Jaipur, 22 November: Rajasthan International Centre (RIC) hosted the vibrant opening day of the Jaipur Dance Conclave (JDC), a first-of-its-kind initiative in Rajasthan celebrating India’s classical and folk dance traditions. The two-day conclave brings together performances, workshops, panel discussions and demonstrations designed to deepen public engagement with India’s diverse dance heritage.
The conclave is an ArtsSpots initiative supported by the Rajasthan International Centre, Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan; Rajasthan Grameen Aajeevika Vikas Parishad (Rajeevika) and Rural Development Department.
It has been conceptualised and curated by Manjot Chawla and Kuchipudi dancer Amrita Lahiri.
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Insightful Dialogues on Dance and Its Ecosystem
The day began with a keynote lecture by eminent Bharatanatyam exponent and Padma Shri awardee Leela Samson, who spoke on the relationship between scholars and practitioners in the world of dance. She highlighted how technique, training, literature, costume, lighting and the relationship with musicians collectively shape the completeness of the art form.
This was followed by an engaging conversation between Leela Samson and literary consultant Mita Kapur on “Dance – The All-Inclusive Art Form.” Samson reflected on evolving interpretations of dance, the importance of maintaining its core grammar, and the discipline of traditional pedagogy. She spoke about the Devadasi tradition, arangetram, and the importance of safeguarding foundational elements so that future generations continue to inherit authentic practice.
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Panel on ‘The Arts Ecosystem – Dynamics and Balance’
In the second seminar, panelists Deepthi Sasidharan, Shan Bhatnagar, Akhila Krishnamurty, and Aditi Jaitly discussed the shifting landscape of India’s arts ecosystem.
• Aditi Jaitly emphasised the changing role of museums as active spaces for dialogue and collaboration.
• Artist Shan Bhatnagar raised the issue of endangered art practices and the urgent need for patronage to sustain them.
• Art historian Deepthi Sasidharan highlighted the critical role of archives and libraries in safeguarding cultural memory, underscoring that sustained education and awareness are essential for the survival of traditional arts.
The session was moderated by arts entrepreneur Akhila Krishnamurty.
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Workshops and Performances Celebrating Rajasthan’s Cultural Heritage
The day featured a moving folk performance by artistes Chaina and Rakesh:
“Kashida Phool – Journeying with the Cross Dancers of Rajasthan,”
presented in collaboration with Alliance Française Jaipur, Jaipur Virasat Foundation and MAAH Space. The work explored identity, gender fluidity and community through the transformative process of cross-dressing within the Meena tradition.
A Kathak workshop led by SNA Awardee Prerana Shrimali offered participants a hands-on introduction to the nuances of rhythm, expression and classical technique.
Later, the Gurjar and Meena communities of Dausa presented “Kanhaiya Dangal – A Gathering in Verse and Spirit,” a 200-year-old living folk tradition that blends poetry, music and episodes from the Mahabharata, celebrating unity and community pride. This presentation was in collaboration with Jaipur Virasat Foundation.
The evening concluded with two compelling classical presentations:
• “Hari Ho… Gati Meri” by Kathak dancer Gauri Diwakar and ensemble, exploring themes of liberation and beauty through poetry by Muslim devotees of Krishna, choreographed by Aditi Mangaldas.
• “Prakashya” by the Spanda Dance Ensemble, choreographed by Padma Shri Leela Samson, interpreting poetic compositions from South Indian vaggeyakaras through a refined and rooted movement vocabulary.
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Day 2 Highlights (23 November)
RIC will host a full day of discussions, workshops and performances:
• 10:00 am: Panel – “The Way Forward: New Directions in Choreography and Dance Pedagogy” featuring Leela Samson, Madhavi Mudgal, Prerana Shrimali and Deepthi Sashidharan.
• 11:30 am: Book discussion & performance – “Interpreting Wild Women – Poetry, Music and Dance” with Arundhathi Subramaniam, Sudha Raghuraman and Dakshina Vaidyanathan.
• 3:00 pm: Children’s workshop – “When Walls Dance” conducted by dancer–actor Prachi Saathi.
• 4:30 pm: Conversation – “Rajasthan ki Lok-Sangeet Parampara Vinod Joshi ke Saath” with Vinod Joshi and Gauri Diwakar.
• 6:00 pm: “Nritya Tarang” by students of Jaipur Kathak Kendra.
• 6:30 pm: “Manthan” – a creative blend of Kaavad Katha and Mohiniyattam performed by Divya Warier, directed by Akhshay Gandhi.
• 7:30 pm: “Vistar” – an Odissi presentation by Madhavi Mudgal and ensemble.