Original Repertoire
RECLAIMING THE DIVINE FEMININE
An embodiment of the feral tantric Goddess Kali through kathak dance
World Premiere | Mar 1 & 2, 2024 | New York Live Arts | TICKETS
Rachna Nivas takes audiences into the dark and mystical realm of tantra and its radial hailing of supreme feminine power as the primordial energy that pervades all things in time and space. Through classical Indian kathak dance, live music, and special lighting and prop design, Nivas embodies the ferocity of Kali - Goddess of time and death who represents the bold paradoxes of feminine wholeness. She is intoxicating and terrifying, beautiful and grotesque, ascetic and erotic, loving and rageful. She is the force that binds us and the force that sets us free.
Dispelling western myths of tantra and elevating ecofeminism, interconnectedness, and Eastern principles of nonduality, ‘Reclaiming the Divine Feminine’ promises to haunt, provoke, and enchant while illuminating a woman’s treacherous path to reclaiming her wild limitless nature.
Original Musical Score by Jayanta Banerjee
"In the variable timing of her cyclonic spins
and thrown poses, in the wit and mathematical
wizardry of her bare feet and bell-ringed ankles,
in her broad and amusing storytelling, precise
enough to make the invisible palpable, she
showed herself an expert in all sides of her art."
-Brian Seiber, New York Times
A thrilling and soul-nourishing traditional solo performance
UNEDITED
Rachna Nivas' tour-de-force solo performance is simultaneously dance, music, poetry, and storytelling. 'Unedited' showcases kathak in its most raw and unadulterated form, featuring continuous interplay and improvised rhythmic exchange between the dancer and live musical artists. A highly interactive experience, Rachna displays her mastery of all elements of kathak to captivate and intimately engage audiences for an entire evening, bringing them on a journey that relies primarily on depth of artistry and compelling dance and music.
A sensational kathak and tap collaboration created and choreographed by
Rachna Nivas, Rukhmani Mehta, Michelle Dorrance, and Dormeshia
SPEAK
“…an evening of rhythmic magic.”
– Los Angeles Dance Chronicle
“…a sunny break from our me-first fractured world.”
– Los Angeles Times
Indian kathak dance and American tap dance, continents and ages apart, share parallel stories of struggle and perseverance. They come together in this sensational collaboration that is rhythm, poetry, storytelling, music, and dance. SPEAK carries forward the legacy of iconic artists like Pandit Chitresh Das, Dr. Jimmy Slyde, and James Buster Brown, while bringing to the forefront the voices of powerful female artists. Serving as the bridge between tradition and innovation, history and progress, Rukhmani Mehta (previously Rina Mehta), Rachna Nivas, Michelle Dorrance, and Dormeshia create nothing short of magic on the stage. Joined by the world’s leading Indian classical and jazz musicians, SPEAK promises to thrill, provoke and move your spirit.
Funders:
Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, New Music USA, California Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, Zellerbach Family Foundation, Esper A. Petersen Foundation
A dance ballad based on India’s ancient epic, the Ramayana
Artistic Direction: Seibi Lee, Rachna Nivas, and Rukhmani Mehta
SON OF THE WIND
“The Artistic Directors of Leela Dance Collective have chosen an ambitious mission, to honor ancient traditions and bring them forward, made relevant to the present. There is no question that they are successful.”
- Mary Pat Cooney, LA Dance Chronicle
This tour-de-force kathak dance drama brings to life the hidden hero at the heart of the great Indian epic, Ramayana. Hanuman, son of the celestial female spirit, Anjana and Vayu, the mighty wind god, proves to be an integral force behind the rescuing of the kidnapped princess Sita, through his mischievous ingenuity and indomitable vigor. It is Hanuman’s actions that lead to the victory of Ram, King of Ayodhya, over the arrogant and powerful King of Lanka, Ravan. Told through dramatic storytelling, powerful movement, and exquisite costume design and lighting, this production exposes the contemporary relevance of a timeless story while capturing the hearts of all.
Funders:
National Endowment for the Arts, California Arts Council, Department of Cultural Affairs Los Angeles
A Woman’s Liberation: The story of the mystic princess Meerabai
MEERA
“Nivas' choreography interwove girlish lyricism and sophisticated syncopation. Nivas' Meerabai was by turns glamorous and writhing…”
- Rachel Howard, San Francisco Chronicle
A solo work based on the life of the Hindu female mystic, Meerabai. This 16th century medieval princess single-handedly defies her role in a starkly patriarchal society by rejecting her husband and becoming completely immersed in her devotion to Krishna, the famed Indian deity representing consciousness. Her defiance of her role as a woman, princess, and wife, spurs threats and attempts on her life. However, Meera never falters from her path of seeking spiritual liberation from the mortal world of violence, slavery of women, and misguided pursuit of worldly desires (maya).
Original Score composed by Jayanta Banerjee.
