Chadh Chadh Jana | Indian Contemporary | Akhil Joondeph | Ram Sampath and Bhanwari Devi

In this class, I wanted to explore the tension between our past, present, and future; how can tradition and modernity harmonize, create conflict, and converse with one another? Through unique movement blending elements of indigenous South Asian art forms with those of the west, I hoped to interrogate this big question, and push the boundaries of what "cultural" artistry is perceived as. Can we, as non-white creators, charge through the barriers built by the western gaze that confine us to creating "cultural" art and push forward into the future with knowledge of our roots?
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Choreography: Akhil Joondeph
Music: Chadh Chadh Jana by Ram Sampath and Bhanwari Devi (Coke Studio @ MTV Season 4)
Videography: Amit Patel and Saffat Al-Mansoor
Editing: Akhil Joondeph
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I am so grateful to Amit Patel and Saffat Al-Mansoor for hosting me as a part of their Desi Dance Series in the month of June. Thank you for creating the safe space and supportive community that you have built; I am so thankful to be a part of it.