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Aakash Odedra
[edit]Aakash Odedra, BEM is a British-Indian dancer and choreographer who has gained international recognition for his innovative and expressive dance performances. He is best known for his work in the Indian classical dance style of Kathak, and his innovative contemporary dance works.
Early life and training
[edit]Aakash Odedra was born in Birmingham, UK, where his family had migrated to from East Africa in the 1970's. Raised primarily by his grandmother, Odedra experienced a nomadic childhood, constantly moving from place to place. He began to dance at 8 years old, becoming one of the few boys in the South Asian community to embrace this art form.
Odedra's formal training began under the guidance of the prominent dancer Nilima Devi; a leading advocate of Indian classical dance, played a pivotal role in teaching him the art of Kathak. Similarly, Chitraleka Bolar contributed to his early learning of Bharatanatyam. He spent time in India during his teenage years where he was trained by Asha Joglekar, Chhaya Kantaveh and Shiamak Davar. Throughout his journey, Odedra received support from various institutions in the United Kingdom such as Sampad and Akademi, which enabled him to pursue his passion and further develop his artistic expression
Career
[edit]Following his training, Aakash Odedra embarked on a successful professional career as a dancer in the UK. Mentored by renowned dancer and choreographer Akram Khan, he gained recognition as a rising star of the industry.
In 2009, Odedra performed ‘Maati Re’, choreographed by Kumudini Lakhia at the Svagata Festival curated by Akram Khan at Sadler's Wells. This experience, along with his mentorship under Khan, helped shape his unique style in contemporary dance. The following year, Odedra participated in the ChoreLab of the European Network of Performance Arts, and collaborated with Kathak dancer Sanjukta Sinha in 'Tatha', a duet choreographed by Lakhia.
In 2011, Odedra co-founded the Aakash Odedra Company, with Anand Bhatt to showcase his productions and nurture talent in contemporary dance. His debut full length solo 'Rising' gained international recognition and featured new short works created on him by Khan, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and Russell Maliphant. Following this, the his company produced double-bill production of [1], Murmur (2014)[2] with Lewis Major, 'Inked' by Damien Jalet. Both productions received positive reviews and were staged at Birmingham's Patrick Centre as part of the International Dance Festival Birmingham in May 2014. Following this, he performed Echoes (2016) (Aditi Mangaldas), and 'I Imagine' in collaboration with Sabrina Mahfouz and David Poznanter.
As a choreographer, Aakash has been commissioned for several notable performances including ‘Sukanya’ for the Royal Opera House (composed by Ravi Shankar), James Brown: Get on the Good Foot (Apollo Theater, New York), God’s Little Soldier (Theater Freiburg) and The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the closing of the London Cultural Olympiad. In 2018 he created and directed 'Je Suis' (NYU Abu Dhabi) which won the Amnesty International Award for Freedom of Expression.
In 2021, Aakash performed in a triple-bill production titled ‘Echoes', 'CUT' and 'Constellation’. Each solo piece is choreographed by acclaimed artists who he has worked with in the past. Along with Aditi Mangaldas’ Echoes, he danced Russell Maliphant’s CUT, and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui’s Constellations
After several years of delay due to the covid-19 pandemic, Aakash premiered Samsara in 2023 in collaboration with Hu Shenyuan at the AsiaTopia Festival, a piece which explores the ancient cultures of India and China. The duo has performed Samsara worldwide, earning nominations from prestigious award organizations. In the film 'The Making of Samsara,' the three-year creative process leading up to the premiere is documented, showcasing Odedra and Hu's collaboration across multiple countries.
In addition to his work with the company, Odedra has collaborated with various artists across different mediums, including filmmakers, composers, and visual artists such as Nitin Sawhney and Abi Sampa. He has also been involved in community outreach and education programs, working to inspire a new generation of dancers.
Style and Influence
[edit]Odedra's style is characterized by his blending of traditional Kathak with elements of contemporary dance. His work is marked by a keen sensitivity to music, a strong narrative component, and a dynamic use of space. He often explores themes of identity, culture, and spirituality in his choreography.
Odedra has cited a number of influences on his work, including his early teachers Nilima Devi and Chitraleka Bolar, as well as contemporary dance figures like Akram Khan and Pina Bausch.
Awards and Recognition
[edit]- Dance UK Award for Outstanding Male Performer (2012)
- Audience Award Dance Week 2013 (Croatia)
- Sky Arts South Bank Award for Dance (2014)
- Infant Award 2014 (Serbia)
- Bessie Award (Best Male Performer, 2014)
- Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival Award for Best Dance Film (2016).
- British Empire Medal for services to Dance and to the community in Leicester (2020)
- Nomination—UK Critics Circle National Dance Awards Best Modern Choreography (2023)
References
[edit]- ^ Burke, Siobhan (2016-03-07). "Review: In 'Rising,' One Dancer's Interpretation of Four Solos by Four Choreographers". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-06-23.
- ^ Roy, Sanjoy (2015-11-23). "Aakash Odedra review – reflections on dyslexia in a shimmering mix of dance and digital effects". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2023-06-23.
Biography of Aakash Odedra, De Montfort University
- Interview with Aakash Odedra, The Guardian
- Review of "Rising", The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/08/arts/dance/review-in-rising-one-dancers-interpretation-of-four-solos-by-four-choreographers.html
- Aakash Odedra Company, Official Website
- [Aakash Odedra Wins Dance UK Award, BBC News](
