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Leela, Emotions of Life, Berne, 05.Nov.2022

As part of the Bharatiya Association Berne Annual Function and Diwali 2022 celebrations.

Date: 05.Nov.2022

Venue: Mattenhofsaal, Bahnhofstrasse 4, 3073 Gümligen

About Leela:
“Leela” is an extraordinary dance production that brings out the diversity of Indian dance. Indian dance is much more than Bollywood or classical dance! It’s about emotions, dreams, desires and wonderful music. “Leela” takes the viewer on a sensual journey that he will never forget. 14 dancers, together with folk dance exponent Stuti Aga and classical dancer Sharmila Rao, present passionate choreographies that reflect Indian dance in all its facets.

Dr. Sharmila Rao is a Swiss born Indian classical dancer with over 30 years of stage experience. Her roots lie in Baden (AG), where her mother Vijaya Rao has been running a successful dance school for Bharata Natyam for 40 years. Sharmila danced in major Indian dance productions as a teenager and performed throughout Europe and India. She did her PhD in Indian studies at the University of Zurich and is proficient in ​​Hindi and Sanskrit. Today Sharmila Rao works in the Zurich area as a dance teacher. In addition to her work as a choreographer and dancer, she loves to create platforms through cooperations that bring dance artists together. She also does this as a member of the EC of Swiss Natya Sabha, the Swiss Association of Indian Dancers.

Stuti Aga studied Indian classical dance Bharata Natyam, but has now specialized in Indian folk dances. Stuti moved to Zurich, Switzerland, more than 10 years ago, where she has been working as a computer scientist ever since. In her spare time she gives courses in various Indian dance styles. Stuti is incredibly passionate about dance and nothing brings her more joy than creative expression through music and movement. Through her Bharata Natyam training she has not only created a solid basis for rhythm and dance, but also for grace, expressiveness and a spiritual connection to Indian culture. Stuti is involved in many dance projects. Her goal is to convey joy in dancing. That’s why she works intensively with new ideas on performances that bring this beautiful art closer to the audience.

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