Akademi presents cutting-edge dance at the Southbank Centre

 

First Light is a unique piece choreographed by award-winning Bharatanatyam dancer Seeta Patel with music composed by one of UKs’ most respected and versatile musicians John Metcalfe. First Light combines the aesthetics of contemporary and Bharatanatyam dance to create a narrative that nimbly jumps from fear of the unknown to discovery and enlightenment. Taking inspiration from the age old concepts of good overcoming evil, light overcoming darkness and the divine female energy of the Hindu goddess Durga in her nine incarnations, this work evolves through a myriad of different colours culminating in an interplay between dance, music, light and space. Originally performed under Hungerford Bridge, First Light has been updated for a theatre setting, maintaining the urban edge that made it so compelling.

 

 

FYP? – Forgot Your Password? by Divya Kasturi will be exploring technology and virtual identity whilst Detoxby Urja Desai Thakore will create complex contemporary movements from classical Indian styles.“I am delighted that Urja and Divya will be creating new work as part of Choreogata. This project reinforces Akademi’s main goals of developing the work of emerging artists and choreographers. ‘Gata’ in Hindi means ‘the path’ and we are excited to support these artists at the start of their choreographic journey.” Mira Kaushik OBE, Director of Akademi.

 

First Light & Choreogatais not only an exciting opportunity for audiences to see work by one of UK’s most beautiful dancers, Seeta Patel but it’s also going to be a unique evening of contemporary dance by future stars of the dance world.