--- title: "Mandala: A Minimalist Kuchipudi and Music Performance by Amrita Lahiri" description: "Experience 'Mandala', an intimate collaboration of Kuchipudi dance and live vocals by Amrita Lahiri. A minimalist performance exploring poetry and spiritual connection." canonical: https://mytribe.in/amrita.lahiri.dance/kuchipudi-dance-performances/mandala-a-journey-in-music-and-dance last_updated: 2025-10-01 --- # Mandala: A Minimalist Journey in Kuchipudi and Music Tribe Verified · Performed across six major Indian cities. By [Amrita Lahiri](https://mytribe.in/amrita.lahiri.dance) · Performs in Delhi NCR and travels across India · ₹55K Per Performance (up to 45 mins) (estimate) Part of [Kuchipudi Dance Performances](https://mytribe.in/amrita.lahiri.dance/kuchipudi-dance-performances). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/amrita.lahiri.dance/kuchipudi-dance-performances/gallery) A collaboration with vocalist Chandana Bala Kalyan, directed by Leela Samson. We explore the spiritual journey of seeking, stripping away the spectacle to find the raw connection between dance and voice. ## Photos and videos - ![This photo captures the essence of 'Mandala', a deep artistic dialogue between my dance and Chandana Bala Kalyan's voice. It was an honor to create this piece under the direction of Leela Samson.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1735f185-497d-4dce-9dae-749630d12343) - ![A moment from 'Mandala' under a single spotlight. The stark, simple lighting, designed by Gyandev Singh, was essential to the minimalist and introspective mood of the production.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ac165399-6773-4e15-8f95-f3b41a4bb0b3) - [Video: An excerpt from 'Mandala' set to the bhajan 'Jamuna Kinare Mora Gaon'. This piece explores the theme of 'Shringara' or love, the first circle of our journey in this production.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/55439886-3e21-4896-8e2f-b5b85286576e) - ![Performing 'Mandala' with Chandana. Our connection on stage is not just as two artists, but as two storytellers sharing a single narrative through our different mediums.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4d57cbc4-146e-49d3-b995-bc67640889b9) - !["Where are you searching for me? I am within you!" This line from the poet Kabir is at the heart of 'Mandala'. Here, in a moment of stillness, the dance seeks to express that inner divinity.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/dfb0d5ce-cd54-409c-9513-d5b277b5df13) - ![Taking a bow with Chandana after a performance of 'Mandala' at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre. It is always a joy to share our art and feel the audience's response.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c9c7acd5-9006-4856-9c4a-ba4df904be19) - ![A performance shot from 'Mandala'. The simple costumes and bare stage put the focus entirely on the music and the movement, creating a very raw and honest experience.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/09650028-5485-4101-ae2a-a10b95db56ae) - ![Another perspective on 'Mandala', showing the interplay between light, shadow, and the artists. The red of Chandana's saree is a vibrant counterpoint to my simple white costume.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/897b710e-5925-4193-a564-7dd8d249690f) - ![This moment from 'Mandala' is from the section on 'Viraha' or separation. The dance expresses the pain and longing described in the poetry.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/89cd2e0a-ac13-4216-8e38-9839d2d17ab3) - ![A wider view of the stage during 'Mandala'. The audience is drawn into this intimate space we create, becoming part of the collective experience.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f069dcca-1713-4a1c-b7e1-32751a54fa3a) - ![A moment of expressive storytelling from 'Mandala'. The production has traveled to six cities, and with each performance, it evolves and deepens.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/37464c96-f359-4dcc-a894-f315fd711e2d) - ![A full view of the stage during 'Mandala'. The simplicity of the setup allows the poetry of the saints, sung so beautifully by Chandana, to take center stage.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8ed51db5-effa-4123-832f-93332a91bd36) - ![A seated interaction during 'Mandala'. We often converse and interact during the performance, making it a fluid and organic experience for us and the audience.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a4254c9f-98f3-4eb7-a071-959a221731f4) - ![Here, Chandana accompanies her singing with a ukulele, adding a unique texture to the soundscape of 'Mandala'. This intentional minimalism was a key artistic choice.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c8d84b18-7f0f-444e-92fa-74aac1c7e740) - ![A moment of collaboration from 'Mandala', where my dance responds directly to the emotion in Chandana's voice.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0da9b553-98b6-4b63-9859-63821b72a80e) - ![A pose of surrender and devotion from the final section of 'Mandala', representing 'Aikya' or dissolution into the divine.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7b9e4e39-55fd-4b22-8178-190a49373442) - [Video: This clip gives a sense of the atmosphere of 'Mandala', a journey through poetry, music, and dance that we have been privileged to share with audiences across India.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/863a0b2b-bacc-46dc-abd4-6255c4c478f7) - ![A dramatic shot from 'Mandala' at the Serendipity Arts Festival, where the piece was first commissioned and performed. The lighting creates a powerful, almost abstract image.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b66184d6-2849-4796-907a-47ba9e06af52) - [Video: A short video capturing the stark beauty of 'Mandala', with a single beam of light illuminating the path of the dancer.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b80c51b7-9eb8-4244-8fa8-1c93dbb862db) ## About Mandala: A Journey in Music and Dance This production is intentionally minimalist. We strip away the heavy sets and traditional ornamentation to focus entirely on the dialogue between movement and voice. It requires an intimate, quiet stage space. The 'Mandala' does not work in a loud banquet hall; it needs an auditorium or a space where the poetry of Kabir and Meera Bai can actually be heard. ### The Concept: A Conversation in Movement 'Mandala' was born from a desire to return to the essence of performance. Directed by the legendary Leela Samson, this collaboration with vocalist Chandana Bala Kalyan moves away from the elaborate costumes and busy stage backdrops often associated with Kuchipudi. Instead, we rely on the raw power of sound and gesture. We explore the spiritual journey of seeking, moving from love and separation to disillusionment and finally, dissolution, using the poetry of saints like Kabir and Meera Bai. ### Technical Requirements Because the production is designed to be quiet and introspective, the technical needs are specific. We rely on careful lighting design—often by Gyandev Singh—to create pockets of focus rather than a flood of stage light. * **Audience:** This performance thrives in venues where the audience is close enough to witness the nuances of expression and hear the unamplified resonance of the music. * **Stage:** A clean, wooden surface is mandatory. Given the minimalist nature, the stage must be free of competing visual distractions. * **Collaboration:** The interplay between Chandana’s voice and my movement is fluid. We do not work to a rigid, fixed timing; rather, we react to each other in real-time, making every show slightly different. ### Why Book This Production? 'Mandala' is not a standard dance item for a high-energy event. It is a piece for arts festivals, private gatherings, or corporate events where the host wants to offer a moment of stillness and reflection. It has traveled to venues like the Serendipity Arts Festival in Goa and the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, evolving with every city we visit. If you are looking for a performance that invites the audience to pause, listen, and think, this is the production for you. ## About Amrita Lahiri I’m Amrita. 'Mandala' is one of the projects closest to my heart. Working with Leela Samson’s direction and Chandana’s voice has taught me how much can be said when you simply stop and listen to the music. [See all of Amrita Lahiri's services](https://mytribe.in/amrita.lahiri.dance) ## More from Kuchipudi Dance Performances by Amrita Lahiri - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/amrita.lahiri.dance/kuchipudi-dance-performances/featured) - [Ananta: The Unlimited](https://mytribe.in/amrita.lahiri.dance/kuchipudi-dance-performances/ananta-the-unlimited) - [Nishagandhi Festival Recital](https://mytribe.in/amrita.lahiri.dance/kuchipudi-dance-performances/nishagandhi-festival-recital) - [Kolkata Performances](https://mytribe.in/amrita.lahiri.dance/kuchipudi-dance-performances/kolkata-performances) - [Call of the Flute: A Confluence of Arts](https://mytribe.in/amrita.lahiri.dance/kuchipudi-dance-performances/call-of-the-flute-a-confluence-of-arts) - [Jugalbandi: Duets & Group Choreographies](https://mytribe.in/amrita.lahiri.dance/kuchipudi-dance-performances/jugalbandi-duets-group-choreographies) - [The Art of Kuchipudi: Form, Expression & Practice](https://mytribe.in/amrita.lahiri.dance/kuchipudi-dance-performances/the-art-of-kuchipudi-form-expression-practice) - [Event Announcements & Press](https://mytribe.in/amrita.lahiri.dance/kuchipudi-dance-performances/event-announcements-press) ## More services by Amrita Lahiri - [Kuchipudi Workshops & Coaching](https://mytribe.in/amrita.lahiri.dance/kuchipudi-workshops-coaching) - [Choreography & Artistic Direction](https://mytribe.in/amrita.lahiri.dance/choreography-artistic-direction) ## Similar work from other experts - [Carnatic Vocal and Classical Dance Collaborations](https://mytribe.in/spoorthirao_/thematic-musical-productions/collaborations-in-music-dance) by Spoorthi Rao · Thematic Musical Productions · Travels for productions across India - [Sufi & Devotional Kathak Performances](https://mytribe.in/pooja_pant_kathak/kathak-performances/sufi-devotional-kathak) by Pooja Pant · Kathak Performances · Performs at events across India - [The Art of Connection: My Guru & Live Ensemble](https://mytribe.in/kim-aham-school-of-dance/kuchipudi-dance-performances/my-roots-guru-musicians) by Avijit Das · Kuchipudi Dance Performances · Performances at Whitefield studio & venues across India - [Artistic & Spiritual Dance Journeys](https://mytribe.in/rajasmitakar/event-choreography-performances/artistic-spiritual-journeys) by Rajasmita Kar · Event Choreography & Performances · Based in Bengaluru; Travels across India - [Kathak Dance Performances and Thematic Choreography](https://mytribe.in/sharatprabhath/classical-indian-performances-productions/kathak-rhythms-of-the-soul) by Sharat Prabhath · Classical Indian Performances & Productions · Based in Jayanagar; Travels across India for shows - [Solo Bharatanatyam Recitals: The Margam and Beyond](https://mytribe.in/parshwanath_upadhye/dance-performances-productions/solo-recitals-the-margam-beyond) by Parshwanath Upadhye · Dance Performances & Productions · Performances at Punyah Theatre in Kalkere; Travels across India for shows ## Book To book Amrita Lahiri, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Amrita%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20'Mandala'%20performance%20page.%20I%E2%80%99d%20like%20to%20inquire%20about%20booking%20this%20for%20an%20upcoming%20event.%20Could%20you%20let%20me%20know%20about%20your%20availability%3F)