Exploring movements

Her unique approach incorporates elements of a wide range of dance and movement styles. About the show, which was earlier conducted in Delhi, Chennai and Pondicherry, she said, “In the past shows, each member of the audience had his or her own experience and interpretation of the dances. Forest doesn’t have a specific narrative style, so people interpret it as they want.”

Jehlen, who has learnt bharatnatayam, odissi and kuchipudi among many other styles, said that this performance is an incredible exchange of cultures. “These dance performances are what she has imbibed from Indian classical dances,” she said. The dance group consists of dancers from different backgrounds and styles, so improvisation is an important part of the dance pieces.

Forest has many storylines and speaks of the world that exists around and within us. The forest mirrors the human psyche where many stories and emotions exist simultaneously. It is inspired from a story by the artist Brother Blue, about the experience of a butterfly coming out of the cocoon. “It gives a transformational experience to the audience and the music has his sound in it,” said Jehlen.

On the other hand, He Who Burns is an exploration through movement, text, video and music of the figure of Iblis as understood in some Sufi traditions.
The piece explores the nature of humanity’s relationship with the divine, the eternal quest for unity and the illusion of duality in the human experience. The shows will be held on January 22, 7 pm at East Cultural Association, Indiranagar and on January 23 at Chowdiah Memorial Hall, 3.30 pm and 7.30 pm. For details, call 8088626288.