Dancing to break traditions

From the world of classical dance comes a festival featuring three versatile productions. The mesmerising performances of Parkaya: The Body of Another Festival, spread over three days, promises to set many trends in the field of classical dance...

From the world of classical dance comes a festival featuring three versatile productions. The mesmerising performances of Parkaya: The Body of Another Festival, spread over three days, promises to set many trends in the field of classical dance — owing to its refreshing takes on tradition.

The path-breaking festival, which reinterprets dance forms, literally enters the body of another art form in a comprehensive manner. With free entry and open for all, the festival is curated and organised by young danseuse Nehha Bhatnagar, ­founder-president of Sarvam Foundation.

"For me, arts is my offering to the world, and so, I do it with all my heart and soul. I wish to leave behind a legacy of perpetuation of this field," said Bhatnagar, 28. Parwati Dutta, while speaking about her production Varnajaa, a story of form, language and emotion, said, "Calligraphy is like a dance piece: self-contained and independent spatial experience. Both fluid and yet choreographed — each word within a finished piece." Rama Vaidyanathan, another participant, says, "My production, Chitravali, where I adapt my dance to miniature paintings, has been a truly eye opening experience for me."

CATCH IT LIVE

WHAT: Parkaya — The Body of Another

WHERE: Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road

WHEN: January 14-16

TIMINGS: 7pm — 8pm

NEAREST METRO STATION: Jawaharlal Nehru Station on the Violet Line