Natya Vriksha will be celebrating World Dance Day with their annual dance event on April 20 and April 21, 2024.
This year marks the 17th edition, promising a captivating showcase of various dance styles, workshops, seminars, and discussions, aiming to celebrate the rich heritage of Indian classical dance. The event is hosted in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the India International Centre.
The schedule for this year’s edition of Natya Vriksha’s World Dance Day Celebration, curated by dancer Geeta Chandran, is as follows:
Day 1: Morning session (9:30 am – 1 pm): Workshop on “Movement Techniques in Sattriya” led by Prateesha Suresh along with artists from Assam welcomes dancers of all classical styles.
Afternoon session (4 pm): The evening will feature the 5th Natya Vriksha Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony, honoring renowned dance critic, scholar, and author Smt. Leela Venkataraman for her enriching contribution to Indian Classical Dance.
The afternoon session will conclude with a discussion on “Celebrating Rukmini Devi Arundale” with author Dr V.R Devika, presenting her new book “Rukmini Devi Arundale, Arts Revivalist and Institution Builder” (Publisher: Niyogi Books).
Evening session (6:30 pm): Performances by young dancers, including Bharatanatyam by Vaishnavi Srinivasan and Nivedha Harish, disciples of Guru Roja Kannan, and a mesmerizing Kathak performance by Divya Goswami, disciple of Late Guru Shri Munnalal Shukla.
Day 2: Morning session (9:30 am – 1 pm): Continuation of the workshop on “Movement Techniques in Sattriya” led by Prateesha Suresh and her troupe.
Afternoon Session (4:00 pm): Seminar on “Legacy in Classical Dance” featuring panelists Dr Anita Ratnam, Roja Kannan, Indira Kadambi, Dr Neena Prasad, and Prateesha Suresh, moderated by Geeta Chandran.
Evening session (6:30 pm): Young Dancers’ Festival featuring various dance styles like Mohiniyattam by Thoma Vo Van Tao, disciple of Guru Dr Neena Prasad, and Bharatanatyam by Meera Sreenarayanan, disciple of Guru Indira Kadambi.
Workshops will be conducted at the Multipurpose Hall, Kamaladevi Block, Gate No. 1, of the Indian International Centre (IIC) in New Delhi. Additionally, seminars and performances will take place at the C.D. Deshmukh Auditorium, located at 40 Lodi Estate, also within the premises of the Indian International Centre.
On the occasion, the curator of this spectacular event and founder of Natya Vriksha, Dancer Geeta Chandran said, “Natya Vriksha wasn’t born solely from a love of dance but from a need to create a community – a space where dancers of all styles can come together, share their journeys, and support one another. It’s about breaking down barriers, empowering young talent, and celebrating the incredible artists who have dedicated their lives to this art form.”
When : April 21-22
Where: IIC, Multipurpose Hall, Kamaladevi Block, Gate No. 1, New Delhi
C D Deshmukh Auditorium, IIC, 40 Lodi Estate
