The 11th Shaniwarwada Dance Festival will be held on March 16 at Shaniwarwada, Shaniwar Peth, Pune.
Contemporary dance elements and a dedication to Bharat Ratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi via classical elements from Kathak will provide artistic respite to connoisseurs at the 11th edition of the Shaniwarwada Dance Festival. The programme will be held at the iconic landmark on March 16, 6.30 pm onwards.
The evening will kick-start with 'Nirakar-Sakar,' a 30-min performance conceptualised and choreographed by senior Kathak exponent Shama Bhate, as a dedication to Pandit Joshi. It will feature her troupe from Naad-Roop, who will present seven different 'bandishein' including 'bhajan,' 'thumri,' 'bandish' and 'tarana' that elevate the stylised characteristics of Kathak.
This will be followed by 'Rhythm Divine,' a 70-min contemporary dance performance by renowned dancer and Padma Shri awardee Astad Deboo. Accompanying him will be a troupe of eight dhoti-clad Pungcholam drummers from Manipur. The piece has been done in collaboration with Guru Seityaban Singh of Manipur.
"The festival is an effort to present works by renowned artistes to Pune, as well as to promote local dance schools by providing them a platform to perform," said Sabina Sanghvi, chairperson of the festival committee.
Festival patron and actor Jackie Shroff said, "We need to respect our cultural and artistic heritage the way we respect our parents and grandparents. Every child should at least learn classical dance, music or an art form intrinsic to our country, in order to preserve our heritage. We are trying to contribute to this process through this festival," said Shroff.
Senior Kathak danseuse and festival committee member, Maneesha Sathe said the festival is initiating a positive change in people's outlook towards their own dance and music.
"This festival has, in a way, stoked people's curiosity in classical dance and music. In the last few years, we are seeing an increase in the number of audiences, particularly younger people. But we still need larger crowds to attend," said Sathe. Deboo will be performing in the city after a gap of 12 years. The festival includes an interaction by Deboo with students from citybased dance schools.
"This year onwards, we will have a session whereby students from local dance schools will be able to interact with artistes of international repute performing at the festival," Sanghvi said. Passes will be available from March 8 onwards at Poona Club, PYC Gymkhana, Balgandharva Rangmandir and Yashwantrao Chavan auditorium, Kothrud.
Are you ready Pune!
Date:16/03/2012
Venue: Shaniwarwada, Pune
Posts
