MEHEK
Aakash Odedra
Aditi Mangaldas
In 2024, Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels is supporting The Arts Center at NYUAD for the presentation of Mehek by Aakash Odedra and Aditi Mangaldas.
Mehek is a captivating contemporary dance performance that centers around a mature woman and a younger man. In this mesmerizing work, the stage transforms into a canvas where rhythmic tales of desire unfold, entwined with the elements of nature. The mirrors, akin to the calming waters of the sea, reflect the duality of their love story—the tranquil surface and the tumultuous waves beneath. Through these mirrors, the performance reveals that love is not only a personal journey within oneself but also a profound connection and exploration through the other.
Derived from the Hindi word for fragrance, the title Mehek alludes to the enduring power of memory and the essence of love itself. Aditi Mangaldas, dancing the first ever duet of her 50-year career, and Aakash Odedra weave a narrative that celebrates love in all its forms: raw, authentic, and infinitely resonant. The performers are two world-class Kathak dancers, and are the great South Asian dancers of their respective generations.
about the artists
Aakash Odedra
Aakash出生于伯明翰，曾接受印度古典舞蹈卡塔克舞和婆罗多舞的训练。2009年，Aakash在Akram Khan策划的伦敦Svapngata Festival舞蹈节上表演，自此形成更具现代化的舞蹈风格。他的作品融入了现代舞的独特元素，这在他的个人编舞作品和与其他编舞家合作编制的作品中均有所体现。2011年，Aakash成立Aakash Odedra舞团，以此为平台承接独舞表演并制作自己的编舞作品。
摄影：© Angela Grabowska
Aditi Mangaldas
Aditi Mangaldas是印度古典舞蹈形式卡塔克舞界领先的舞者和编舞家。她师从卡塔克舞大师Shrimati Kumudini Lakhia和Pundit Birju Maharaj（已故），以华丽繁复、引人入胜的舞蹈和编舞技法广受赞誉。近年来，她在全球20多个国家创作和表演作品。除了表演和编制古典作品，她还将卡塔克舞的知识和经验作为跳板，发展当代舞蹈语汇，并融入古典舞的灵魂，开创新的舞蹈疆域。Aditi Mangaldas开拓进取，不惧直面社会和时代问题，在印度被视为特立独行的人。她的职业生涯已经持续了50多年。
