Kuchipudi Stage Performances and Collaborations
The stage is where years of riyaaz find their expression. This collection captures moments from my solo Kuchipudi performances and collaborative productions, where I explore the dance from its traditional roots to contemporary storytelling.
There is a unique magic in watching a performance from the wings. You see the artist's connection with the light, the stage, and the audience in a way that is intimate and revealing.
This is a jati that nearly every Kuchipudi dancer knows, but each of us brings our own interpretation to it. It shows how our dance is rooted in history yet is constantly evolving.
In our production 'Mandala', poetry, music, and dance are equal partners. Here, we are seen in a moment of interaction, bringing a poem by Kabir to life on stage.
A few glimpses from my 'Mandala' tour. It was an honor to perform with Chandana Bala Kalyan and to have my guru Leela Samson, along with so many esteemed artists, in the audience.
Meet the artists of 'Mandala'. This production was a collaboration between myself, the wonderful vocalist Chandana Bala Kalyan, and our choreographer and director, the celebrated Leela Samson.
Rehearsing with musicians Sujesh Menon and VKS is a joy. The creative process is filled with conversations, ideas, and laughter as we shape new choreographies together.
This is from 'Call of the Flute', a collaboration with Pichwai painter Shaan. Here, I am speaking about the connections between Kuchipudi dance and the art of Nathadwara.
Interacting with the audience during 'Call of the Flute' in Jaipur. Sharing the stories behind the dance and art is as important as the performance itself.
A few moments from my lecture demonstration at the NCPA. It is humbling to revisit the history of Kuchipudi and realize we are all a small part of its long and continuing journey.
About On Stage: Performances & Collaborations
Whether you are planning an intimate cultural event or a larger stage performance, I approach each appearance as a conversation rather than just a presentation. My work often involves blending Kuchipudi with live music, poetry, or other visual arts, ensuring the performance resonates with the specific setting and audience. If you are looking to bring a story to life through dance, let's connect to discuss the scope, technical requirements, and the narrative you want to convey.
The stage is where my riyaaz finds its ultimate expression. Performance for me is not merely executing steps, but translating poetry and music into a living dialogue. In projects like 'Mandala', I have had the privilege to work with celebrated artists such as Leela Samson and Chandana Bala Kalyan, exploring themes that traverse Shringara (love) and the profound questions of existence. My performances are grounded in the Vempati Chinna Satyam style of Kuchipudi, but they are rarely static. I enjoy the process of 'Call of the Flute', where I collaborated with Pichwai painter Shaan, bridging the gap between classical dance and visual art from Nathadwara. This spirit of collaborative creation—whether it is with vocalists, instrumentalists, or writers—is central to how I structure my stage work. I perform solo recitals and collaborative productions across India, including regular shows in Delhi NCR, Bangalore, and Chennai. Beyond the performance itself, I also conduct interactive lecture-demonstrations for educational institutions and arts organizations, providing context on the history and technique of Kuchipudi. If you are curating an event and seeking a performance that combines technical rigour with thoughtful storytelling, I would be happy to discuss how we can bring that vision to the stage.
Amrita Lahiri
I am Amrita Lahiri. Dance for me is a constant practice—a mix of sweat, discipline, and a deep search for meaning that I carry from the studio to the stage. Whether I am performing a solo Kuchipudi piece or building a new production, I am always looking to tell stories that connect us.
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