NAVDHARA INDIA DANCE THEATRE

In Sanskrit 'Agni' means fire in a literal and mythological sense. It is in Vedic mythology an important deity. Fire is a symbol of light and darkness, creation and destruction. Around us everywhere there is light and darkness – it is up to us to change things for the best. In Ashley Lobos’ choreography the dancers go on an exploratory journey. They explore the concept of »Agni« in its many facets and take the audience with them. The audience is meant to experience inwardly this journey, feel the »fire«.

AGNI was inspired by the massacre at Godhra, part of the bloody conflict between radical Hindus and Moslems, the causes of which remain despite numerous inquests unclear to this day.

The Navdhara India Dance Theatre is a purely contemporary ballet company based out of Mumbai. The troupe was founded by its Artistic Director and House Choreographer Ashley Lobo. The company’s style combines western techniques with the spirituality of Indian philosophy. The Navdhara India Dance Theatre seeks to employ thus new methods and produce original theater and dance.

Ashley Lobo is known for developing 'Prana Pain and Flow', a sensitizing approach that explores movement through connectivity, yoga, breath, and touch. The use of this technique has bolstered Lobo’s international reputation and led to teaching positions and commissions for new choreographies abroad. Lobo is also the founder and artistic head of Danceworx Performing Arts Academy (TDX), which is the leading training school for international dance in India with 18 studios spread across the country.
 

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