Introduction
Dancer. Choreographer. Instructor. Performer.
Dance Director at Hindol Dance and Music College, India.
Artist at South Asian Arts-UK
Spreading the essence of South Asian Culture and Arts through my practice of South Asian Classical dances Odissi and Kathak.
News and media
Dance forms
Odissi
An ancient Indian Classical dance form originating from the coastal eastern Indian state Orissa, inspired by the poses and postures of sculptures on walls of ancient temples. I had the privilege of training under Enakshi Sinha (artistic director of Mrudanga Dance Academy, Toronto, Canada), Dr Reena Jana and also at 'Srjan' Gurukul of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, Father of Modern Odissi.
Kathak
Another of the 8 major forms of Indian classical dance, and also widely popular in both India and Pakistan, Kathak is all about storytellings where dancers tell various stories through their hand movements and extensive footwork, their body movements and flexibility but most importantly through their facial expressions. I received intensive training under tutelage of Dr. Malabika Mitra, one of the foremost exponents of the dance.
Rabindra/Creative
Rabindranath Tagore, the bard of India, Nobel prize winner, poet, songwriter, author , playwright and someone who single handedly established 'Shantiniketan' a. organisation influencing the artistic sphere of Indians for close to a century also inspired creation Rabindra Nritya, which extensively used the form of Dance-Drama to tell modern and mythological tales. This also ushered the new 'Creative' form of dance, breaking all barriers of form. I am indebted to Guru Kohinoor Sen Barat for his teachings also.
Saveri Pallavi - Odissi Dancers' Forum Kolkata
'Parampara' is a festival organised by one of the most prestigious forums for Odissi Dancers in India. It is based in Kolkata, India
Choreography
For the past 10 years, I have choreographed many dance presentations for several concerts and festivals. This background picture is a creative dance piece titled 'Woman - The Shakti' on women empowerment performed by my students of Hindol Dance and Music College, India
Leeds, UK
Yorkshire Sculpture International Festival
For exhibition Woodwork: A Family Tree of Sculpture, at Leeds Art Gallery, I described each sculpture and the story behind them using an evocative Odissi Dance performance. The exhibition expressed the story of their origin, right from a tree bark to carving them into sculptures and their travel through many countries withstanding the test of time and finally reaching this country. This performance was followed by a showcase of Indian music, where ‘Bansuri’ or flute and violin accompanied a fusion of Kathak and Odissi Dance. This was a South Asian Arts-UK project in partnership with Leeds Museums and Galleries and supported by Arts Council of England.
Leeds Art Gallery, Instagram post
Dancing for a cause
UK
Fund raising at Rotary club of Ilkley-Wharfedale
The fund raising event was organised by Ilkley-Wharfedale Rotary club for the 'Nanhi Kali' Charity, which supports girls’ education in India. The event saw over 100 Rotarians, guests and supporters gathering for raising a substantial amount for the charity. The event aptly named 'Indian Cultural Extravaganza' was highly praised.
“We don’t often get the chance to see and hear performances like this here in Ilkley, and it has been a night to remember.” - in response to Ilkley Wharfedale Rotary club fund raiser
The Telegraph and Argus, 10th May 2019
Care Homes
Adding a touch of happiness
Visiting care homes across Leeds and surrounding areas to involve residents in some activity and fun time through my 'Movement through dance' endeavour, engage them in physical activity while giving them company for emotional support. Also sharing some dance steps for care home workers via workshops.
India-Singapore Rotary Congregation
Prerna - A Congregation of Inspiration
Kolkata saw a huge congregation of Rotarians on the occasion of Singapore Rotary club's visit and collaboration efforts with one of the Rotary Districts in Kolkata, India. 'Prerna' hosted a cultural event of one of its kind where Kohinoor Sen Barat's team of dancers showcased a brilliant lineup of dance performances. Sri Kohinoor Sen Barat himself graced the occasion.
With Sri Kohinoor Sen Barat (first from right)
International Online Concert Series - Lockdown fightback
This performance allowed reaching out to people confined during during Coronavirus pandemic lockdown. This online concert series called Baithak Live. "Homage to the Divine - in conversation with Odissi" was broadcasted in “Sacred Sounds of Humanity” episode streamed live on the YouTube channel of South Asian Arts-UK, a centre of excellence in Indian classical music and dance in Leeds, founded back in June 1997 and supported by Arts Council of England.
Woman empowerment
Expressing angst and encouraging fighting back
Creating, ideating, choreographing and presenting the strength behind womanhood, through my way - way of dance- asa force to make people feel women are no less stronger, they will have their way.
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