Reverential homage in Kamalini Samaradhanam spearheaded by Manasa - Art Without Frontiers - Taalam: column by Leela Venkataraman

Exactly a year after she left this world for her heavenly abode, those who had the opportunity of working with Kamalini Dutt, paid reverential homage to a person who defied being categorized. Guru, mentor, choreographer, Doordarshan producer, aesthetic and spiritual guide, artistic collaborator, most valued friend et al, Kamalini represented above all human qualities of immeasurable value. An unfortunate accident having put paid to an active performing career in dance in the seventies, for one who had mastered the art under renowned Sikkil Ramaswamy Pillai, and had her arangetram when she was a seven year old, with over two years spent on mastering a varnam, without giving in to self-pity, she set about carving an equally, if not more valuable future for herself - transferring her considerable energies to spreading the message of Indian dance to the general public, through her work in Doordarshan.

Who can forget the innumerable National Programs of Dance and Music, she presided over? With her mastery over how the camera looked at movement, she released more than a thousand productions. Apart from ushering in new trends, her expertise in being able to control and direct multiplicity of cameras in a program, cut out a great deal of needless work at the editing table. And later as Deputy Director General of Central Doordarshan Archives, the material she collected and left behind, particularly for dissemination, remains unparalleled. All this, while suffering in stoic silence, acute physical pain and discomfort from rheumatoid arthritis.

One has to note that it was left to Sharon Lowen, an American citizen, who spent years learning Odissi under Kelucharan Mohapatra, and has made India her home, teaching Odissi, to mount this evening of homage, which no other Indian amongst the many who benefited from Kamalini's instructions, had thought of. 

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Article - Why Dance? - Dr. Rohini Dandavate

Often, parents and young students wonder whether they or their children should pursue dance education. I would like to reflect on this question through the lens of my lifelong journey with Odissi, a pursuit that began in early childhood and continues to shape my life even today.

Through years of performance, arts administration, and arts education, I have gradually come to understand not only what dance demands of us, but also what it gives back in return. The discipline, resilience, sensitivity, and joy I have gained through this quest are reflections I wish to share here.

I distinctly remember being asked, sometimes mockingly, "So, are you going to become a professional dancer?" I would simply smile and walk away without answering. Looking back now, I realize I did not need an answer then, because the value of dance extends far beyond professional ambition. I remain deeply grateful to my parents and family for their unwavering support and for encouraging me to remain steadfast on this path. 

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Article - My journey into abhinaya - Sushma Kotireddy

My obsession with abhinaya began long before I knew what the word meant. As a child learning Bharatanatyam, I believed dance was all about thattā adavu and nattā adavu, precise footwork, rigid postures, and counting beats. I practiced tirelessly, unaware that the real magic of Bharatanatyam lay not in the steps, but in the silent conversation that happens through eyes, hands, and subtle expressions.

The first crack in this belief came unexpectedly when I was around 8 years old, while watching a television serial Malgudi Days. In one episode, a small girl performed the padam "Krishna nee begane baro." I could not understand the words, but I was mesmerized. Her eyes searched for Krishna, her hands reached out in longing, and her face softened with devotion. She was not simply dancing; she was speaking directly to the divine. That fleeting moment planted the seed of abhinaya in my heart. After this, I started observing the world, the people differently. 

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Book Review - Kathakanugaman - Vijay Shanker

Kathakanugaman

Bilingual book - English and Marathi
By Maneesha Sathe
Bookmark Publications, Pune
Price: Rs 450

Pune based veteran Kathak exponent and mentor Maneesha Sathe has written a very interesting book in two languages, 'Kathakanugaman' in English and Marathi, in order to maintain regional flavour, ethnic quality and also to cater to the international audience with a holistic perspective. It traces the journey of the dancer, whose invaluable and outstanding contribution in the promotion and propagation of Kathak dance on the global platform, spans more than five decades.

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Exemplary in concept and execution, Natya Vriksha's 19th consecutive World Dance Day celebration - Taalam: column by Leela Venkataraman

With its judicious mix of tradition and contemporaneity, Natya Vriksha's nineteenth consecutive celebration of World Dance Day, in conjunction with the India International Centre, deserved the highest accolades - in all aspects of conceptualization, execution and audience participation. The celebratory mood was set off with an informal evening before, at the brand new Natya Vriksha premises, with a small group of invitees watching three of Geeta Chandran's students presenting an item each, in the newly appointed, aesthetically designed studio - the performance space with wooden floor, equipped with sophisticated fittings in light and sound. 

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Article - The pulse of devotion: A visual dialogue from the Mediterranean to the Arabian Sea - Maria Barraco

There are moments when geography fades, and only the rhythm remains. In the heart of the Mediterranean and on the tropical shores of the Arabian Sea, two ancient traditions breathe with the same lungs. This Holy Week, we explore an unexpected mirror: the Misteri of Trapani and the Arattu and Pooram of Kerala. 

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Anita says...May 2026

April has always been a packed month for the performing arts community. As Spring blooms in full splendour in some parts of the globe, temperatures soar in South Asia and hundreds of dancers and musicians from India are taking to the skies towards further shores. To teach, tour, perform and continue their creative journeys. Even while visa restrictions increase and travel costs soar, performers, especially dancers, remain resilient and hopeful.

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