The idea is to be witness to something new that goes on to inform tradition in the future," says Swapnokalpa Dasgupta, head of dance-programming at National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai and curator, Pravaha Dance Festival. In its third edition that is due to take place tomorrow, the three-day festival will showcase new choreographies staying true to the form but with an eye on evolution.

So, while Bharatanatyam exponent Malavika Sarukkai uses multimedia in her dramatic adaptation of Bhagavad Gita with a performance titled The Battle Within, Toronto-based Lata Pada of Sampradaya Dance Creations incorporates Balinese dance in collaboration with choreographer I Wayan Dibia in a piece called Pralaya. "In a way, Sarukkai's use of multimedia is an endorsement in itself and ties in with our efforts to build audiences for dance. Similarly, collaboration in itself marks evolution in dance," says Dasgupta talking about the festival's larger pursuit.