Celebrating womanhood through dance

‘She’ is not just a pronoun limited to the constrictions of English vocabulary but is much more than that as it possesses the ability to make a change, no matter how male-dominated the world might become.

To support this thought and to celebrate womanhood- ‘Woman’, a cultural event by the Centre for Indian Classical Dances will showcase the perennial concern with the female power in India. The two-day event, which will see a special performance by Padma Vibhushan Sonal Mansingh, will be held from March 8-9 in the national Capital.

Dance maestro Sonal Mansingh has given new dimensions to known repertories practiced in India, latest being the Naatya-Katha. This is the ancient form of story-telling which Sonal Mansingh has embellished with her own singing, narrative skills and abhinaya (the art of expressive communication through hand-gestures, words and a face that reflects myriad emotions). 

Dr Mansingh, who is also the founder-President of the Centre for Indian Classical Dances, will present a new composition on the opening day of the event. She will be enacting Naatya Katha titled Stree which will see the perfect amalgamation of story-telling and abhinaya.

A Bharatanatyam performance titled- ‘Maiteryi’ by Soundarya Srivathsa will be held on March 9. This performance will be dedicated to the Indic philosopher who symbolises the Indian intellectual woman. Her dance will say it all through her chiseled lines, impeccable footwork, consummate ‘abhinaya’ and absorbing stage presence.

Along with this, a special Kathak dance recital titled ‘Mukt’ will be presented by two young exponents of Kathak- Kadam and Raina Parikh. Their performance will display the perfect combination of scintillating footwork and superb teamwork.

The iconic cultural personality of India, Dr Sonal Mansingh is acknowledged as the master of cultural interpretations and an exemplary teacher who explains inter-linkages with philosophy, literature, sculpture and mythological parables through lectures and dance. She is a great scholar and seasoned art administrator who has performed, given lectures and conducted workshops in 90 countries around the world. Sonal has been unique among dancers as she has mastered multiple Indian classical dance forms from different parts of India like Bharatanatyam, Odissi and Chhau. Apart from encouraging new talents through her art, she has even addressed issues ranging from ecological imbalance, environmental protection, empowerment of women and social justice especially for weaker sections of society.