YAA DEVI

Taking place on the 28th October 2024 at Leeds Beckett University, Devika Rao Dance Theatre, with support from Balbir Singh Dance Company, brought together dancers from the UK, Brazil, Sweden, and India to perform YAA DEVI, a movement dedicated to the empowerment of women across cultures. Rooted in the soul of classical Indian dance, YAA DEVI wove together six powerful dance styles: Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Yakshagana and Mayurbhanj Chhau — into one breathtaking tapestry that showcased tradition, mythology and international artistry with an electrifying energy.

2024 to 2025

Each step tells a story. From Brazil's sea goddess Yemanja to Nepal's living goddess Kumari. From the Roman moon goddess Diana to India’s fierce warrior Durga. Set against the resonant chant of YAA DEVI, the performance was infused with mythic retellings, stirring the senses with feelings of strength, compassion and beauty. Its climactic finale — where the goddesses unite to defeat evil — became a visual and spiritual crescendo; bursting with colour, rhythm and female power.

Dancers

Devika Rao
Devika Rao Dance Theatre

Musicians

Jesse Bannister

Poet and Librettist

Adam Strickson

Photographer

Balbir Singh