Artistic Director of Srishti, Nina Rajarani MBE is an award-winning choreographer of classical Indian dance with 30 years’ experience as a dance-maker. She fuels traditions of Bharatanatyam and Kathak with contemporary artistic practice and ideas.
In 2025, Srishti has touring support from Arts Council England to revive two programmes for theatre settings. SEVENS is a triple bill for five dancers and three musicians which explores the sacred and sinful significance of the number Seven. EkatA (meaning identity and oneness) is a solo Bharatanatyam recital of dance pieces which Nina Rajarani has created to perform to the musical compositions of husband/vocalist Y Yadavan. Accompanied throughout by live music, this varied is programme of classical solo pieces (Alarippu, Varnam, Padam 1 and Padam 2).
In December this year and in 2026 (also with touring support from Arts Council England), Srishti will present Play Ball, an evening of three of their most loved pieces from 2005-8 (Kadala … Is it love?, Bend It and The Place Prize winning piece QUICK!) updated to reflect today’s society.
As well as their work for theatrical settings, Srishti has two pieces for outdoor festivals and events. Bells, Beats and Banter, is playful and youthful, with fast-paced choreography, exciting dynamics and cross rhythms. Jham! has a more relaxed feel, using creative improvisation – or “jamming” – to initiate a rhythmic interplay between classical and modern forms of music and dance. Both pieces have a distinctly contemporary quality, with a beatboxer and flautist performing alongside a Karnatik vocalist.
Trailers: SEVENS Bells, Beats & Banter Jham!
Upcoming tour dates:
16 September Theatre Royal, Winchester SEVENS
15 October Lawrence Batley Theatre Huddersfield SEVENS
19 October Universal Hall Findhorn SEVENS
13 November Bradford Arts Centre EkatA
23 November Bhavan London EkatA
