Rhythm Divine

Tomorrow, Mohiniyattam will enter into a dialogue with several other dance forms that speak the similar language of lasya or grace. Samvaad, meaning conversation, is a two-day initiative by the Centre For Mohiniyattam, a Delhi-based organisation founded by the legendary Bharati Shivaji. Her daughter Vijayalakshmi (pictured), also artistic director of the organisation, will perform on the opening day with Chennai-based Kuchipudi dancer Sailaja. “It is important to share a good rapport with each other if we are to collaborate in a way that each dance form can be enriched by the experience,” says Vijaylakshmi. The event includes a piece in which the two dancers will perform to each other’s music. It will begin with an invocation as Vijaylakshmi seeking the blessings of Devi while Sailaja turns towards Ganesha. Among the other participants are Manipuri dancer Nandita Devi, Anwesha Mahanta from Sattriya and Odissi dancer Shagun Butani besides Mohiniyattam performers Mom Ganguly, Vinaya Narayanan and Manjula Murthy.

Samvaad will be held at Chinmaya Mission Auditorium on November 27 and 28. Entr y is free. Contact: 26492578.