A unique addition to the cultural calendar, the Jaipur Dance Conclave celebrates the timeless beauty and dynamic evolution of Indian dance. Rooted in tradition yet alive with contemporary expression, these art forms find a fitting stage in the historic city of Jaipur.
Dance workshops for kids, with Prachi Saathi & Kathak Workshop with Prerana Shrimali
Conversations with Prerana Shrimali, Deepthi Sasidharan, Vinod Joshi and Mita Kapur, among others
Performances by Leela Samson, Madhavi Mudgal, Gauri Diwakar, Divya Warrier and many more
Celebrated dancer and choreographer Padmashri Leela Samson opens the conclave with her talk ‘Dance- the All Inclusive Art Form’. She will be in conversation with the renowned literary consultant, founder and CEO of Siyahi, Mita Kapur. Two award-winning legends in their fields come together to share insights from their rich experience.
Bringing four outstanding and enterprising arts experts from around India, we discuss the arts ecosystem- it’s challenges, dynamics and balances. Each speaker brings their expertise from various fields of culture- design, visual arts, art history, arts entrepreneurship- all connected with dance. We delve into topics of audience building, sustaining a memory of the arts, retaining authenticity and excellence amidst international and digital demands, and other issues of the wider arts ecosystem.
A theatrical folk performance exploring the past, present, and future of cross dancers from the Meena community of Rajasthan. As two male bodies transform into female dancers through the intimate act of undressing and dressing on stage, the performance weaves together themes of identity, gender fluidity, social roles, community, and family. Chaina and Rakesh tell their story of becoming cross dancers in their own voices, a journey of self-discovery rooted in folk tradition.
Curated & Facilitated by Shreeya Kishanpuria, Kamakshi Saxena & Supriya
Come and experience Kathak in an interactive workshop with one of the legendary dancers today- Prerana Shrimali.
Kanahiya Dangal is a 200-year-old performative tradition from Eastern Rajasthan, rooted in the ‘padh’ or ‘padhya’ poetic forms of Hindi literature. The word Kanhaiya comes from ‘kahan’: to say, to tell. It is a ritualized singing built around community pride, spirit, togetherness and rhythm.
Ancient stories, especially from the Mahabharata, are brought alive through verse, melody, and expressive narration. Performed by Gurjar and Meena communities, Kanahiya Dangal carries a meditative energy that brings people closer, beyond ego or rivalry, nurturing a spirit of unity where villages come together, stand for one another, and find joy in collective expression.
At the Jaipur Dance Conclave, the Kanahiya Dangal group from Navajipura village, Sawai Madhopur district, led by Ghamandi Meena and fellow artists, will present the Mahabharata story of Abhimanyu’s bravery and sacrifice in the Chakravyuha.
Performance facilitated by Supriya & the team of Jaipur Dance Conclave
“Hari Ho….Gati Meri” is a phrase from the lines of poet Sayyad Mubarak Ali Bilgrami. A Muslim by faith, his poetry reflected his love for Krishna. Bilgrami is not the only one. He is part of a living tradition of shared heritage and oneness.
“Hari Ho…Gati Meri” (Let my salvation be in the Supreme) is a statement of “You”. It is a search for salvation for truth and for beauty. The solo production is based on poems exclusively of Muslim poets who wrote , praised and even sometimes worshipped Lord Krishna.
‘Prakashya’ means to make manifest or to be brought to light. The Spanda dance ensemble is constantly engaged with various kavya (poetry) written in the languages of India, particularly by the Southern vageyakaras who not only penned great verses born of their own bhakti or devotion, as also about love and their observation of life and nature – both human or otherwise, and also gave them life through exquisite music. In this performance, Spanda interprets these poems. ‘Prakashya’ is the light we throw on these compositions that is bright and radiant. Choreography is by Leela Samson
Listen to three national-award winning dancers – Leela Samson, Madhavi Mudgal, and Prerana Shrimali as they share their insights on the way forward, considering their experience of performing, teaching and choreographing dance over many decades. Join us in an intimate conversation with the leading gurus of Bharatanatyam, Odissi and Kathak, with Deepthi Sasidharan, on new directions in choreography and dance pedagogy.
In her landmark anthology of mystic poetry, Wild Women, poet Arundhathi Subramaniam weaves together the haunting voices of women across the Indian subcontinent. In a talk, interspersed with readings, she will share a lineage of audacious woman-centred spirituality that traverses the poetry of ancient Buddhist nuns, Bhakti and Sufi mystics, tantrikas and Vedantins. Singer Sudha Raghuraman and dancer Dakshina Vaidyanathan extend this weave into music and movement for a unique collaborative performance.
A workshop for children to learn more about storytelling through the use of dance and technology. ‘When Walls Dance’ is Prachi’s unique production using Warli art, animation, Bharatanatyam, and storytelling to tell the tale of a little girl and her Champa tree. Having worked with the Warli artists of Maharashtra, she brings together Indian art and dance to express the importance of saving nature – an important message for these times. Using ‘When Walls Dance’ as the reference, Prachi takes children on a fun and interactive journey of dance, music, acting, and stories.
An expert on Rajasthan’s folk traditions and indigenous culture, Vinod Joshi joins Kathak dancer Gauri Diwakar in conversation. Explore the nuances and stories behind the cultural treasures of Rajasthan’s performing arts. They focus especially on Kalbeliya, the dance and music of the snake-charming community of the region.
Jaipur Kathak Kendra presents ‘Suddha Kathak’- a pure expression of rhythm and grace. The presentation includes a soulful Shiv Stotram, followed by a Jaipur gharana bandish set in Taal Dhammar and drut laya in Teentaal. The dancers showcase the depth, precision, and beauty of the Jaipur style.
This is a story of a dancer and a storyteller yearning for truth through their art forms. The dancer, embodying Mohini in various facets – an enchantress, lover, warrior, and more – embarks on an emotional odyssey. Meanwhile, the storyteller journeys through the mythical realms painted on the kaavad, encountering philosophical riddles of reality, the mind-body duality, and desire. Their paths serendipitously converge, leading them to a shared exploration that pushes the boundaries of their individuality and artforms. This transformative encounter leaves them both forever altered. Yet, their individual journeys continue. Inspired by the mythical tale of Samudra Manthan, the churning of the ocean, it delves into rich mythology existing & imagined, delving into psychological, emotional, philosophical, and social experience of being human. It takes the audiences on a journey through ‘Seven Manthans (Churnings)’. Mohiniyattam, a classical dance from Kerala, embodies grace and serenity through its fluid movements and rhythmic charm. Its allure lies in its unique rhythmic intricacies, elegant attire, and ability to weave captivating narratives with poetic finesse & techniques . Far beyond a mere performance, it serves as a poignant testament to Kerala’s rich cultural tapestry, spiritual depth, and enduring allure, enchanting audiences with its timeless elegance and grace across centuries. Kaavad Katha, the storytelling tradition from Rajasthan, is on the verge of extinction. You may find a Kaavad box but it is rare to find an artist performing the tradition. Supported by more than 6 years of research and practice by Akshay Gandhi, the performance brings the experience of Kaavad Katha to a contemporary audience.
Vistar is an experience of the traditional dance form of Odissi in a contemporary mold. Stemming from the very source and building upon the structure, it highlights the various facets of the dance form. The chosen segments reflect fresh dimensions of the technique and content of Odissi through the group format. The Nritta (abstract dance highlighting rhythmic structures), and Abhinaya (expressional) elements are interwoven with a creative approach that results in a unique, harmonious synthesis.
Free Entry. Limited Seats.
22nd & 23rd November 2025 at Rajasthan International Centre, Jaipur
