"A mysterious gift of Nature. Water is an element of a sacred being that holds life on earth. "Elemental" is a performance piece with Kathak, and Contemporary movement grammar to portray how 'Water' has been an element that has united and nurtured us for thousands of years, a symbol of transformation. This confluence of Indian dance styles brings forth the overflowing, ever-flowing, formless, and free-spirited concept of transparent water. Choreography by Gauri Sharma Tripathi, Music Composition by Niraj Chag and Buzz-erk Records, Slagwerk Den Haag, and performed by Ammith Kumar, Veronica Jose, Shalmali Zankar, Tarini Tripathi, Neeti Premkumar, Sneha Masurkar, and the ANKH Crew. Supported by AF Entertainment & Amara Nritya Kala Hansa. "
Gauri Sharma Tripathi has trained in the classical tradition of Kathak, under the guidance of her Guru and mother, Padma Sharma. Under her company, ANKH- Amara Nritya Kala Hansa and ANKH Dance UK, she continues to bring events like Dancing under the skies, Kathak Stanzas, and Kathak Collective. Gauri wrote the three-year degree course on Kathak for London Contemporary Dance School, she was also part of the ISTD South Asian dance founding team, faculty and examiner. She has curated The Alchemy Festival for the last nine years and is associated with The Women of the World festival.
Read moreELEMENTAL: A Choreography by Gauri Sharma Tripathi
Water - Nature’s Gift
Water is a precious gift of nature and an essential element for life. It covers about 71% of the earth's surface and plays a crucial role in the functioning of the planet's ecosystem. Its importance to life on earth cannot be overstated. It sustains agriculture, industry, and energy production. Water is also revered for its ability to shape and sustain life on earth, and its power to transform landscapes and form natural wonders such as rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Sacred Nature of Water
Water is essential for all living things and is seen as a symbol of cleansing and renewal. In many religions and spiritual traditions, water is used in rituals of purification and consecration, such as baptism in Christianity, or the Islamic ritual of washing before prayer. In indigenous cultures, water is often seen as a powerful spiritual force and is used in traditional healing practices. In Hinduism, the Ganges River is considered a sacred body of water and is worshipped as a goddess.
Water is Elemental
Water is considered an elemental substance in many traditions and cultures. The concept of the four classical elements—earth, air, fire, and water—dates back to ancient Greek philosophy, and these elements were believed to make up all matter in the universe.
In many spiritual and mystical traditions, water is seen as a symbol of emotion, change, and adaptability. It is associated with qualities such as fluidity, flexibility, and the ability to flow and take the shape of its container.
Celebrating Water Through Dance
In many indigenous cultures, water dances are performed as a way to show respect and request blessings. They often involve traditional movements and rituals that are intended to connect dancers with the spirit of water and to express gratitude for its life-giving qualities.
In other cultures, dance is used to celebrate water in a more abstract sense, using movement to express the fluidity and changing nature of water. For example, contemporary dance pieces that explore the themes of water often use fluid and flowing movements to evoke the sensation of being underwater or to express the transformative power of water.
Fusion of Kathak and Contemporary Dance Forms
It is a modern take on the classical dance style of Kathak, where traditional techniques are combined with contemporary movement grammar. It aims to bring the rich history and elegance of Kathak into a modern context, while also exploring new forms of expression and movement.
The fusion has traditional Kathak elements such as footwork, hand gestures, and facial expressions incorporated into a contemporary dance framework. This may involve the use of contemporary dance techniques, such as floor work, aerial movements, and more abstract movement styles.
About Sassoon Docks
Sassoon Docks is a historic fishing village located in Mumbai, India. It is one of the largest and oldest fishing villages in the city and is known for its bustling atmosphere and vibrant community of fishermen and their families. It was built in the late 19th century by David Sassoon, a wealthy Jewish merchant who wanted to create a safe and efficient place for the city's fishermen to sell their catch. Today, it is a hub of activity, with hundreds of fishermen coming and going each day to sell their catch. The docks are surrounded by a bustling market, where vendors sell seafood and other goods to locals and tourists alike. It is the venue for the Mumbai Urban Art Festival organized by the St+art India Foundation.
