Indian dance comes to Burghclere school

A celebrated Indian dance duo are to top off Asian dance performances involving hundreds of pupils

HUNDREDS of pupils from local schools will participate in an Asian dance programme at a Burghclere school over the next two days (Monday and Tuesday).

The programme, at The Clere school, will culminate in performances by pupils and professional dancers at the school - including the first performance in the UK by a celebrated Indian dance couple.

In partnership with tutors from Kala The Arts - a South Asian dance company and arts in education charity based in Basingstoke - more than 400 pupils from 14 schools will engage in workshops teaching diverse styles of Indian dance, from classical Odissi, to Bhangra and Bollywood.

The workshops will culminate in three energetic and creative performances by pupils and professional dance artists.

In addition, as part of their UK tour, the first performance in the UK will be undertaken by the celebrated Odissi dancer and choreographer Guru Ratikant Mahapatra, the artistic director of Srjan – an acclaimed Odissi dance centre in India - and his dance partner, Rajyashri Praharaj.

“This will be a wonderful opportunity to see authentic Odissi all the way from its home in Orissa,” said Carol Perrett, spokeswoman for Kala The Arts.

Performances will be held tomorrow (Monday) and Tuesday evening at 6pm.