The International Festival of Indian Dance, a first-of-its-kind event, unites performers from around the world on a single stage to explore the vast possibilities of Indian dance, says Abhi Singhal

The Sangeet Natak Academy, India's esteemed national academy for music, dance, and drama, recently unveiled a landmark event: the inaugural International Festival on Indian Dance (IFID). This pioneering festival drew a global assembly of artists, scholars, critics, and performers to explore the vast and intricate world of Indian dance. Over six days, participants delved into an array of subjects that spanned the historical evolution, contemporary practice, and future direction of dance in India.

At the heart of the festival was a focus on artist sustainability and policy support, addressing pressing issues such as sustainable livelihoods for dancers, dance education, and the impact of technology on the arts. In a series of discussions, attendees examined how funding, including through corporate social responsibility, could foster stability in the artistic community. The conversations aimed to chart new directions for the preservation and propagation of Indian dance, touching on the balance between tradition and modernity in the digital age.

The festival was inaugurated by the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, at the A.P. Shinde Symposium Hall, setting the tone for a vibrant lineup of performances. The program celebrated the diversity of Indian classical dance forms, with captivating showcases of Kathak, Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam and more. The presence of luminaries such as Padma Shri K. Kalyanasundaram Pillai, Raja Reddy, and Radha Reddy added a distinguished touch to the proceedings.

One of the key objectives of the IFID was to illuminate the vital role that festivals and forums play in shaping the future of dance and art. Sessions emphasized the potential of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to transform artistic expression, with a spirited debate on whether these advancements enhance or dilute the authentic experience of traditional dance forms. The festival sought to redefine how dance is perceived, taught, and preserved, fostering a dialogue that bridges the gap between the past and the future.

The Kamani Auditorium served as the stage for a series of enthralling performances that brought the beauty and depth of Indian dance to life. Audiences were enraptured by Dr. Sonal Mansingh’s evocative presentation, while Ramli Ibrahim’s artistry captivated with its profound elegance. The performance of "Prakriti," choreographed by Mamata Shankar, stood out as a highlight.

Other notable performances included Shantha Ratii’s Kuchipudi from Singapore, Sunanda Nair’s Mohiniattam from the USA, and a riveting Kathak performance by Archana Joglekar and her group.

The festival concluded on a grand note, with a ceremony attended by dignitaries such as Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Mathura's Lok Sabha MP Hema Malini. In his closing address, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat lauded the event as a "Sanskritik Mahakumbh" – a monumental confluence of art, knowledge, and introspection.

The IFID emerged as a resounding success, not only as a celebration of artistic excellence but also as a platform for fostering sustainable careers in the arts. The festival’s impact extended beyond its six days, leaving a legacy that promises to shape the future of Indian dance for years to come.