Samsara Nritya explores dualities through the lens of Indian Classical Dance styles. From delving into philosophical inquiries to navigating the realms of gender and artistic contrasts, this presentation seeks to unravel a myriad of thought-provoking questions.  In our pursuit of living in the present and relishing each moment, why do we find ourselves yearning for the future? Why can a man not communicate his feelings the way his female contemporaries can? Exploring the depths of Hindu mythology’s portrayal of the multifaceted divine feminine power, what lessons can we glean from it? To achieve harmony, what degree of gender duality is essential? Why is there a disparity in the way individuals from different social classes can formally worship? And, as we reflect on the boundaries of unconditional love, what are its inherent limits? These profound dualities are meticulously examined through the expressive mediums of Bharatanatyam, Odissi, and Chira Ranjan Das’ neo-classical style that seamlessly weaves together movements and elements from various Indian classical dance forms, creating a captivating exploration of these profound questions.

Anugraha Raman is an Indian classical dancer, currently learning Bharatanatyam from Smt. Meena Subramanyam and Kathak from Smt. Neha Patel. Previously she learned Bharatanatyam from Smt. Aler Krishnan & Smt. Sridevi Ajai Thirumalai. Dancing in several group productions over the years, and being exposed to different Indian classical dance styles/sub-styles, she loves to participate in collaborative efforts. Her goal is to make this dance form accessible and relatable to a wide audience, and to this end has had the opportunity to take part in the Indian Raga virtual fellowship program, to lead collaborations with dancers in Canada, India, Australia, and across the US to create virtual content viewed globally that is accessible to culturally diverse audiences, and currently, to run Boston Adavu– a local meetup group/community that brings together Bharatanatyam dancers of all levels, especially those who have taken a break from dancing, and serves as a community to collaborate and share artistic pursuits.

Kohal Das is a passionate and dedicated Indian Classical Dancer with over 10 years’ experience as a lead performer in various National and International Forums/Festivals. He has been learning Bharatanatyam under Shri Parshwanath Upadhye and Smt. Shruti Upadhye. Kohal also learnt Odissi from Smt. Rina Jana and Smt. Madhulita Mohapatra. Kohal is currently learning Bijayini Sathpathy’s/Nrityagram Style of Odissi under Urmila Mallick. He is fascinated by how movement vocabulary is created in various classical dances of India. Kohal is also working along with his father Shri Chira Ranjan Das on developing a ‘Neo-Classical’ vocabulary based on Bengali music, literature, culture, and history. Recently, Kohal founded his neo-classical dance group ‘Naibedya’ and dance school ‘Ranjan’s Neo-Classical School of Dance’.