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出生於伯明翰，曾接受印度古典舞蹈卡塔克舞和婆羅多舞的訓練。2009年，Aakash在Akram Khan策劃的倫敦Svapngata舞蹈節上表演。自此，他發展出更現代化的舞蹈動作。他的作品融入了現代舞的獨特元素，這在他的個人編舞作品和與其他編舞家合作創作的作品均有所體現。2011年，Aakash成立Aakash Odedra舞團，以此為平台承接獨舞表演並製作自己的編舞作品。
照片：© Angela Grabowska
Aditi Mangaldas
Aditi Mangaldas是印度古典舞蹈風格卡塔克舞的頂尖舞者和編舞家。她師承卡塔克舞大師Shrimati Kumudini Lakhia和Pundit Birju Maharaj（已故），以華麗繁複、引人入勝的舞蹈和編舞技法廣受讚譽。近年，她在全球20多個國家創作和演出。除了表演和編製古典作品，她還將卡塔克舞的知識和經驗作為跳板，發展當代舞蹈語彙，並融入古典舞的精神，開創新的舞蹈疆域。Aditi Mangaldas打破界限，不懼面對社會和現代的問題，在印度被視為特立獨行的人。她投身舞蹈界已有50多年。
