Two dancers take a deep dive into their dance traditions of Kathak and Bharatanatyam to find new pathways of expression and collaboration. This performance by Shivani Jatar (Kathak) and Dhivya Srilakashmi (Bharatanatyam) features heritage items rarely performed in the UK.

Shivani will perform items from using Benaras style as well as the Lucknow style highlighting their similarities and differences. Through these items, she traces her dance journey that has brought her to the UK and inspires her to make Indian dance more accessible for audiences in the UK. Dhivya will perform repertoire items like Alarippu, Padam and Bhajans bringing the core aspects of Nrittam, Nrityam, Natyam to the audience in an authentic, easy-to-understand manner. Some items have pure dance movements whereas some bring out everyday expressions through lyrical poetry.

The performance has been designed for UK audiences who are new to the world of Indian dance and will include translations and explanations. The themes are family-friendly so it can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.

Menaka Manch is a platform for discovering the beauty, mastery and diversity of South Asian classical dance. Menaka Dance hopes to make this an annual celebration of dance in the city of Leeds and the North.

Tickets: £15 only (£10 for children & young people)