Review/Report - A soirée of grace and artistry: Sanjukta Sinha Dance Company's inaugural celebration

A soirée of grace and artistry: Sanjukta Sinha Dance Company's inaugural celebration
- Bijoy Shivram
e-mail: bijoyshivram@gmail.com
Photos: Daideepya Leuva

January 25, 2025

The grand unveiling of the Sanjukta Sinha Dance Company's new sanctuary in Ahmedabad was a night to remember - a radiant fusion of dance, artistry, and pure magic, an embodiment of the passion, vision, and excellence that define Sanjukta Sinha as one of the brightest stars in Kathak today.

The evening unfurled with a stirring homage to Yemanjá, the revered Yoruba goddess of the sea, performed by the Brazilian dancer Manuela Benini, based in London. Through her expressive movements, Manuela conjured the deep, elemental power of this ancient deity. Yemanjá, the mother of humanity and spirit of rivers and oceans, danced through her - nurturing yet tempestuous, serene yet fierce - her fluidity a reverent reflection of the goddess's sacred force. The performance was an enchanting blend of mysticism and vitality, an offering to the goddess that left the audience in awe.

Manuela Benini

PM Kumar

Next, a divine Ganesh Vandana took the stage, a deeply spiritual homage to Lord Ganesha, originally choreographed by the legendary Prof. CV Chandrasekhar. The revered guest artist PM Kumar, trained under Renjith Babu and Vijna Vasudevan, brought this piece to life with precision and grace. As his every movement spoke of devotion, the intricate choreography, set to the melodic cadence of Adi Shankaracharya's Subramanya Bhujanga Stotram, evoked the transcendental energy of Lord Ganesha, filling the air with an otherworldly presence.

Sanjukta Sinha Dance Company

Then came the highlight of the evening - an evocative performance by the Sanjukta Sinha Dance Company itself, a powerful exploration of Kathak that bridged tradition with modernity. Excerpts from Noor, Aamad, and Tarana were brought to life with an exuberance that dazzled the senses. Choreographed by Sanjukta herself, this performance was underscored by the hauntingly beautiful compositions of Sami Ullah Khan and the rhythmic intensity of percussionists Mohit and Ashish Gangani. The dancers - Krutika Ghanekar, Bhakti Shah, Pankaj Sihag, Shantanu Gosavi, Hiren Gajjar, Vihanga Rukshan, Tirtha Juwatkar, Radhika Chauthaiwale and Nandini Jani - delivered a masterclass in technique, their movements a hypnotic play of rhythm, precision, and boundless energy. The performance was a vibrant testament to the living tradition of Kathak, infused with contemporary interpretations that left the audience spellbound.

Pankaj Sihag and Vihanga Rukshan

The evening's final note was struck by Cosmic Shadows, a contemporary piece that transcended the conventional boundaries of classical dance. Performed by Pankaj Sihag and Vihanga Rukshan, and accompanied by the evocative music of Rushi Vakil, Cosmic Shadows was a haunting journey into the unknown. With each intricate footfall and fluid gesture, the dancers conjured a world between light and dark, shadow and sound, creating an atmosphere so visceral it seemed to stretch time itself. The vast mirrors of the studio reflected the dancers' movements, amplifying the hypnotic rhythm that echoed long after the final note faded away.

Sanjukta Sinha's two-decade-long journey in Ahmedabad has now culminated in this vibrant space - a true sanctuary for artistic expression. Grateful for the guidance of her gurus and the unwavering support of her parents, Sanjukta has envisioned this studio as more than just a space for dance; it is a living, breathing hub for creativity, learning, and artistic collaboration. With a heart full of passion and an unyielding spirit, she continues to inspire, innovate, and transform the landscape of Kathak and contemporary dance alike.

This inaugural performance was not just a celebration; it was a declaration of Sanjukta Sinha's legacy - a legacy grounded in tradition yet unafraid to push the boundaries of creativity. With each movement, each note, and each collaboration, she is shaping the future of dance, weaving together the old and the new into something profoundly beautiful and enduring.
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Son of journalists K Shivram and Amni Shivram, the first Malayali woman English journalist, Bijoy Shivram is an accomplished Indian classical dancer trained in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi. A passionate promoter of the arts and a skilled graphic designer, he currently serves as the Vice Principal of JG College of Performing Arts and the Assistant Director (Operations) overseeing 17 JG colleges. He is also the founder of Preksha, an organization dedicated to the promotion of art and culture in Ahmedabad. Since 2020, Bijoy has curated the YouTube series 'Gurudakshina - An Ode to our Gurus,' celebrating the legacy of mentorship and tradition.