SHAMITA RAY

Shamita Ray is a contemporary dance artist who specializes in choreographing original and innovative work that explores the meeting place of Western contemporary dance and South Asian movement techniques such as bharatanatyam and yoga. Abstract themes and ideas are explored using a unique combination of fluid and dynamic contemporary dance, and the intricate hand gestures and percussive rhythms of South Asian dance. The work is always accompanied by original, specially commissioned music, and complemented by an atmospheric lighting design.

Shamita started to create work in 2006  with the solo Dark Matter which premiered at the Southbank Centre, London. In 2007, she was supported by Chisenhale Dance Space to develop another solo, Ring Cycle. Both pieces have been performed throughout the UK and Europe to critical acclaim. Most recently, Shamita was supported by The Work Room, Glasgow to develop her choreographic research.

Dark Matter and Ring Cycle are still available for touring. More information about the pieces are below. Please get in touch if you would like to receive technical requirements.

'Shamita Ray blends contemporary dance and bharatanatyam so seamlessly  that you can't see the join.'  The Scotsman     
 

(2007; solo; 14 minutes)

Choreographed and performed by: Shamita Ray

Soundtrack created by: John-Marc Gowans and Shamita Ray
Saxophone: E. R. Janardhan
Percussion: R. R. Prathap
Piano: Spencer Cozens

Lighting: Prema Mehta


Taking inspiration from the rings in a tree, this piece is an abstract exploration of the history which is written on the body. Accompanied by a jazzy, Indian score, this vibrant and energetic solo looks at the layers created by experience, and the imprint they leave on the body.

Supported through the Artists' Programme at Chisenhale Dance Space.


'Ray's performance style is all her own, taking elements of contemporary dance and bharatanatyam, and creating something entirely new......a spirited and enjoyable piece.'  The Scotsman

'Not just nicely contructed, but polished......danced with unfussy precision and elan'  The Herald

Current tour schedule: The Lowry, Salford (5 May 2007), Tanzfabrik, Berlin (21 & 22 July 2007), Derby Dance Centre (29 November 2007), The Place, London (23 January 2008), Rich Mix, London (13 June 2009), Theaterlabor, Bielefeld (9 July 2009),  Dance Base, Edinburgh (5 - 16 August 2009)

To view an edited video clip, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAUq47gTbm0

(2006; solo; 9 minutes)

Choreographed and performed by: Shamita Ray

Soundtrack created by: John-Marc Gowans and Shamita Ray
Vocals: Mavin Khoo
Mridangam: R. R. Prathap
Violin: Kumar Raghunathan

Lighting: Bill Deverson


The inspiration for this piece came from the scientific discovery that 90% of the universe cannot be seen, and has never been understood. Using bharatanatyam and contemporary dance, this stunning, atmospheric solo is a celebration of the inexplicable and mysterious, and the inspiration that comes from not knowing.


'A beautiful, abstract blend of bharatanatyam and contemporary'  The Times

'She melds contemporary moves with the percussive stamp of bharatanatyam, travelling from one to the other with enjoyable ease.'  The Herald

Current tour schedule: Purcell Room, South Bank Centre, London (7 & 8 October 2006), The Lowry, Salford (5 May 2007), Tanzfabrik, Berlin (21 & 22 July 2007), Dance Base, Edinburgh (8 - 18 August 2007), Rich Mix, London (13 June 2009)

To view an edited video clip, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtVm3Oka92A