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 2023 Nina Rajarani launched Srishti Pathways, an apprentice company showing new talent in the South Asian dance sector, people to really look out for. Touring through autumn 2024, an ensemble of 4 dancers presents a four-part programme of classical Indian dance works. The repertoire includes a new work by Akram Khan’s Creative Associate Mavin Khoo and three of Srishti‘s existing works choreographed by Nina Rajarani herself.
Srishti has a new work for outdoor settings available in Summer 2024, with Rajarani’s fast-paced outdoor piece for four dancers and three musicians, Bells, Beats and Banter joining Jham! in the festival repertoire. Bells, Beats and Banter is the choreographic equivalent of dating apps, with exciting dynamics and coquettish cross rhythms that reveal all the fun and freedom of youth. Equally upbeat, playful and energetic, Jham! uses creative improvisation – or “jamming” – to initiate a rhythmic interplay between classical and modern forms of music and dance. Both pieces have a relaxed, distinctly contemporary feel, with a beatboxer and flautist performing alongside a Karnatik vocalist.
In Spring 2025, Srishti will re-work three of the company’s most popular performance pieces for theatre settings from 2005-2008. The evening of classics, entitled Play Ball will include the Place Prize-winning QUICK!
In Autumn 2025, Srishti will revive SEVENS, a triple bill of pieces for theatre settings exploring the sacred and sinful significance of the number Seven. Five dancers and three musicians perform.
Upcoming tour dates:
17 September New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich Pathways
6 November Corn Exchange Newbury Pathways
Trailers: SEVENS Pathways Bells, Beats & Banter Jham!
