Ancient dance in a modern era – exquisite Indian dance from the Nrityagram Dance Ensemble, whose vibrant costumes and lively yet fluid movements depict an ornately carved Hindu temple springing into life and colour.

The Nrityagram Dance Ensemble is regarded as one of the foremost dance companies of India. The Ensemble has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, from New York to Hawaii in the US and in Denmark, Holland, Portugal, the Middle-East, Singapore and Japan.

At Nrityagram, India dance is a way of life. The founder, Protima Gauri – an exquisite Odissi dancer herself – converted ten acres of farmland into an ideal setting for the study, practice and teaching of classical dance. Although steeped in and dedicated to ancient practice, Nrityagram dancers are also involved in carrying Indian dance into the twenty-first century. Their dazzling performances are lauded both nationally and internationally.

ODISSI is characterized by sensuousness and lyricism. With movements that reflect the motifs of Orissa temple sculpture, it captures drum rhythms, melodies, as well as the poetic meaning of songs taken from the vast canon of Oriya music. It speaks of love and union between human and divine, transporting viewers to enchanted worlds of magic and spirituality.

Sriyah is here as a part of Confluence, Festival of India.