‘Have feet, will dance’ is Daksha Sheth’s motto. Her world of creativity extends beyond footwork, abhinaya, raga and tala to capture the movement and energy of flora and fauna. Her art is a brilliant amalgam of the eclecticism of the classical style (Daksha is a Kathak dancer) and the vigour of diverse martial and folk forms (she has learnt Mayurbhanj Chhau, Kalaripayattu and the aerial technique of Mallakhamb). Like a minstrel, she has travelled around the country researching, experimenting, training and finally, coming up with her own idiom of expression and performance.
“It cannot be exciting unless you develop the capacity to enjoy and convey the art as you see and understand it,” says Daksha. “That individual connect is essential. That is what makes the journey purposeful and fulfilling.”
Along with her partner in creativity and life, Australian-born musician and composer Devissaro, Daksha has choreographed productions that have won critical acclaim in India and abroad.
“I am a gambler by nature, and love the risk of trying out new things. I am comfortable with uncertainty, and take pleasure in moving into unknown territories,” explains Daksha.
On October 9, Daksha will present her choreographic work Sari . It’s a production initiated by Rta Kapur Chisti and directed by Devissaro. It is being staged as part of the World Crafts Summit, ‘Kaivalam’, organised by the World Crafts Council.
The journey from a cotton seed to a hand woven drape will unfold in Daksha’s Sari . “It was fascinating to work on this production; weaving the various threads of tradition, colour, texture and range. The sari that beautifully brings out a woman’s sensuality fitted well into the dance format because a sari is about stillness and movement,” says the artiste.
Sari will be staged at Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall on October 9 at 7.30 p.m. Tickets, priced at Rs. 300, are available at the Concert Hall office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. or call 28478504/ 98410-86752/ 98840-54264
