Latest news with #DanceIsforEverybody
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Indrani Mukerjea Enterprise reimagines International Dance Day with an inclusive stagefor all abilities
At 'Dance Is for Everybody,' curated by Indrani Mukerjea Enterprise and Sandip Soparrkar , performers across 17 disability categories redefined who gets to speak the language of dance. On a warm Monday afternoon in Mumbai, the curtains rose slowly at Veda Kunba Auditorium—not to the thunder of trained limbs in perfect formation, but to the silent glide of a wheelchair carving arcs across the stage. It was the opening image of 'Dance Is for Everybody,' a first-of-its-kind performance hosted by Indrani Mukerjea Enterprise (IME) and curated by renowned choreographer Sandip Soparrkar to mark International Dance Day . Over the next sixty minutes, audiences witnessed something far more profound than a traditional dance recital: performers across India's 17 recognised disability categories took the stage to demonstrate that movement—and the joy it carries— belongs to all bodies, not just able ones. A day for dance. A stage for everyone. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Kalimantan Timur: AI guru Andrew Ng recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Aroun... Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Established in 1982 by the International Theatre Institute, International Dance Day is celebrated each 29 April, marking the birthday of ballet pioneer Jean- Georges Noverre. The day's mission is clear: to celebrate dance as a universal art form, bridging cultural, political, and physical boundaries. This event echoed that spirit precisely. 'Dance Is for Everybody' featured performers living with disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, intellectual disability, speech and language disabilities, chronic neurological conditions, acid attack survival, Parkinson's disease, mental illness, hearing impairments, visual impairments, leprosy cured status, dwarfism, specific learning disabilities, multiple disabilities, blindness, and locomotor disability. 'The word 'disability' contains within it the word 'ability' — and that's no accident. It reminds us that strength, creativity, and spirit are never absent. They are simply waiting to be seen,' said Indrani Mukerjea, who opened the event with a deeply personal reflection. Each performance lasted 2–3 minutes, interwoven with poetry and spoken word led by Soparrkar, who acted as sutradhaar for the evening. The show unfolded as a unified narrative, rather than disconnected routines. Inclusion, in sequence The programme opened with a classical performance by children on the autism spectrum, followed by the national anthem in Indian Sign Language. Then came a dancer with Parkinson's who folded tremors into tempo; a group of performers with cerebral palsy moving in choreographed symmetry; and an acid attack survivor stepping into the spotlight—each telling their story through motion, not monologue. The finale featured older dancers with Down syndrome in a vibrant Bollywood routine that brought the house to its feet. 'Dance is a language the body speaks long before words,' Soparrkar said. 'When society listens, rhythm replaces indifference. That's what happened here.' A shared stage, not a transaction A remarkable aspect of the event was that everyone involved contributed their time and talent free of charge. From performers and choreographers to the emcee and technical crew, each person came together in solidarity with the cause. Ratan Pratap, who emceed the afternoon, helped thread the segments together with clarity and compassion, making space for each dancer's presence to resonate fully. 'People often ask me how I dance without limbs. But dance begins long before the body moves. It begins with the will to express—and tonight, that was more than enough,' said Sumeet Jadhav, one of the performers at 'Dance Is for Everybody'. Following the final act, a brief press interaction was held where Mukerjea and Soparrkar reiterated the event's purpose: not to dazzle, but to demonstrate—that dance is not reserved for perfection, but open to participation. No commercial partners were involved. No red carpet was rolled out. The applause belonged entirely to those who had once been left out of the room. The rhythm ahead 'Dance Is for Everybody' was a prototype of what inclusive art can look and feel like seamless, dignified, and joyous. Its message echoed far beyond the auditorium walls: disability does not disqualify; it expands the choreography of what's possible. On a day that celebrates dance as a global language, this Mumbai stage reminded us that rhythm doesn't begin in the feet—it begins in the heart. 'Long after the music fades, it is the courage we witnessed today that will keep echoing — like a drumbeat carried by the wind, like footsteps that never needed a perfect floor to dance. Today wasn't just about performance. It was about presence — raw, real, and unforgettable,' said Mukerjea.
Business Standard
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
Indrani Mukerjea Enterprise and Sandip Soparrkar Turn Rhythm into Resilience on International Dance Day
NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 29: Monday afternoon (April 28), the stage at Mumbai's Veda Kunba Auditorium transformed into a living tapestry of courage, rhythm, and resilience, as Indrani Mukerjea Enterprise (IME) hosted "Dance Is for Everybody," an inclusive performance specially curated to honour International Dance Day. With Sandip Soparrkar serving as sutradhar for the evening, and emcee Ratan Pratap introducing each act with warmth and grace, the event transcended traditional performance formats to place disabled artists at the very heart of India's dance showcase brought together dancers representing India's full 17 recognised disability categories--including blindness, low vision, leprosy-cured status, hearing impairment, locomotor disability, dwarfism, intellectual disability, mental illness, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, chronic neurological conditions, specific learning disabilities, speech and language disabilities, multiple disabilities, acid attack survivors, and Parkinson's disease. Each performer brought a unique story to the stage, demonstrating that dance is not about symmetry or speed--but about presence, spirit, and truth. Indrani Mukerjea, Founder of IME, addressed the audience, sharing, "True resilience is not about returning to where you were, but about moving forward differently--with wisdom, grace, and courage. Tonight's performers didn't just dance; they dismantled old ideas about who the stage belongs to." Sandip Soparrkar added, "Every movement tonight was a declaration. Dance doesn't ask for perfection; it asks for heart--and every artist here answered that call." Following tradition, the evening began with a Saraswati Vandana--an invocation to the goddess of wisdom, learning, and the arts--setting a tone of reverence and inspiration before Soparrkar guided the audience through the tapestry of performances. Among the dignitaries present were Mr. Haresh Mehta, President of the India Fine Arts Council, and Mr. Sampat Singh, Director of Veda Kunba, whose support underscored the event's commitment to celebrating artistic integrity and social impact. Dance Without Barriers - The program included vibrant classical routines in Indian Sign Language, breathtaking wheelchair performances, expressive group pieces by dancers with Down syndrome, and soulful solos by survivors of acid attacks and performers managing chronic neurological conditions. Every participant contributed not just their art but their humanity--shifting the spotlight from disability to ability. Reflecting on their performances, several artists shared moving thoughts, "Parkinson's may try to control my hands, but today, my spirit choreographed its own rhythm," said Shail Pandey, a dancer managing Parkinson's disease. "On this stage, for the first time, my movements told my story--not my condition." "Today, it didn't feel like my wheelchair is a limitation--more like a partner in my performance," said Surbhi Bansal, a dancer with cerebral palsy. "People often ask me how I dance without limbs. But dance begins long before the body moves. It begins with the will to express--and tonight, that was more than enough," said Sumeet Jadhav, another performer at today's event. In a particularly moving gesture, every individual--from performers to choreographers to the emcee and support staff--contributed their time and talent free of charge, standing together in solidarity with the post-performance press interaction emphasised action over applause, with IME and Soparrkar urging greater accessibility in arts education, more inclusive public venues, and continuous platforms for artists with disabilities. Indrani Mukerjea Enterprise (IME) is an umbrella platform for founder Indrani Mukerjea's passion projects in dance, drama, and acting. More atelier than corporation, IME is dedicated to fostering creative ventures that champion resilience, inclusion, and transformative storytelling--earning the trust and goodwill of public audiences through every initiative. Indrani Mukerjea Enterprise (IME) is an umbrella platform for founder Indrani Mukerjea's passion projects in dance, drama, and acting. More atelier than corporation, IME is dedicated to fostering creative ventures that champion resilience, inclusion, and transformative storytelling--earning the trust and goodwill of public audiences through every initiative.
Fashion Value Chain
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Value Chain
Indrani Mukerjea Enterprise and Sandip Soparrkar Turn Rhythm into Resilience on International Dance Day
Monday afternoon (April 28), the stage at Mumbai's Veda Kunba Auditorium transformed into a living tapestry of courage, rhythm, and resilience, as Indrani Mukerjea Enterprise (IME) hosted 'Dance Is for Everybody,' an inclusive performance specially curated to honour International Dance Day. With Sandip Soparrkar serving as sutradhar for the evening, and emcee Ratan Pratap introducing each act with warmth and grace, the event transcended traditional performance formats to place disabled artists at the very heart of India's dance showcase brought together dancers representing India's full 17 recognised disability categories-including blindness, low vision, leprosy-cured status, hearing impairment, locomotor disability, dwarfism, intellectual disability, mental illness, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, chronic neurological conditions, specific learning disabilities, speech and language disabilities, multiple disabilities, acid attack survivors, and Parkinson's disease. Each performer brought a unique story to the stage, demonstrating that dance is not about symmetry or speed-but about presence, spirit, and truth. Indrani Mukerjea and Sandip Soparrkar Indrani Mukerjea, Founder of IME, addressed the audience, sharing, 'True resilience is not about returning to where you were, but about moving forward differently-with wisdom, grace, and courage. Tonight's performers didn't just dance; they dismantled old ideas about who the stage belongs to.'Sandip Soparrkar added, 'Every movement tonight was a declaration. Dance doesn't ask for perfection; it asks for heart-and every artist here answered that call.' Following tradition, the evening began with a Saraswati Vandana-an invocation to the goddess of wisdom, learning, and the arts-setting a tone of reverence and inspiration before Soparrkar guided the audience through the tapestry of performances. Among the dignitaries present were Mr. Haresh Mehta, President of the India Fine Arts Council, and Mr. Sampat Singh, Director of Veda Kunba, whose support underscored the event's commitment to celebrating artistic integrity and social impact. Indrani Mukerjea and Sandip Soparrkar with performers Dance Without Barriers – The program included vibrant classical routines in Indian Sign Language, breathtaking wheelchair performances, expressive group pieces by dancers with Down syndrome, and soulful solos by survivors of acid attacks and performers managing chronic neurological conditions. Every participant contributed not just their art but their humanity-shifting the spotlight from disability to ability. Reflecting on their performances, several artists shared moving thoughts, 'Parkinson's may try to control my hands, but today, my spirit choreographed its own rhythm,' said Shail Pandey, a dancer managing Parkinson's disease. 'On this stage, for the first time, my movements told my story-not my condition.' 'Today, it didn't feel like my wheelchair is a limitation-more like a partner in my performance,' said Surbhi Bansal, a dancer with cerebral palsy. 'People often ask me how I dance without limbs. But dance begins long before the body moves. It begins with the will to express-and tonight, that was more than enough,' said Sumeet Jadhav, another performer at today's event. In a particularly moving gesture, every individual-from performers to choreographers to the emcee and support staff-contributed their time and talent free of charge, standing together in solidarity with the post-performance press interaction emphasised action over applause, with IME and Soparrkar urging greater accessibility in arts education, more inclusive public venues, and continuous platforms for artists with disabilities. About Indrani Mukerjea Enterprise Indrani Mukerjea Enterprise (IME) is an umbrella platform for founder Indrani Mukerjea's passion projects in dance, drama, and acting. More atelier than corporation, IME is dedicated to fostering creative ventures that champion resilience, inclusion, and transformative storytelling-earning the trust and goodwill of public audiences through every initiative. Indrani Mukerjea Enterprise (IME) is an umbrella platform for founder Indrani Mukerjea's passion projects in dance, drama, and acting. More atelier than corporation, IME is dedicated to fostering creative ventures that champion resilience, inclusion, and transformative storytelling-earning the trust and goodwill of public audiences through every initiative.
