Indian dance premiere aims to preserve culture

Pari Naderi, founder of Pagrav Dance Company, has been a driving force in the dance scene since establishing the company in Milton Keynes two decades ago. This Saturday, the company will unveil a new performance titled “ROOH: Within Her,” choreographed by the acclaimed Urja Desai Thakore. Desai Thakore, who relocated to Milton Keynes in 2003, described the new piece as a departure from her previous works, born out of her desire to explore fresh creative avenues.

“This performance delves into the untold stories of female bravery, framed in a contemporary dialogue akin to conversations I would have with my daughter,” she shared.

Desai Thakore has partnered with renowned poet and dramaturg Karthika Nair to weave narratives of female courage from various sources, including folklore and personal family histories. “Storytelling is at the heart of everything I do; it’s how I express myself,” she explained. “If we don’t preserve our culture and the unique ways we tell our stories, we risk losing them entirely.”

Desai Thakore emphasized the importance of teaching the foundations of Kathak to the next generation, stating, “We need to ensure they grasp the original style so they can articulate their own unique expressions.”

Mira Salat, a dancer and teacher with the company, stated that Kathak connects her to her heritage and roots. “It’s far more than just a historical dance; it opens doors for me to explore my creativity. Losing this art form would mean losing something invaluable.”

Salat praised Desai Thakore’s efforts over the years for paving the way for Kathak dancers in the UK, creating opportunities for South Asian artists and dancers in general.

Ashwini Mahatre, another dancer and teacher, echoed the sentiment about the profound connection that Kathak provides to one’s culture and self-expression. “The dedication that Desai Thakore has shown to keep this dance alive is commendable,” she noted.

Desai Thakore recognized the necessity of nurturing new talent, expressing her commitment to encouraging younger generations to pursue full-time dancing careers. She voiced her perspective on South Asian cultural expectations, saying, “While many families encourage their children to become doctors or engineers, it’s crucial for parents to allow their children to choose their own paths.”

Reflecting on her own journey, Desai Thakore said, “I was fortunate to have parents who believed in my artistic aspirations—they always supported my passion for the arts over more traditional career paths.”

Following its premiere at The Venue in Milton Keynes, “ROOH: Within Her” will continue its run at various locations, including The Lowry in Salford on January 14, Cambridge Junction on February 18 and 19, and London’s Sadler’s Wells from April 24 to 26. You can stay updated on news from Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Buckinghamshire through BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X.