Gulbenkian

Description

Upcoming star of British South Asian Dance Aakash Odedra showcase his new work Rising at the Gulbenkian .

Rising is a new evening of work performed by Aakash Odedra, exploring different processes and aesthetics to create a new personal language. 

The solos are choreographed by Russell Maliphant, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Akram Khan - who choreographed a piece for the London 2012 Olympic opening Ceremony - and himself. The works also feature lighting by Michael Hulls and Willy Cessa.

Aakash adds, “Russell, Larbi and Akram are associate artists at Sadler’s Wells, perhaps the world’s most important theatre for dance. I feel very privileged that all three artists have taken their time to develop new solos. As a young artist, being with them helped me to develop new contemporary technique. But also, I learned a lot about production values. I was fortunate to work with award winning lighting designer Michael Hulls and young talented. My mentor Akram also asked Jocelyn Pook (music for Eyes Wide Shut, Merchant of Venice, Gangs of New York), to also create the music for my piece with him. Akram himself is choreographing the opening ceremony of the London Olympic Games 2012. Working with such an immense talent pool, it helped me to absorb their technique.”

All pieces use Aakash’s background in South Asian Dance including Kathak and Bharatanatyam to create a new flavour of contemporary dance.

Being from the Asian community has not deterred Aakash trying to establish himself on the mainstream circuit. He adds, “Kathak and Bharat Natyam are very dear to me, and I have been fortunate to learn from some great gurus. I feel it is overdue for South Asian dance to impress more in the international mainstream arena.

Commissioned by DanceXchange, Sampad, Eastman, The Hat Factory, Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Dance, South East Dance, New Art Exchange, The Place, Curve Theatre, Leicester and funded by Arts Council England and Akademi.