Dance needs dialogue, not just virality, says Madhu Nataraj

As the Dr Maya Rao Kathak & Choreography Conference returns for its fifth edition this weekend, choreographer Madhu Nataraj says the timing feels apt. “The show, Choreographing Continuum brings together speakers and performers to mark 60 years of Dr Maya Rao’s legacy, while asking what dance must become in a rapidly changing world,” she says.


‘From Indian mysticism to AI — that’s our repertoire’

For Madhu, choreography must respond to its time. “We engage with Indian philosophy and mysticism, while also speaking about climate action, gender equity and social change. My work spans traditional vocabulary to AI and VR,” she says. She believes this ability to evolve reflects the continuum embodied by Dr Maya Rao. Echoing that spirit, the conference will feature a first-of-its-kind sensorial exhibition tracing nearly nine decades of dance history.

‘This generation is creative, but without mentorship’
Despite her concerns, Madhu remains hopeful. “This generation is fearless and creative, but what they need is mentorship — scale must be matched with gravitas,” she says. She also worries about the erosion of dance as a shared, live experience. “Performance is a ritual of exchange. Online, you can simply swipe away. Recreating that depth of engagement, beyond likes and virality, is the real challenge ahead.”

‘Dance has been reduced to a two-dimensional screen’

While social media has democratised visibility, Madhu worries about what’s been lost. “During the pandemic, dance collapsed into a screen. Suddenly, it became about who goes viral,” she says. Short-form content, she feels, has shifted the focus from rigour to instant gratification. “People spend days making 20-second reels. But do they have the stamina for a 90-minute performance? Today, reality shows, too, are all about acrobatics — jumps, splits, spectacle. Where is the grace? Where is the depth?” she asks.

Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”