Natya Vriksha, under the stewardship of the esteemed dancer and Padma Shri awardee Geeta Chandran, is set to grace the stage once again with their annual celebration of World Dance Day on April 20th and 21st, 2024, at the prestigious India International Centre in New Delhi. This year marks the 17th edition of their spectacular event, promising a captivating blend of workshops, seminars, and mesmerizing performances, all aimed at honoring the rich heritage of Indian classical dance.
Curated by Geeta Chandran herself, the event kicks off on April 20th with a morning workshop on “Movement Techniques in Sattriya,” led by Prateesha Suresh and artists from Assam, inviting dancers from all classical styles to participate. The afternoon session witnesses the esteemed 5th Natya Vriksha Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony, honoring dance critic and scholar Smt. Leela Venkataraman, followed by a discussion on “Celebrating Rukmini Devi Arundale” led by Dr. V.R. Devika.
The evening of April 20th dazzles with performances by young talents such as Vaishnavi Srinivasan and Nivedha Harish showcasing Bharatanatyam, and Divya Goswami presenting a mesmerizing Kathak performance.
The celebration continues on April 21st with the continuation of the Sattriya workshop in the morning, followed by a seminar on “Legacy in Classical Dance,” featuring eminent panelists moderated by Geeta Chandran herself. The evening of April 21st brings forth the Young Dancers’ Festival, featuring various dance styles including Mohiniyattam by Thoma Vo Van Tao and Bharatanatyam by Meera Sreenarayanan.
Throughout the event, workshops are held at the IIC Multipurpose Hall, while seminars and performances take place at the C.D. Deshmukh Auditorium, providing an immersive experience for participants and attendees alike.
Geeta Chandran, the visionary behind Natya Vriksha, emphasizes the organization’s mission to create a vibrant community that transcends boundaries, empowers young talent, and celebrates the dedication of artists to Indian classical dance forms. Through their endeavors, Natya Vriksha continues to uphold the legacy and promote the beauty of Indian classical dance on a global stage.