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.
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 programme of solo pieces (Alarippu, Varnam, Padam 1 and Padam 2) concludes with an ensemble Tillana performed by four Srishti dancers.
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.
Upcoming tour dates:
9 February mac Birmingham ekatA
12 February Corn Exchange Newbury SEVENS
5 March Aberystwyth Arts Centre SEVENS
19 April Royal Festival Hall Ballroom London Jham!
3 May Key Theatre Peterborough ekatA
12 May Westlands Yeovil ekatA
Trailers: SEVENS Pathways Bells, Beats & Banter Jham!