Remembering Puru-Dadheech
A visit to Natavari Academy’s celebration of the 85th birth anniversary of Guru Purushottam, popularly known as Puru-Dadheech in Indore, on the 17th and 18th of July 2024 was the experience of a lifetime.
In her performance Uncharted Seas, Kathak dancer and choreographer Aditi Mangaldas took the Egyptian audience on a spiritual journey.
Uncharted Seas was presented on Tuesday at the Cairo Opera House as part of the mega cultural festival India By the Nile Festival.
The performance, which is presented by Aditi Mangaldas and the Drishtikon Dance Foundation, is a dance company led by Aditi.
Advertisement
The dance show will also be held in the Sayed Darwish Theatre in Alexandria on April 22.
“The performance is basically about search – about why are we here, what is this search, is it for love, beauty, truth, freedom, a man, a woman,” Aditi told.
“There are just questions and they are not answered because no body can answer this. These are questions about humanity. These questions are explored with dance, music and light.”
Aditi, whose solo performances and group ensembles have been critical acclaim at leading festivals all over the world, said her show in Egypt was special because, “we are coming from the land of the Ganges to the land of Nile.”
According to Aditi, Kathak is the only dance style in India that is a beautiful synthesis of both Hindu and Muslim cultures.
“But we don't touch on that. It's a secular piece. It's a piece about being human not about any religion,” she said.
“Uncharted Seas” is consisted of seven dancers and three musicians.
Anjana Kumari, 27, a member of the dance troupe said that she is very happy to perform in Egypt for the first time.
“We have well prepared for the show and I think people will enjoy the show,” she said.
Ashish Gangani, 28, another dancer in the troupe, added, “I feel happy for being here and I hope people live our performance.”
The foundation has been presenting new, innovative and dynamic works for the past years.
They have performed at the Alchemy Festival in Queen Elizabeth Hall, South Bank Centre, London; the Edinburg International Festival and performed for a number of dignitaries and heads of state.
Advertisement
