Book all three shows together for £30. Call the Box Office on 0870 787 5780 for more information.

Milapfest presents a three day Festival of Indian Dance featuring some of the greatest dancers of India in rare appearance. Each night a different form of classical Indian dance will be presented:

Bharatanatyam – A highly intricate and extremely beautiful form of dance hailing from the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Perhaps the most popular of all classical dances in India, Bharatanatyam has managed to re-invent itself many times over the ages and yet has not lost its strong roots in Indian tradition and Mythology.

Sunday 9th August at 7:30pm
The Dhananjayans & Shobana Bhalachandran
Style of Dance: Bharatanatyam
Dance Legends and all time Bharatanatyam greats, V.P Dhananjayan and his wife Shanta Dhananjayan are two of the most prominent alumni of the famed Kalakshetra school of dance founded by the legendary Rukminidevi.

In his recent publication of the book, The Melodic Garland, N Rajagopalan says, "If the Dhananjayans have established themselves as top Bharatanatyam artistes of wondrous repute, it is no small tribute to their magnificent perseverance, personality, matchless artistry, innovative acumen, musical and dancing expertise and specialization in choreography and other vital fields..."

Their much acclaimed collaborative works with western choreographers of high repute are notable contributions to the contemporary dance theatres with innovations in traditional creativity. Decorated with several national and international awards, they are held in high esteem in the realm of Indian classical dances.

In this special and rare evening, The Dhananjayans will be presenting some of their most celebrated works. They will be joined by their senior disciple, Shobana Bhalchandran, an established Bharatanatyam dancer based in the UK.



Monday 10th August at 7:30pm
Madhavi Mudgal & Arushi Mudgal
Style of Dance: Odissi
Odissi – A very graceful, delicate, yet strong form of dance originating from the eastern Indian state of Orissa. Odissi is particularly distinguished from other classical Indian dance forms by the importance it places upon the tribhangi (literally: three parts break), the independent movement of head, chest and pelvis, and upon the basic square stance known as chauka.

Madhavi Mudgal epitomizes the elegance and sophistication that are the result of blending modern sensibilities with the ancient ethos of eastern India to create the highly lyrical dance art of Odissi. Having trained in both She has received repeated acclaim globally and dance festivals have featured her throughout the world numerous times as a teacher and performer. Her grace, sensitivity and aesthetic imagination are particularly sought-after and widely admired.

“If serenity and grace had a name it would have to be Madhavi Mudgal…”– Chitra Mahesh, The Hindu

Arushi Mudgal is one of the most talented and beautiful young Odissi dancers of today. She is a disciple and niece of Madhavi Mudgal. Arushi is not only a successful performer but also teaches at the Gandharava Mahavidyalaya, a great dance and music institution started by her grandfather, Pandit Vinaychandra Maudgalya, in New Delhi.

Tuesday 11th August at 7:30pm
Leela Samson & Priyadarsini Govind
Style of Dance: Bharatanatyam

Padmashri Leela Samson received the impulses for her growth as a dancer from Kalakshetra, the College of Fine Arts in Chennai, Tamil-Nadu. She adheres to the mould of the Kalakshetra technique yet has grown out of its binding, believing as she does that adherence to any school is a point of reference only. She is an acclaimed performer, accomplished teacher & choreographer, and also an acknowledged author. In May 2005, she became the Director of her alma mater, Kalakshetra.

Priyadarsini Govind is one of the foremost Bharatanatyam dancers amongst the current generation. She is a dancer known for her command of traditional technique while at the same time effortlessly embracing the contemporary. Acquiring a massive repertoire of beautiful dance pieces from her Guru Smt. Kalanidhi Narayanan, Priyadarsini is renowned for her exquisite expressiveness.