A galaxy of dancing stars

Rajashri Shirke and her troupe

There is no seven-year itch for the National Centre for the Performing Arts when it comes to promoting various forms of Indian Classical dances. Now in its seventh year, the Nakshatra Dance Festival will once again present a spectrum of dance forms from all over India.

A key highlight will be a workshop by Mohiniattam exponent, Dr Kanak Rele on Ashtanayikas, a concept that forms the core of Indian Classical dance, and transcends to Indian paintings, literature and sculptures. As for performances, Padmabhushan awardees, the Dhananjayans, and their troupe, Bharatakalanjali will present Nritya Darshan, a Bharatanatyam performance, whereas, Ratikant Mohapatra's Odissi dance institute, Srjan, will present Anweshanaa: In Search of Excellence.

Rajashri Shirke and her troupe

Adding more flavour to the event will be Jawaharlal Nehru Manipuri Dance Academy, who will stage an acrobatic presentation on Pung cholom (Manipuri drum), Dhol cholom, Kortal cholom and Manipuri martial arts Thang Ta.

Dancers from Jawaharlal Nehru Manipuri Dance Academy

UK-based Kathak dancer Akram Khan and Flamenco dancer Israel Galvan will perform Torobaka, a duet that will represent the coming together of the two dancers' styles. Rabindranath Tagore's work will come to life on stage with Kathak dancer Rajashri Shirke and her troupe's new production, Khata (The Exercise Book).

Flamenco dancer Israel Galvan and Contemporary Kathak dancer Akram Khan

From: October 3 to 11
At: NCPA, Nariman Point.
Call: 22824567