East meets West in perfect symphony

MUMBAI: With a soulful rendition of classical Indian music and an awe-inspiring performance of modern American dance, the second last day of The Times of India Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2011 was a one-in-a-lifetime experience.
The best of the East and West saw a houseful audience at the Asiatic Library steps on Saturday evening.
While audiences tapped their feet to Umakant and Ramakant Gundecha's presentation of songs and compositions by two famous poets Nadiri and Kabir, they cheered and clapped to three performances by the internationally renowned Paul Taylor Dance Company 2.
The American Centre, Mumbai, was instrumental in bringing the six graceful dancers from Taylor 2 for the festval.
Speaking to audiences between two dances sequences, 'Arden Court', which as a poetic look at romantic relationships, and 'Runes'- inspired by a tribe of seers-the US Counsel General Paul Folmsbee spoke fondly about the cultural ties between India and America and the common values shared by both countries. "Tonight is about fun," he signed off.
The night ended with a boisterous performance of urban dance styles by Prosenjit Guy Kundu's Street Dance Group. For many who were present at the venue from the first performance at 6.15 to the final one at 9.45 pm, Saturday night was an unforgettable experience. "I am so excited. Where else can one see a traditional Indian art form and a modern American one on one stage in one evening? I would really like thank the organizers for such a beautiful festival," said Nikita Shetty an HR executive from Chembur.
Hair-Raising Art
In the area around the amphitheatre, curious onlookers witnessed an unusual form of art. Renowned hairstylist Sapna Bhavnani and four other hairstylists presented huge hair art installations-on their head. Bavnani said that most of the raw material was sourced from clients who had visited her salon for a hair cut and all the installations were handmade. "All hairstylists are also artists. Events like these help break norms. Art does not mean just a frame hung on the wall, it also involves forms like installations, fashion installations and hair installations," she said.
Folk Notes from India
The amphitheatre came alive in the evening with traditional dance forms like the Bhangra from Punjab, Bihu from Assam and a tribal dance from Gujarat called the Mewasi. Using instruments such the Rama dhol, sarnai and thali, the Mewasi dancers left the people gathered cheering and asking for more.