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 Natya Vriksha's WDD 2025: Honoring, learning and celebrating dance - Rashmita Adhikari e-mail: punarjjaniculturalcentre@gmail.com Photos courtesy: Natya Vriksha May 6, 2025 Natya Vriksha, guided by the visionary leadership of Geeta Chandran, celebrated its 18th World Dance Day on April 26 and 27, 2025 at Delhi. The event included workshops conducted on both days in the morning followed by a mix of speeches, storytelling, awards and dance performances by young artistes in the afternoon and evening of both days respectively. The event was a confluence of tradition and innovation, uniting dancers, seasoned artistes, and art enthusiasts in a shared appreciation for the timeless beauty of Indian classical dance.  Tanusree Shankar  Dr. Kiran Seth honored by Geeta Chandran The first day set the tone with an enriching Movement Workshop conducted by the renowned Tanusree Shankar. The session offered participants a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the artistry of movement. Shankar's masterful instruction emphasized both technical precision and expressive storytelling, leaving attendees with a renewed sense of purpose in their craft. The afternoon was marked by a heartfelt celebration as the 6th Natya Vriksha Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dr. Kiran Seth, the founder of SPICMACAY. The ceremony acknowledged SPICMACAY's unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting Indian classical arts. Dr. Seth's words, reflecting on the power of art to inspire younger generations, resonated deeply with all present.  Ashok Vajpeyi Following this, Ashok Vajpeyi delivered a thought-provoking lecture titled 'Dancing Away'. He talked about the magical moments when he got to experience the mesmerizing moments when legendary artistes like Balasaraswati, Kelucharan Mohapatra, Pt. Birju Maharaj transformed completely into the character they portrayed through their art. The session encouraged introspection, leaving attendees with profound insights into the transformative nature of dance. This was followed by delightful performances by two young dancers. Madhura Bhrushundi performed Bharatanatyam with grace and Dheerendra Tiwari's Kathak was a sight to see. The second day carried forward the spirit of exploration with another Movement Workshop by Tanusree Shankar. Building on the foundational concepts of the previous day, participants explored more intricate techniques and concluded the workshop with a dance choreography by the participants. This atmosphere was one of focus and creativity, underscoring Shankar's ability to inspire her students.  Ramaa Bharadvaj The festival culminated with 'Avatarana - The Story of Natya,' a storytelling performance that happened in the late afternoon, scripted and directed by the illustrious Ramaa Bharadvaj. This mesmerizing presentation traced the 2500-year-old journey of Natya, weaving together mythology, philosophy, and artistic expression. She started the story of Natya Shastra, took the audience to that era when it was created by Lord Brahma after the transition to Treta Yuga from Satya Yuga. Lokapalas complained to Brahma about the threats of changes in society and four Vedas are not enough to address the concerns. So Natya Shastra was created by Brahma and he instructed Sage Bharata to take over this fifth Veda. The story went on with tremendous effort of Bharata to conduct the "premiere show" at deva loka, the celestial realm. Bharadvaj's masterful storytelling, sense of humour and evocative choreography captivated the audience.  From L to R: Madhura Bhrushundi, Dheerendra Tiwari, Abhinaya Nagajothy, Shashwati Garai Ghosh This wonderful storytelling was followed by two young dancers' performance; Abhinaya Nagajothy's delightful Kuchipudi dance and Shashwati Garai Ghosh's outstanding Odissi dance captured everyone's heart. Natya Vriksha's 18th World Dance Day celebrations were a profound reminder of the enduring relevance and vitality of Indian classical dance. From the thoughtfully designed workshops to the unforgettable performances, every element of the festival reflected a deep respect for the arts and its practitioners. This year's festival was not only a tribute to the rich heritage of these art forms but also an inspiring exploration of its future potential.  Rashmita Adhikari is a freelance writer with a lifelong passion for storytelling. Having completed her Masters in Sociology, she is deeply interested in arts and culture, continuously exploring these subjects to enrich her writing. Rashmita is currently working as content editor at Punarjjani Bharat. |
