Scottish-Indian dancer and performer Nikhita Devi (they/them) aims to re-integrate Indian Classical Dance with its origins in sacred temple dance and sensual spirituality, by infusing the movement vocabulary with the spirit and self-expression of burlesque, creating a personal style that both pays respect to and transcends its traditional roots.

About the residency:

‘My particular interest is to integrate the Indian classical dance form of Odissi with its ritualistic roots as sacred temple dance, while also taking inspiration from the intersection of yoga and burlesque that celebrates and liberates the feminine body and female sexuality. This is an ancient Indian philosophy called Tantra, which has deep connections with ancient Celtic pagan ritual traditions and deities that were present in Scotland but severed many years ago with the coming of Christianity. My work ties together many themes and forms but I aim towards bringing gnostic and ritual dance performance in Scotland by taking inspiration from her ancient past and beliefs and fusing them with my own cultural background, as well as knowledge of various different movement forms, to bring something experimental and immersive to the stage.’

www.instagram.com/NikhitaDevii

Photography credit: Amy Irene Marquez www.instagram.com/amyirenemarquez

Funded through our 2022 Spring Residencies Scheme