Daksha Sheth Dance Company
About
Daksha Sheth Dance Company was established in 1993 by Daksha Sheth, a pioneering force in the world of dance, renowned for her innovative and audacious approach to the performing arts. Under her leadership, the company has gained international acclaim for its dance theater productions, which bring together performing artists from various disciplines. The company has developed a distinct dance vocabulary and has performed widely in India and abroad, showcasing the richness and diversity of Indian performing arts.
Born in Ahmedabad in 1952, Daksha embarked on her dance journey nearly 50 years ago and has never ceased to be the wild child of Indian dance. Her unique style bridges the contemporary and the traditional, rooted deeply in diverse Indian performing arts practices such as Kathak, Mayurbhanj Chhau, Vedic chanting, Kalaripayattu, and Mallakhamb.
Trained initially in Kathak under the avant-garde Guru Kumudini Lakhia, and later under Pandit Birju Maharaj and Shri Mohan Rao Kalyanpurkar, Daksha's early foundation in dance was marked by a rebellious spirit and a drive to push boundaries. Her innovative use of the body and daring departures from traditional styles earned her both admiration and criticism.
Daksha further expanded her repertoire by learning the Chhau dance of Mayurbhanj from esteemed gurus such as Shri Krishnachandra Nayak, Shri Shrikant Sen, and Shri Lal Mohan Patra. She also trained in Kalaripayattu under Shri Govindan Kutty Nair and Satyanarayana Nair and studied Braj poetry under Kalyan Prasad Sharma at Vrindavan.
In the 1980s, Daksha earned a reputation as a Kathak dancer, impressing audiences with her mastery and innovation. However, her insatiable curiosity led her to explore a range of movements beyond Kathak, incorporating styles such as Chhau and Kalaripayattu into her choreographic works. Her productions, such as 'Search for My Tongue,' 'Sarpagati,' and the recent 'Bhukham,' have received critical acclaim for their aesthetic blend of tradition and modernity.
Awards and accomplishments
Awards and accomplishments
Daksha’s contributions to dance have been recognized with several honors, including the Gujarat Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2002. A documentary film on her life and work, produced by Antara Kak and Siddharth Kak, has also won a National Award. In recognition of her significant contributions to creative and experimental dance, Daksha Sheth has been conferred the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
Why Daksha Sheth Dance Company ?
The Daksha Sheth Dance Company has the ability to blend traditional Indian dance forms with contemporary styles, creating a mesmerizing and innovative dance experience. Their productions, rooted in diverse traditions such as Kathak, Mayurbhanj Chhau, Kalaripayattu, and Vedic chanting, offer a unique and captivating performance that appeals to a wide range of audiences.
