Reflections of an Indian Dancer
Photographs Malcolm Johnson
Reflections of an Indian Dancer is a narrative dance work by Balbir Singh, developed in collaboration with the internationally renowned dancer Sooraj Subramaniam and writer and storyteller, Dan Mallaghan.
This performance reveals a classical Indian dancer as has never been seen on stage before. Dancers, by convention, are seen and not heard but in Reflections the audience witnesses the dancer backstage as he prepares for his public performance. Uniquely, audiences are privy to the dancer’s internal dialogue as he considers the influences he encountered in his journey from boy to man.
The work is anchored in three exquisite solo pieces that serve as an introduction to the classical Indian traditions in which Subramaniam is trained: Bharatanayam, Odissi and Kathak. Subramaniam’s deeply personal and often poetic reflections on his life journey as a dancer transport the audience into the interior world of the performer, inviting them to explore not only the dancer’s but also their own sense of identity.
‘Subramaniam unleashes the beauty and power of his dancing.’
The Reviews Hub
Date
October 26, 2024
Balbir Singh Dance Company
Balbir Singh Dance Company (BSDC) makes exciting and original dance theatre, inspired by the creative vision of artistic director Balbir Singh.
Founded in 1998, BSDC has grown to be a leading dance company that specialises in blending contemporary western dance and classical Indian Kathak. The Leeds- based company presents work to diverse audiences throughout the UK and internationally. Under Balbir Singh’s artistic leadership the company stands at the forefront of intercultural dance practice in the UK.
BSDC tells stories to excite the senses and generate conversations. The company seeks out innovative ways to connect with audiences and has presented in swimming pools, ice rinks and woodlands as well as on traditional stages.
BSDC has performed at the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad, the Edinburgh Festival and at the Women’s Rugby League WorldCup. More recently, Balbir’s work was featured by the BBC in John Curry: Floating on Ice and Dance Passion 2022.
BSDC is supported by Arts Council England as a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) and performs around the UK and internationally.
Sooraj Subramaniam
Sooraj Subramaniam grew up in Malaysia, training in the classical dance styles of Bharatanatyam and Odissi, and later in classical ballet and contemporary dance forms. He continued ballet training in Australia and graduated from the Western Australian Academy for Performing Arts. At the same time, he co-directed Mudhra Dance Company, teaching and performing Indian classical and contemporary dance. While in London, Subramaniam began training in Kathak, adding to his rich and vibrant dance vocabulary. His own work is an organic amalgam of these styles, and he aspires to create work that is honest, relevant, and enjoyable. Subramaniam now lives in Belgium and continues presenting classical Indian dance solo work, as well as collaborating with companies and independent choreographers on dance commissions across Europe, with regular training and performance trips to India. Subramaniam works in the intersection where contemporary dance and classical Indian dance techniques meet, continuously expanding on his movement vocabulary and dance practice.