The renowned dancer and founder of Natya Vriksha, Geeta Chandran, organised the 17th annual celebration of World Dance Day, showcasing the rich heritage of Indian classical dance forms. The two-day event, held on 20th-21st April, was a vibrant combination of workshops, seminars, and performances, hosted in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the India International Centre.
The festivities commenced with a workshop on “Movement Techniques in Sattriya,” led by Prateesha Suresh and artists from Assam, providing a platform for dancers of all classical styles to exchange techniques and insights.
Geeta Chandran highlighted the significance of the occasion, 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.”
The first day also witnessed the prestigious 5th Natya Vriksha Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony, honoring dance critic and scholar Smt. Leela Venkataraman for her profound contributions to the realm of Indian classical dance.
The afternoon session featured a discussion on “Celebrating Rukmini Devi Arundale,” accompanied by the launch of author Dr. V.R. Devika’s new book on the revered arts revivalist. Noted author Ashok Vajpeyi received the inaugural copy of the book.
The evening was filled with captivating performances by young talents, including Bharatanatyam by Vaishnavi Srinivasan and Nivedha Harish, disciples of Guru Smt. Roja Kannan, followed by a spellbinding Kathak performance by Divya Goswami, disciple of Late Guru Shri Munnalal Shukla.
Day two continued the celebration with further workshops and seminars, including a panel discussion on the Legacy in Classical Dance, featuring eminent dancers from across India.
Geeta Chandran’s vision through Natya Vriksha remains steadfast in preserving and promoting Indian classical dance forms. The organization’s efforts in providing a platform for learning, connection, and celebration continue to empower young talent and foster a deeper appreciation for this vibrant art form.
As Geeta Chandran encapsulated, “Our goal is to create a space where the beauty and intricacy of Indian classical dance can flourish, where seasoned artists can mentor emerging talents, and where our collective heritage can thrive in the hearts of new generations.”
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