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 Momentum Festival 2023 July 3, 2023 Momentum Festival is a presentation platform to showcase the diversity and richness of South Asian dance forms and provide a platform for artistes to share their artistry with Canadian audiences. The festival aims to promote cultural exchange and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of South Asian dance and culture. The Momentum Festival 2023 concluded on June 11th with a captivating display of talent, at Sampradaya Theatre, Mississauga. The festival offered a diverse range of Bharatanatyam performances that enthralled the audience. It showcased exceptional ensemble and solo Bharatanatyam works by established artistes Jyotsna Vaidee and her company Samudra Dance Creations, Dr. Narthaki Nataraj, and Navia Natarajan. Each evening presented a unique experience, with performances exploring both traditional and contemporary themes. The mastery and finesse displayed by the artistes within the rigorous framework of Bharatanatyam were truly delightful to witness.  Samudra Dance Creations  Dr. Narthaki Nataraj Jyotsna Vaidee's Samudra Dance Creations presented their work 'The Earth Speaks 2.0', directed and choreographed by Jyotsna Vaidee. This family-friendly production featured a cast of 5 professional dancers, 6 professional musicians from both Indian classical and western classical genres. 'The Earth Speaks 2.0' is an evening-length odyssey, a multi-disciplinary work with dance-music-spoken word, poetry, raising awareness on climate change. Dr. Narthaki Nataraj mesmerized the audience with her enthralling performance of a varnam dedicated to the revered goddess Lakshmi. Not only did she beautifully execute the intricate dance movements, but she also showcased her exceptional talents as a composer and lyricist by creating this captivating piece herself.  Navia Natarajan  Ankita Alemona Navia Natarajan presented her ongoing work titled 'Virodhābhāsa - Paradox', a thought-provoking exploration of the profound nature of paradox. Inspired by the Buddhist Heart Sutra's timeless words, "Form is Emptiness. Emptiness is Form," Navia delved into the intricate interplay of opposites and contradictions that exist within our world. The genesis of this creation stemmed from a personal tragedy that encompassed both sadness and peace.  Sukriti Sharma  Sindhu Nair In addition to the established artistes, the festival also provided a platform for emerging Canadian dancers Ankita Alemona, Sukriti Sharma, and Sindhu Nair, participants of Sampradaya Dance Creations' DanceAdvance Initiative. These talented dancers showcased their promising works-in-progress, captivating the audience with their creative vision and unique expressions. They are undoubtedly on their way to leaving an indelible mark on the Canadian dance sector. The Momentum Festival owes its success to the generous support of its funders, whose contributions make these remarkable cultural events possible. The festival was supported by the Canada Council for the Arts - Conseil des arts du Canada, Ontario Arts Council, City of Mississauga, and Canadian Heritage. |
