Kuchipudi Performances, Press Features, and Artistic Notes
Beyond the stage, I share the articles, reviews, and posters that define my dance journey—from deep dives into classical literature to the raw reality of the creative process.
An article I wrote for The Hindu newspaper on Valentine's Day about how Indian classical dance explores every facet of love, or 'Shringara Rasa'. Vulnerability is what makes for truly exciting art.
A closer look at my article, 'Art and the Heart'. Classical dance has the repertoire and technique to express everything from longing and jealousy to the joy of union.
A personal reflection on why the arts matter. Dance has been a source of healing for me, a way to connect with a sense of a bigger picture and find strength during difficult times.
A lucid article from the Deccan Chronicle about our production 'Mandala'. The writer, Kumudha Chandrasekaran, truly took the time to understand our creative and collaborative process.
An excerpt from the Deccan Chronicle article, where we shared how we sent compositions back and forth, playing off each other's ideas until the piece came alive with the music.
More from the article on 'Mandala', discussing how collaboration creates a democratic environment for ideas to flow and enriches the artistic outcome.
The article describes how 'Mandala' is structured, moving through the circles of love (Shringara), separation (Viraha), disillusionment (Maya), and finally, dissolution (Aikya).
The review notes the "intentional minimalism" of 'Mandala', our choice to use just the voice and simple instruments to stay true to the raw, emotional experience.
The poster for 'Nritya Tarang', a performance in Mumbai where I presented Kuchipudi alongside a Bharatanatyam dancer. It's always a pleasure to share the stage with artists from other traditions.
Speaking at the NMACC about 'Her Story', a performance I curated. The show challenged cliches by portraying strong, independent female characters from mythology.
About In The Media & My Writings
When you read a review or look at a poster here, pay attention to the collaborators involved. My work is rarely a solo act; it is a conversation between musicians, visual artists, and dancers. If you are looking to bring a production to life, understanding this collaborative depth is the first step toward getting the right tone for your event.
My process is rooted in translation—turning literature, poetry, and music into movement. Whether I am working on a production like 'Mandala' or 'Her Story', the goal is to peel back layers of tradition to find what is human and relevant today.
Why Collaborations Matter
The articles and reviews featured here, including those from The Hindu and Deccan Chronicle, highlight a specific approach: intentional minimalism. We often strip away the heavy, unnecessary set designs to let the core of the art speak. This allows the dance, the live music, and the lighting to become one seamless narrative.
The Artistic Process
- Literary Depth: I spend significant time researching the texts—from Tagore's plays to saint-poet verses—to ensure the movement matches the intellectual weight of the source material.
- Technical Precision: As you see in the 'Her Story' performance images, the visual architecture is just as important as the steps. We pay close attention to lighting cues and stage space to ensure the audience sees the intention behind every movement.
- The Human Element: The press coverage often notes the vulnerability of the performance. It is not about perfect, plastic smiles. It is about portraying strength, confusion, love, and disillusionment—the messiness of being human.
If you are planning an event, these features provide a roadmap of how I tackle different themes. Whether you want a traditional Kuchipudi performance or a multidisciplinary stage show, my focus is on maintaining a democratic, open environment where ideas have room to breathe.
Amrita Lahiri
I am Amrita. I don't just perform; I search for stories that haven't been told yet. Whether I am adapting Tagore or blending Kuchipudi with Pichwai art, my goal is to strip away the cliches and find what is real and human.
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