'Kathak - Cousin of Flamenco'
Diversity
Dance is a touring Performing Arts and Education Company with a
commitment to Classical Indian Dance and Music and a passion
for multi-disciplinary collaborations.
We
are the only company in the Yorkshire region to specialise in the
North Indian dance style Kathak, sometimes referred to as the ‘Cousin
of Flamenco’.
We have an outstanding reputation for producing high quality professional
performances touring to theatres and at large scale events nationally
and internationally. We also work in schools, colleges, universities
and community groups deilvering educational workshops, residencies
and master classes for amatuers and professionals alike.
Our
aim is to make Indian dance more accessible. Our high quality productions
celebrate and promote diversity, inspiring creativity and cohesion.
"A
role model keen to override negative perceptions and give South
Asian Dance credibility” - Times Educational Supplement
History
Since the Company’s inception in 1997 Diversity has gained
an excellent reputation for pioneering projects and is continuously
looking for new ways
to bring Indian Dance to a wider audience.
Artistic
Director Balbir Singh has an impressive pedigree in both Western
Contemporary and Classical Indian Dance. He graduated from the
Northern School of Contemporary Dance in Leeds and trained with
Guruji Pratap Pawar, one of the foremost Kathak dancers, choreographers
and teachers in the world.
Balbir
brings a unique understanding of cultures to his work and explores
a fusion of different styles through education and performance.
His other roles include:
- Validator for the Artsmark Awards
- Artistic Associate of the National Student Drama Festival
- Creative Agent for Creative Partnerships
The
Team
Balbir Singh
- Artistic Director
David Edmunds - Executive Producer
Emma Wragg - Trainee Producer
Sam Musgrave - Education Manager
Charlotte Weightman - Development Manager
Audrey Carret - Administrator
Guiliano Modarelli - Musician/Composer
Amy Butler - Dancer
Daniella Ferreira - Dancer
Jade Gatcum - Dancer
Katherine Hollinson - Dancer
Plus many other freelance artists
Kathak – “Cousin
of Flamenco.”
Kathak means storytelling. It is a 500 year old classical dance style from
the North of India with influences from Hindu mythology, Islam and the Mogul
Courts.
Kathakars
(storytellers) used to travel India depicting Hindu epics and myths
through dance, music, poetry and acting. The dance combines fast
footwork and complex rythmns with graceful use of arms and wrists,
subtle movements of the torso and fast spins. |
