NIMBUS
Lineage in Motion
by Sooraj Subramaniam
Multicultural dance artist Sooraj Subramaniam presents a captivating blend of Odissi and contemporary dance, tracing the dialogue between tradition and modern expression through rhythm, form, and emotion.
Bringing together the elegance of classical Odissi and the freedom of contemporary dance, this mixed-bill performance explores movement as both tradition and transformation. Through nritta (pure dance) and abhinaya (expression), the evening reveals how rhythm, form, and storytelling evolve across styles, each distinct yet deeply connected.
Curated and performed by Sooraj Subramaniam — an Australian-Belgian artist of Malaysian-Indian heritage trained in Bharatanatyam, Odissi, ballet, and Kathak — the performance embodies his unique cross-cultural journey. Having worked with leading choreographers and companies across the UK and Europe, Sooraj brings refined technique and emotional depth to his work, bridging classical Indian aesthetics with contemporary sensibilities in a compelling dialogue of movement and meaning.
This performance is supported by Reliance Foundation.
PROGRAMME NOTES
PALLAVI is a dance that unfolds through Odissi’s sculpturesque poses, forming a tapestry of pure dance ornamentation. Here it is followed by an expressive ode to Kṛṣṇa.
O friend, behold that Kṛṣṇa who plays the flute, he has stolen my heart and mind.
Wild flowers that profuse the banks of rivers, he wears them upon his body. And in his hair, a peacock feather, at a jaunt.
Listen to the sweet melodies that plume out of that flute. See that son of Nanda, breaker of hearts, so handsome he outshines even the god of love.
Rāga Kalāvati
Tāḷa Pallavi in Ekatāli & Saṅgini re in Triputa tāl
Choreography Guru Debaprasad Das (1932-1986)
Lyrics Saint Banamali Dasa (1720-1793)
Melodic composition Guru Ramhari Das (1953 - )
Recording artists Satyabrata Katha (vocals), Gajendra K. Panda (ukuṭa/manjira) Dhaneswar Swain (mardala), Srinibas Satapathy (flute), Agnimitra Behera (violin), Prakash Mohapatra (sitar)
PRIYE CĀRUŚĪLE is the 19th song from Jayadeva's Gīta Govinda. Here, Kṛṣṇa pleads Radha's forgiveness, and petitions his love through flattery, thus:
Beautiful Radha, won’t you speak just a little so that the gleam from your teeth might dispel the darkness that grips my heart? I am like that cakora bird, entranced by the moon-like lustre of your beautiful face.
Do away with your pride, come here, and let me taste the nectar of your lotus lips. You are my heart, my mind, my soul, the gem of my existence. Won’t you yield to my desires?
Kama’s arrows have set me aflame; please, place your tender feet upon my head and quench this fever of love.
Choreography Guru Debaprasad Das (1932-1986)
Lyrics Jayadeva (12th century)
Melodic composition Laxmikant Palit
Recording artists Satyabrata Katha (vocals), Gajendra K. Panda (ukuṭa/manjira), Dhaneswar Swain (mardala), Srinibas Satapathy (flute), Agnimitra Behera (violin), Prakash Mohapatra (sitar)
CANDAMĀMĀ RĀVO & SĀGARA ŚAYANA weaves together two Telugu songs on Viṣṇu into a single devotional arc, from affection to wonder.
Come, little moon, light of the night.
Bring with you, upon a platter of gold, milk and butter, full and pure.
Reclining upon the Ocean of Milk,
O Lord — all-pervading, lotus-eyed — one who delights in sacred song, holding the worlds in quiet tide
Rāga Bāgeśrī
Choreography Sooraj Subramaniam
Lyrics Candamāmā rāvo by Annamacārya (1408-1503) & Sāgara śayana by M. D. Ramanathan (1923-1984)
Recording artist Hamsika Iyer
— BRIEF PAUSE —
MANḌALA sees a body moving gently and deliberately within a circle, casting intricate patterns inspired by the ritual sand art of Tibetan Buddhist monks. The movements petal across space, building toward an illusion of perfection that dissolves and begins anew.
Choreography Sooraj Subramaniam
Music Kumar Raghunathan (Carnatic violin)
Music editing, Costume & Light design Sooraj Subramaniam
Production Maghenta
— BRIEF PAUSE —
NIMBUS — inspired by viraha (love in separation) — uses the imagery of the amorphous raincloud to trace desire and loss, dissolving illusions and revealing that the truth of love must be sought within.
Choreography Sooraj Subramaniam
Music Osama Abdulrasol (composition, editing & recording), Helena Schoeters (vocals)
Light design Sooraj Subramaniam
Costume Greta Lemaitre
Production Maghenta