The NCPA presents a magnificent celebration of Indian classical dance this September, featuring distinguished artistes across multiple dance forms. From the graceful movements of Manipuri dance to the powerful expressions of Odissi, this curated series offers audiences an opportunity to witness both captivating performances and intensive learning experiences. Join us as we honour the rich traditions of Indian classical dance through the artistry of accomplished performers and the wisdom of revered gurus.

NCPA Umang: Manipuri Recital & Dance-Theatre Presentation

Godrej Dance Theatre | September 4, 2025 | 6:30 PM An NCPA Presentation  Supported by HSBC India

Dr Pukhrambam Tejpati Devi and Dr. Pukhrambam Lilabati Devi present an evening of Manipuri classical dance, featuring the celebrated Tanum Derena, a graceful dance form that blends pure classical movement with song and elements of the Nata Sankirtana tradition. The program also includes the epic Dasa Avatar, which portrays Vishnu's ten incarnations from fish and tortoise to Rama and Kalki, representing the divine mission to preserve cosmic order. The evening concludes with Who Stole My Gravity?, an innovative dance-theatre collaboration between Bharatanatyam artistes Reshma Shetty and Indu Santhosh, where Earth herself takes centre stage in this witty and evocative performance exploring environmental consciousness.

Both Dr. Tejpati Devi and Dr. Lilabati Devi are accomplished scholars and performers, trained at the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy and Kalakshetra Foundation. Dr. Tejpati Devi, fondly known as "Deva Kanya" - a title bestowed by renowned dance critic Dr. Sunil Kothari - is a graded artist of All India Radio and Doordarshan with deep expertise in Lai Haraoba and Raas Leela traditions. Dr. Lilabati Devi, a Gold Medalist and former Head of the Dance & Music Department at Manipur University, is recognised as a Top Grade Artiste of Doordarshan. The evening's dance-theatre presentation features Bharatanatyam artiste Reshma Shetty, a versatile performer who holds a master's degree in Bharatanatyam with Odissi training and has won Best Director at the NCPA's Short+Sweet Festival, and Indu Santhosh, an MFA holder, SPIC MACAY-empanelled artiste and founder of Bengaluru's Vibhavana Foundation who received the prestigious K. S. Subramanian Endowment Award in 2024 from Narada Gana Sabha, Chennai. Together, these artistes bring traditional mastery and contemporary innovation to this presentation that bridges classical heritage with modern expression.

Entry is free on a first-come, first-served basis

Age Recommendation: 6+ | Late entry not permitted

Duration: 2 hours (including intermission)

Nrityagurukul Masterclass by Odissi exponent Sujata Mohapatra

Tata Elevator Block | September 17-18, 2025 | 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

An NCPA Presentation Supported by Voltas under its CSR initiative

As part of the NCPA's Nrityagurukul programme, eminent Odissi exponent Sujata Mohapatra conducts an intensive two-day masterclass, offering dance students a rare opportunity to learn directly from one of the leading figures in Odissi dance. This immersive workshop embodies the traditional guru-shishya parampara, providing advanced skill-building and artistic guidance. Participants will have the opportunity to delve into the finer aspects of expression with Shree Krushna Bilasha, an Odissi Abhinaya, where Radha’s friend describes Krishna’s enchanting appearance to Radha in the kunja (grove). It depicts Krishna standing in a stylised tribhangi pose, adorned with a peacock feather and flower garlands, radiating charm and captivating the gopis. The lyrics evoke the beauty of the kunja, filled with fragrant flowers and rustling leaves, highlighting Krishna’s mesmerising presence.

Sujata Mohapatra, recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and numerous other accolades, trained for two decades under Padma Vibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. Her performances have elevated Odissi to international prominence, and she continues to be a dedicated teacher, passing on the authentic traditions of this ancient art form. Her benchmark for excellence in Odissi has catapulted the art form to the global stage through her performances and panache.

Age Recommendation: 16+

Duration: 4 hours daily

Registration Fee (Inclusive of GST):

Members: Rs. 2,000/- (for both days)

Non-Members: Rs. 2,000/- (for both days)

Registration Details:  Phone: 8879114939 / 8879313834  Email: mdsouza@ncpamumbai.com / ashetty@ncpamumbai.com

Nrityagurukul Masterclass by Odissi exponent Ratikant Mohapatra

Experimental Theatre Foyer | September 19-20, 2025 | 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM An NCPA Presentation  This initiative is supported by Bank of America

The legendary Ratikant Mohapatra leads this special masterclass as part of the NCPA's Nrityagurukul initiative. Known for his deep knowledge and powerful style, he guides students through the finer aspects of Odissi, helping them strengthen their technique and connect more deeply with the art form's spiritual essence. He will be teaching Pallavī-tāla-vitānam, a refined exploration of rhythm and melody in Odissi dance, where intricate footwork and graceful movements weave seamlessly into the musical framework. The composition draws upon the rich grammar of Odissi to unfold a lyrical narrative through pure dance. In this presentation, special focus is given to analysing and discussing the tāla structure used in the Pallavi Shudah Dhaivat Bibhas, highlighting its rhythmic intricacies, tempo variations, and compositional beauty. This study offers insight into how rhythm shapes expression, elevating Pallavi into an artistic dialogue between music and movement.

As Director of SRJAN and Dean of FACIS at Sri Sri University, Ratikant Mohapatra has established a global reputation as a dancer, teacher, choreographer and archivist. His crowning achievement - creating a Guinness World Record by directing 555 dancers in a classical Odissi composition - demonstrates his exceptional organisational skills and artistic vision. Beyond his accolades, Mohapatra is known for his unique approach of incorporating percussion elements into his teaching, as he is also an accomplished percussionist who believes rhythm is the heartbeat of all classical dance.

Age Recommendation: 16+

Duration: 4 hours daily

Registration Fee (Inclusive of GST):

Members: Rs. 2,000/- (for both days)

Non-Members: Rs. 2,000/- (for both days)