The Sujata Banerjee Dance Company (SBDC) is excited to announce the return of the Hemantika Festival, an annual celebration of classical Indian dance, with a focus on Kathak. Set to take place across four London boroughs, the festival will run from 22nd October to 30th November, offering an immersive cultural experience for diverse audiences. This year, Hemantika marks its ninth edition, themed around “Reflections”, preserving the rich South Asian heritage while embracing innovation and fresh talent.

As the Hemantika Festival enters its ninth year, it’s a time for reflection and renewal. Festival founder Sujata Banerjee MBE, envisioned this milestone year as a springboard for the next generation of dancers. As part of their commitment to growth and education, Following the celebrations in the UK, SBDC dancers will visit four festivals in India in early 2025 to draw inspiration and prepare for Hemantika’s 10th anniversary next year.

“We want to honour our past while embracing the future with fresh energy,” says Sujata Banerjee. “This year’s theme, ‘Reflections’, symbolises our journey and commitment to presenting Kathak with authenticity while exploring new and innovative presentations.”

The festival aims to attract a wide, diverse audience, showcasing not only Kathak but also collaborations with Western classical music, including a unique performance of The Goddess of Swan Lake. This reinterpretation of Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballet tells the love story of Odette and Siegfried, infused with Kathak’s storytelling power and accompanied by live music from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The performance will take place on 10 November 2024 at the Arts Depot, with original music written and arranged by Howard Moody and conducted by Orlando Joplin.

In addition to grand performances, Hemantika 2024 will offer more intimate, immersive presentations, taking the art form directly to community spaces. Audiences in venues like Shishukunj (Edgware) will experience the journey of Kathak from temple storytelling to royal court performances and modern-day concert halls, in this unique immersive and multi-sensory performance guided by dancers, musicians, and storytellers.

Hemantika Festival is not just about performances. This year’s edition includes workshops led by renowned artists, interactive sessions, and outreach activities. A special thematic backdrop, designed by Kolkata (India) based guest artist Anup Giri, will be created using sustainable materials and will be reused for future performances, emphasising the festival’s commitment to the environment.

“We believe in the importance of upholding the integrity of classical Indian dance while finding innovative ways to engage new audiences,” says Sujata Banerjee. “Through collaborations with artists like Aakash Odedra and ClimArts, we aim to present Kathak in new contexts, ensuring that Indian dance is not just for Indians but for everyone.”

The festival invites everyone, especially young South Asians and individuals from all cultural backgrounds, to experience the rich tradition and vibrant future of Kathak.

Event Day 1: Storytelling through Kathak
Date: Tuesday, 22nd October
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Venue: St Cuthbert Church Hall, HA0 3QY
A workshop and performance for Memory Café Dementia group members, partnered with SBDC since 2023.
Cost: Open to Memory Café members only

Event Day 2: Performance and Masterclasses
Date: Sunday, 27th October
Venue: Brent Community Centre, NW10 8BN

Family Workshop: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM (£5)
SBDC Students’ Performance: 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM (Free)
Intermediate Kathak Masterclass: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM (£15)
Advanced Abhinaya Masterclass: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM (£15)

Event Day 3: Celebration of Dance and Swan Lake Performance
Date: Sunday, 10th November
Time: 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM
Venue: Artsdepot, N12 0GA
A celebration of Kathak with over 150 dancers and a reimagined Swan Lake with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Cost: £20 / £25 (Concessions £12)

Event Day 4: The Journey of Kathak – An Immersive Experience
Date: Sunday, 17th November
Time: 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM
Venue: Shishukunj Bhavan, HA8 7EE
A multi-sensory experience through Kathak’s evolution. Suitable for elderly and wheelchair users.
Cost: Free (booking required)

Event Day 5: An Evening of Kathak
Date: Saturday, 30th November
Time: 6:00 PM
Venue: The Drive, IG1 3PW
An evening of Kathak performances by guest artists and SBDC groups.
Cost: Free (booking required)

URL:
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/2710135-2?pid=11140

Time: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Price:
General Admission: GBP 0.00