Classical art forms need to breathe the air of today: Aditi Mangaldas

To deliver a transformative experience to the audience, classical art forms must breathe the air of today, says celebrated Kathak dancer and choreographer Aditi Mangaldas. 

Returning to Kalaa Utsavam for the fourth time, the dance maverick brings to the festival Inter_rupted, which was awarded the Best Other Contemporary Work at the Seeing Dance annual awards in 2016.

The dance production explores the body and its existence through her signature blend of kathak, contemporary dance elements and theatre design.

“Inter_rupted emerges from the body, and is about the sense of invincibility that we have,” explains Mangaldas. “And yet, the body is fragile and disintegrates; but at the same time, it is equipped with energy and power of renewal.”

For one night only on November 16, Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company – The Drishtikon Dance Foundation will be presenting Inter_rupted at the Esplanade Theatre​. Tickets are priced at SGD 40 each. 

Connected to India speaks to Mangaldas in an exclusive interview, in which she talks about her long connection with Kalaa Utsavam, as well as her thoughts on the global growth of Indian dance forms. Watch it below: