Reflections: Conversations in Dance and Culture

Anita Vallabh
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Reflections in Dance and Culture explores bold ideas on how Indian dance carries stories of identity, and belonging and the powerful voices reshaping Indian dance in the diaspora. Hosted by Global Indian Artist LLC, the podcast brings together artists and visionaries shaping the future of performance and culture.

Episodes

  1. 12/31/2025

    Exploring Movement and Justice - Anicaya

    In this episode, Wendy Jehlen, Creative Director of Anikaya, and Anuarite Gikonyo, cultural practitioner and writer, reflect on art as a tool for connection and change. Drawing from The Conference of the Birds and their experiences of cultural exchange, they explore how movement, story, and travel foster empathy and awareness. Takeaways The arts can foster empathy and understanding across cultures.Cultural exchange enriches personal and social transformation.Dance serves as a powerful tool for social justice.The Conference of the Birds poem emphasizes the importance of diverse voices.Art can challenge political and social norms.Shared human experiences can bridge class divides.The role of artists is to navigate complex social issues.Contemporary dance reflects current societal themes.Artistic expression can evoke deep emotional responses.Collaboration among artists can lead to impactful change. Summary In this podcast, host Anita Vallabh engages with Wendy Jehlen and Anuarite Gikonyo to explore the intersection of movement, art, and social justice. They discuss the journey of the Conference of the Birds, the role of cultural exchange in personal transformation, and how dance serves as a medium for empathy and understanding. The conversation delves into navigating political and social perspectives through art, the significance of shared human experiences, and the future of artistic expression in contemporary society. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Movement and Justice 02:33 Wendy's Journey with Conference of the Birds 10:57 Anwarite's Experience and Connection to Dance 19:34 Exploring Political Standpoints in Art 26:59 Debating Contemporary Dance and Artistic Expression 30:39 The Nature of Contemporary Art 33:34 Exploring the Relevance of Historical Texts 37:47 Defining African Contemporary Dance 38:47 Audience Impact on Performance Interpretation 48:43 Art as a Reflection of Shared Human Experience 56:44 The Power of Arts in Social Change

    51 min

  2. 12/19/2025

    The Intersection of Art and Healthcare - The story of Assemkala

    In this episode of Sarang Arts for Social Justice, host Anita Vallabh engages with artists and researchers from the Asim Kala initiative, exploring how dance serves as a powerful medium for addressing healthcare inequities and social justice. The conversation delves into the origins of Asim Kala, the personal journeys of its members, and the importance of storytelling in both dance and medicine. The guests discuss the evolution of classical dance, the need for audience engagement, and the collaborative nature of their creative processes. They reflect on the impact of their work on social change and share aspirations for the future of Asim Kala, emphasizing the significance of community voices and cultural narratives in their performances. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sarang Arts for Social Justice 03:16 Exploring Healthcare Equity through Dance 08:14 Identifying Injustices in Healthcare 11:28 Bridging Dance and Medical Narratives 16:47 The Role of Theater in Social Change 17:07 Theater and Dance as Participatory Art Forms 18:32 Engaging Audiences in Performance 19:32 Incorporating Audience Feedback in Choreography 20:30 Collaborative Creative Processes in Dance 22:03 Navigating Music and Choreography 24:24 The Role of Personal Experience in Dance 26:18 Fostering a Collaborative Environment 28:15 Becoming Part of the Aseem Kala Community 29:58 Exploring Themes of Addiction in Dance 32:31 Inspiration from Diversity 33:55 Creating Space for Evolution in Dance 35:44 Aseem Kala: Bridging Healthcare and Dance 37:56 The Future of Classical Dance 40:02 Shifts in Dance Practice and Interpretation 45:57 Impact of Dance on Healthcare Conversations

    47 min
  3. Reflections with Dr. Shriya Srinivasan and Dr. Joshua George

    10/30/2025

    Reflections with Dr. Shriya Srinivasan and Dr. Joshua George

    In this episode of Reflections from Global Indian Artists, host Anita Vallabh engages with curators Shriya Srinivasan and Dr. Joshua George about the upcoming Intersections Indian Dance Conference. The conversation explores their unique backgrounds in science and dance, the challenges faced by diaspora artists, and the importance of community and collaboration in the arts. They discuss the intersection of their artistic and scientific pursuits, the process of curating the conference, and the significance of fostering dialogue within the dance community. The episode emphasises the need for innovation and adaptation in the arts, particularly for artists navigating cultural identities in a globalised world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Intersections Conference 02:03 The Journey of Collaboration 05:34 Intersection of Dance and Science 09:45 Curating the Conference 13:37 Funding and Institutional Collaboration 19:04 Challenges and Opportunities in Dance 25:11 Future of the Conference and Community Engagement

    22 min

  4. 10/20/2025

    Celebrating Bhangra: A Cultural Journey

    In this episode of Sarang Arts for Social Justice, host Anita Vallabh and co-host Manasa Jayanthi engage with Rohit Bhambi, the founder of Boston Bhangra. They discuss the evolution of Boston Bhangra as a community initiative, its impact on cultural identity, and the importance of inclusivity and social justice in the arts. Rohit shares insights into the challenges of funding and sustainability, the significance of partnerships, and the balance between his day job and passion for dance. The conversation also touches on the methodology of Bhangra, personal reflections on the journey of a dancer, and the upcoming Boston Bhangra competition, emphasizing the mission to maintain cultural identity and create safe spaces for future generations. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sarang Arts for Social Justice 02:53 The Evolution of Boston Bhangra 07:06 Community Impact and Cultural Identity 09:15 Inclusivity and Social Justice in Dance 11:31 Challenges of Funding and Sustainability 14:10 Building Partnerships and Community Engagement 17:03 Balancing Passion and Professional Life 19:40 The Art of Bhangra: Methodology and Choreography 24:46 The Journey of a Dancer: Personal Reflections 32:01 Upcoming Events and Future Aspirations 34:51 Mission Statement for Future Generations

    34 min

  5. 09/08/2025

    Reflections with Dr. Shriya Srinivasan and Dr. Joshua George

    In this episode  Dr. Shriya Srinivasan  and Dr. Joshua George share the thought process behind curating Intersections: Indian Dance conference, the challenges they faced  and what they aspire  to achieve.

    25 min
  • 5 Episodes

About

Reflections in Dance and Culture explores bold ideas on how Indian dance carries stories of identity, and belonging and the powerful voices reshaping Indian dance in the diaspora. Hosted by Global Indian Artist LLC, the podcast brings together artists and visionaries shaping the future of performance and culture.

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