have to their offspring is incomparable. This relationship of caregiver and child is immortalised as Yashoda and Krishna in Indian mythology. Their relationship is nuanced with the complexity of Yashoda being Krishna’s adoptive parent. Yashoda’s sense of ownership is questioned when she realises that Krishna is not her own son. Talattu, addresses the complexity of this relationship and the love that permeates through this confusion.
The second relationship that is explored in Talattu is that of a lover. The bond of love is the strongest bond that one shares in life. The romantic relationship offers comfort, and togetherness. The ability to sacrifice for another within this relationship is paralleled with the idea of spiritual surrender.
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'FINDING SHIVA' - Q&A with RUKMINI VIJAYAKUMAR
Join a candid conversation and Q&A session with Rukmini Vijayakumar about her new book publication 'FINDING SHIVA'.
A book that strives to give you a glimpse into the inner journeys of the performative experience, Rukmini's new book has seen great acclaim.
The conversation will be lead by dancer/choreographer/teacher Stella Uppal Subbiah. The session will follow her performance of 'Talattu' (details above). Entry is free for all ticket holders of the performance.
Finding Shiva
After high school, I was not sure about whether I should pursue dance or a technical subject. Awaiting clarity, I spent many months considering my options.
A book that strives to give you a glimpse into the inner journeys of the performative experience, Rukmini's new book has seen great acclaim.
The conversation will be lead by dancer/choreographer/teacher Stella Uppal Subbiah. The session will follow her performance of 'Talattu' (details above). Entry is free for all ticket holders of the performance.
Finding Shiva
After high school, I was not sure about whether I should pursue dance or a technical subject. Awaiting clarity, I spent many months considering my options.
While I was in the midst of this confusion, someone asked me, “What brings you closer to yourself?” I didn’t respond immediately, but in my mind the answer was clear. “Dance brings me closer to myself,” I thought. It was such an odd question, yet strangely it influenced a life decision. How can one be closer to or farther from oneself?
I knew that dance would begin to reveal something to me at some point in time, but I wasn’t sure of what this thing would be. The act of dancing holds something within it that I wanted to discover.
What if I could imbibe my life with the clarity of thought, precision, control and simultaneous surrender that I am able to wield as a performer? Wouldn’t life change inexplicably for the better?'
- Rukmini Vijayakumar
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ADAVU EXPLORATIONS -BHARATANATYAM WORKSHOP WITH RUKMINI VIJAYKUMAR
This 3-day workshop is a unique opportunity to learn from Rukmini Vijaykumar and get a glimpse into her unique approach to Bharatanatyam. The class will work with the traditional adavu system (the basic movement sets of Bharatanatyam) and see how one can find different ways of utilising the adavu in sequencing and choreography by changing some essential parameters.
* Open to intermediate and advanced students.
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LALGUDI KRISHNAN & LALGUDI VIJAYLAKSHMI
A scintillating recital by the Violin world's giants Sri. Lalgudi Krishnan and Smt. Lalgudi Vijaylakshmi.
Join us for a recital to soak up the Lalgudi Bani.
Accompanists - M. Balachandar on Mridangam, Pirasanna on Ghatam
* EARLY BOOKINGS OPEN *
Join us for a recital to soak up the Lalgudi Bani.
Accompanists - M. Balachandar on Mridangam, Pirasanna on Ghatam
* EARLY BOOKINGS OPEN *
LALGUDI PATHANTARA -
A 2-day workshop on Lalgudi compositions.
SHRADDHANJALI TO
PT. BIRJU MAHARAJ
BY PADMASHRI
PRATAP PAWAR MBE
Padmashri Pratap Pawar MBE - India's divine dancer - turns 80 this year. Still dancing after 65 years, Pawar has created this celebratory work honouring the spirit of his Guru, Padmavibhusha Pt. Birju Maharaj.
This work is commissioned and produced by
This work is commissioned and produced by