Indian classical dance performance takes centre stage at Midlands Arts Centre

The Midlands Arts Centre will host a performance of Ujala, an Indian Classical Dance style today.

Ujala is a must see display of the devotional movement and the costumes that revere the traditional dance forms of Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Sattriya, Odissi, Kuchipudi and Yakshagana.

The event has been organised by Sampad South Asian Arts and Heritage. Click here to book tickets.

The performances will be led by Chandana Gopalakrishna, Anaash Bhattathiripad, Rodali Bora, Wafi Rahman Ananna, Swathi Shree Vadivelu, Vyshnavi Rao, Sowmya Maiya, Swarna Bobbili, Aarathy Arun, and Anvitha Rengarajan.

The event will be compered by Shriya Sharma, a graduate of Chitraleka Dance Academy and a performer in Kaishiki, an elite group of the academy’s most experienced Bharatanatyam dancers.

Chandana Gopalakrishna is a Bharatanatyam artist with almost 25 years’ experience in performance, teaching and adjudication for Bharatanatyam examinations on the KSEEB (Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board).

Anaash Bhattathiripad is a Bharatanatyam practitioner, choreographer, Classical Vocalist and the last disciple of Mahavaidyanathaiyya Adiyar.

As  one of the few remaining practitioners of the Nartanapuri style of Bharatanatyam, Anaash aims to preserve and share this ancient tradition.

Rodali Bora is an award-winning actor, performer, and nationally recognised Sattriya dancer from Assam, India.

She has performed at several prestigious national and international platforms, including a folk dance performance at the London Olympics 2012, representing India as the youngest artist from her state.

Wafi Rahman Ananna is a Kathak dance artist and teacher. She follows the Lucknow Gharana, highlighting emotion, expression, rhythm and syllables.

Wafi began her Kathak journey 40 years ago, going on to receive a scholarship from Indian Council for Cultural Relations to study and deepen her relationship with the artform.

Swathi Shree Vadivelu is a Bharatanatyam dancer who trained under her Guru Smt. Shubhadha Prabhakar.

She trained at the Chinmudra Academy for Performing Arts, Bengaluru, and completed her Arangetram in 2020.

Vyshnavi Rao is a dancer, teacher and Associate Artist at Devika Dance Theatre.

She will be sharing a Yakshagana with audiences for Ujala. With a strong foundation in classical Indian dance traditions, she plays an active role in the Midlands arts sector, also mentoring young students in preparation for their ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing) exams.

Sowmya Maiya and Swarna Bobbili are a talented duo who specialise in the classical dance style of Odissi, which originates in the eastern coastal state of Odisha, India.

Having studied this artform since she was a child, Sowmya is a trained classical dancer, where her true passion lies.

Swarna has been a student of Odissi Classical Dance for almost a decade. For Swarna this is a lifelong passion, exploring the grace, spirituality, and sculptural beauty of this 2000-year-old artform.

Aarathy Arun is an Indian classical musician and dancer with over 30 years experience. Having trained in multiple styles and disciplines, she now specialises in Kuchipudi.

Anvitha Rengarajan has over 20 years of rigorous Bharatanatyam training, performance and practice, including as an Indian Doordarshan artist.

She has shared solo and ensemble performances across India and the UK, bringing this artform to diverse audiences. Anvitha also contributes to the classical dance community through teaching, mentoring and choreography.