Latest news with #Flamenco
The Citizen
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Kutloano Motsei dances SA flag high in Spain
SASOLBURG – From Zamdela to flying the South African flag high in the global spotlight. Kutloano Motsei has earned international recognition through his exceptional dancing talent. The passionate Flamenco dancer recently returned from the prestigious Dance World Cup Finals, held in Burgos, Spain, from July 3 to 12. Speaking to Ster, the 19-year-old said he was part of a group comprising more than 8 500 dancers from 51 countries who took part in this year's finals. 'This trip was a learning curve. As much as I wanted to win, I also wanted to learn about new choreography styles, world cultures, and to build friendships through the universal language of dance,' he said. Motsei's love for dance began in 2021 when he took dance as a subject at an artsfocused high school. 'I've always been a person who struggled with self-expression, but dance allowed me to express myself through body movement silently,' he explained. He later joined Georgina's Dance Studio, where his talents were honed under the meticulous guidance of dance teacher and mentor Georgina Jacobs. Motsei told Ster how he earned the spot to be part of the World Cup. 'Back in March, I competed in the Dance World Cup South African Qualifiers under the Senior National and Folklore category. I obtained first position with an average of 90.9. Those results then automatically earned me a place to go participate overseas,' he said. While taking the props of making it to the world stages, Motsei has credited his mentor for his success. 'None of this would've been possible without her [Georgina Jacobs]. She dedicated so many hours to shaping me into the dancer I am today,' he concluded. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Print
20-07-2025
- Business
- The Print
Trip to Dubai, Spain has opened new avenues for investment, cultural ties: CM Yadav
'The Government of India has declared 2026 as the India-Spain Dual Year to celebrate cultural ties, tourism and cooperation in Artificial Intelligence. In this context, teams from Madhya Pradesh will be sent to Spain and delegations from Spain will be invited to the state to strengthen cultural bonds,' he said. Speaking to reporters after returning from the trip, Yadav said it helped position MP as an investment-friendly state on the global stage. Bhopal, Jul 20 (PTI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Sunday said that his weeklong tour to Dubai and Spain, which he termed a 'huge success', has opened new avenues in abundance for investment and cultural exchange. The chief minister also praised Spain's Flamenco dance and said it has similarities to Indian folk traditions. 'People there also say it might have originated from India,' he said, adding that the tour has opened new avenues for investment and cultural exchange. According to a government release issued earlier, Yadav had said that the warmth he received from the Indian diaspora in Barcelona made him feel as though he was in his hometown Ujjain. Prior to this visit, the CM had travelled to the United Kingdom and Germany in November-December last year, and to Japan in January this year to attract investment in Madhya Pradesh. PTI LAL NR This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Indian Express
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Labubu dolls may be the rage, but this Delhi cartoonist's doll collection continues to win hearts
The woman exudes elegance in a striking red dress adorned with layers of delicate, cream-colored lace ruffles that cascade to the floor. She is poised — with one hand on her hip and the other gracefully holding an open fan. On the other side, her partner strikes a commanding pose with one arm raised and the other elegantly curved behind him. He is dressed in high-waisted trousers, a tailored black jacket with red accents, and a traditional flat-brimmed hat. They are Flamenco dancers from Spain, frozen in motion inside a glass case — two among the many dolls that fill every corner of a unique museum in Delhi. Labubu plushie dolls, created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung based on Nordic folklore, may be the internet's latest obsession — while smashing price records. But in the Capital, long before the fanfare, it was one cartoonist's international doll collection that quietly captured hearts. This is Shankar's International Doll Museum. Founded by political cartoonist K Shankar Pillai, the museum has one of the world's largest collections of costume dolls. Inaugurated in 1965, it sits on the first floor of the Children's Book Trust on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg. The story of the museum began in the early 1950s when Pillai was part of a delegation accompanying then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on a trip abroad. He was gifted a Hungarian doll by the country's ambassador — and was instantly captivated. Thus began his journey of collecting a costume doll from each country he visited. Today, the museum is home to over 7,000 dolls from 85 countries. It is divided into two main sections, with seven sub-sections. One section showcases wooden and wax dolls from European countries, the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, and the Commonwealth of Independent States. The other features dolls from Asian countries, the Middle East, Africa, and India. Each section includes display glass cases etched with maps of the respective countries, offering a visual cue to the dolls' cultural roots. As visitors explore, children press their small hands and noses against the glass, eyes wide with wonder. 'Come here, see! These are such pretty dolls,' a small girl calls to her friend, standing on her toes to get a better look at the French dolls. These dolls reflect a journey through the evolution of culture and clothing. 'Barbies' with silky grey hair are placed on pedestals — some dressed in short skirts, loose socks, and boots, while others wear modern jumpsuits. In contrast, figures of elderly women are positioned at the base, wearing vintage gowns and carrying baskets of lavender, as noted in a label: 'grown in the upper regions of France.' One display features the first ever doll from Pillai's collection — a young peasant woman seated on a three-tiered pedestal, fondly gazing at the corn in her hand. Beside her are other dolls of women, both young and old, engaged in crochet work. The British display features a doll dressed as a royal queen in a regal gown and crown, flanked by guards in traditional red coats and bearskin hats — evoking the quintessential image of British pageantry. A mother of two, who did not wish to be named, says she used to visit the museum regularly with her dad. 'I used to come here with my papa (father) and have been fascinated since then. I've now brought my children to learn about the different countries… I think my daughter is enjoying it a lot here,' she adds. Another section of the museum houses dolls from across India. There are dolls from Kerala dressed like Kathakali dancers, dancing at the forefront of a grand procession of elephants, each carrying people on their backs. There are also women dressed in traditional white sarees with golden borders (kasavu saris) with gajras (flower garlands) neatly tucked into their hair buns. Chhattisgarh is represented through vibrant folk dances, Punjab through its energetic bhangra and colourful attire. Jammu and Kashmir is depicted through scenes of Shikara boat rides and intricate carpet weaving. A Delhi family — a woman, her daughter and granddaughter — is also among the visitors. The grandmother is excited to show her granddaughter the cultural tapestry of her home state, Assam. 'This is 'Mekhela Chador,' a two-piece garment worn by women on special occasions. This is made by special silk found in Assam,' she says, pointing to a large doll across the glass. 'I'm happy to see my state being represented in such a warm spirit,' she adds. Meanwhile, her granddaughter tugs at her mother's hand. 'See, Maa, it moves!' she exclaims. She's pointing at the thalaiyatti bommai, or bobble-head doll, from Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Made of terracotta, the dolls are in various sizes, with a heavy, rounded base and a detachable, lighter head that wobbles gently. Hand-painted in bright colors, they feature wide eyes, golden crowns, and intricate ornaments. Aarti, who has come here with her two-year-old son from Gurgaon, is happy that such places exist. 'I'm learning new things about Indian culture… These dolls show the diversity of clothing, traditions, and art forms — not only from India but from around the world.' Navin Menon, the in-charge of the doll museum, says the collection continues to grow. 'When ambassadors of the embassies in India come here and notice that a new doll needs to be added, or an existing one from their country needs to be replaced, they get the doll made in their country and then gift it to us,' she says. Asked whether a Labubu might be added, she smiles. 'It would be great — but a Labubu is a character doll. Our collection focuses on costume dolls.' She also mentions that doll repair workshops are occasionally held by the museum to restore and maintain the collection. As visitors head toward the exit, two dolls are available for purchase — one a bride from Maharashtra, the other a dancer performing the Manipuri Ras. Both are displayed in a glass cabin — waiting to be taken home. Timings: 10 am to 6 pm. Open all days, except Mondays, national holidays, and festivals Entry fee: Rs 25 for adults, Rs 10 for children, plus service tax
Elle
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
The Cool-Girl Handbag Trend That's Taking Over Summer Nights
If you're like me, then you know summer is the perfect time to experiment with your style. The palpable energy of the season makes it easier to play with a dash of color here and a bit of sparkle there. And nothing catches the light (or compliments) quite like a sequin bag. Whether heading to rooftop drinks, destination weddings, or late-night gallery openings, this season's crop of glittering handbags deliver just the right amount of glam. Designers across the spectrum, from high-street favorites to luxury heavyweights, are giving the classic sequin treatment a fresh spin: think pouches dripping in fringe from It girl-approved brand Des Phemmes and chainmail-inspired minaudières by the iconic Rabanne team. This isn't just about nostalgia or a Y2K revival. Today's take on the sequin bag trends feels grown-up, thanks to sophisticated takes on Loewe's Flamenco clutch and glittering designs on Bottega Veneta's Cabat bucket. Now's the time to let your bag do the talking for you. Ahead, find the very best sequin-adorned styles to shimmer through the summer with. Whether you're going to a day party or a firework soirée, mixed textures immediately add interest to any outfit. For a subtle way to add a hint of glam to your wardrobe, grab a chocolate sequin bag like this luxe Loewe Flamenco update. Sequins and fringe beading unite to create an eclectic bag that captures the energy of the summer. Check two trends off of your to-do list at once with this butter-yellow sequin pouch. Worn with denim shorts and a swimsuit or a crochet knit dress, you're guaranteed to ring in a ton of compliments with this Mother of Pearl sequin bag. Vintage lovers, add this beaded sequin number to your coveted collection before it sells out. Summer's the perfect time to have a bit of fun, and Marc Jacobs has the perfect playful bag to bring your outfits to life. With fluttering sequins, this bag proves tote bags can be functional and fun. Your search for a standout summer clutch ends here with handknotted design. We can't talk about sequin bags without mentioning Rabanne's shimmering creation. This one reigns supreme thanks to its jumbo paillettes and unmistakable shimmer. Of course, Dries Van Noten found a way to make a sequin bag look undeniably elegant with miniature sparklers. Bring on the glam with Bottega Veneta's all-gold take on the bag of the summer. Jimmy Choo takes the moment to new heights with extra-large embellishments on its iconic Bon Bon bag. Missoni mixes prints, color, and texture in this must-have bag. A floral motif turns this handbag into a museum-worthy work of art. Go handsfree with Saint Laurent's shimmering crossbody bag.
Hindustan Times
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Keeping the tune alive: How Lucknow's Gharanas continue to evolve through centuries
Behind the melodies infused with the rich musical traditions of Lucknow's Gharanas lies a story of endurance, evolution and innovation. These Gharanas, some of which have flourished for over three centuries, have borne witness to the world's transformation—from the dawn of the industrial revolution to the age of artificial intelligence. June 21 every year is being celebrated as the World Music Day On the occasion of World Music Day which falls on June 21, Khalifas and Ustads from Lucknow's renowned Gharanas share the enduring journey for preserving and expanding these musical legacies: innovation rooted in tradition and global promotion without losing identity. Ilmas Hussain, Khalifa of the Lucknow Tabla Gharana, said the Gharana is among the most prominent in the country. It is credited with influencing the creation of the Farrukhabad and Banaras Gharanas and is known for its unique style of playing the tabla using all ten fingers. 'The Gharana was established under the patronage of the Nawabs in the mid-18th century and has continued to evolve with the fast-changing world,' said Hussain. 'In the age of rock and jazz, we have stayed rooted while branching out—collaborating with Flamenco, Uzbekistani, and Afghanistani music. These fresh approaches have helped us stay relevant and promote our Gharana globally.' Ustad Gulshan Bharti, head of the Qawwal Bacchon Ka Gharana, said their music—deeply influenced by Sufism—has always focused on Swar (notes), Taal (rhythm) and Laya (tempo), making their Qawwalis both spiritual and engaging. 'We've constantly experimented with different musical forms, including classical, opera, and jazz. This rhythmic diversity keeps our music fresh, never monotonous,' said Bharti. 'But our roots remain intact—we only add what enhances the essence.' Irfan Muhammad Khan, khalifa of the Lucknow Shahjahanpur Sarod Gharana, remains committed to preserving the purity of classical forms. 'Concerts and international tours have helped us sustain the legacy of the Gharana. When we travel, listeners deeply appreciate the authenticity we bring. Even my students are actively working to keep the tradition alive,' Khan said. Prof Jayant Khot, president of the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi and a member of the Gwalior Gharana, believes that the survival of Gharanas over the centuries lies in their ability to diversify musically. 'The Akademi is also doing its part to promote various Gharanas across the state through summer workshops. This helps cultivate a love for playing and listening to music, especially among children and the general public,' Khot said. However, the picture isn't entirely rosy. Siddiq Khan, the sole surviving Nakkara player from the Lucknow Nakkara Gharana, paints a more sobering view. 'I'm trying to uphold the legacy of my forefathers,' he said. 'But it's disheartening when people don't even know the difference between a Nakkara and a Nagada. Not many are coming forward to learn this art.'
