Reflections of an Indian Dancer
Reflections of an Indian Dancer is a narrative dance work by Balbir Singh, developed in collaboration with the internationally renowned dancer Sooraj Subramaniam and writer and storyteller, Dan Mallaghan.
Dancers, by convention, are seen and not heard. Reflections of an Indian Dancer explores the classical Indian dancer as we have never seen him before, inviting us to consider his internal dialogue as he gets ready to perform, his early experiences, and the life-shaping events that have combined to propel the dancer inexorably towards a lifetime of movement.
Words from Balbir
“
The idea for Reflections of an Indian Dancer was first whispered in my ear over a decade ago, when I started working with Sooraj on the seminal Decreasing Infinity. From then onwards I always found Sooraj’s thinking, processing and articulating fascinating and poetic: a dreamer like me, dancing with words to make sense of the world around him.Collaborating with Sooraj and his words, with Dan in the passenger seat alongside me, has been a joyful challenge, and I am incredibly grateful to Sooraj for his honesty in allowing us - and you, the audience - to share in his reflections and glimpse something of his inner world.
”
Devising Pictures
Performance Photos
Kala Sangram
“
We learn that the dance should be crisp, clear, articulate, and it is. The certain yet fluid movements show Subramaniam’s skills and training. The direction of Balbir Singh and dramaturgy of Dan Mallaghan give us a narrative thread and incorporate the use of recorded spoken word. A diverse audience is given the tools to understand classical Indian dance in a way that unites rather than divides us.”
Margaret Hooper,
The Review Hub
Robert Bloomfield
Shout Festival
International
Reflections of an Indian Dancer has an international presence, and has toured in a number of countries such as Sweden and most recently the Netherlands, as part of the Korzo India Dance Festival.
Image courtesy of Korzo
Sooraj Subramaniam
Malcolm Johnson
