Seeta Patel Dance - The Rite of Spring

Award-winning choreographer and dancer Seeta Patel marries Indian classical dance and Western classical music in her The Rite of Spring.

Taking the South Indian classical dance form of bharatanatyam, with its intricate rhythmic footwork, geometric and dynamic movements and expressive prowess, Seeta Patel has created a compelling interpretation of Igor Stravinsky's iconic The Rite of Spring.

Unusually, this version subverts tradition by choosing a male as The Chosen One, elevating him to a deity to whom all sacrifice themselves. This is a spiritual exploration of a work through an Eastern philosophical lens.

This is a rare chance to see bharatanatyam performed in an ensemble piece. As an added feature, Seeta Patel will open the evening’s show with a solo performance accompanied by South Indian musicians. The piece shows bharatanatyam as it is often presented in a solo format, and will take us on the journey of Mother Earth from birth to destruction, preparing us for Her deliverance through The Rite of Spring.

Accompanied with a recorded score by Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, this is a Rite of Spring but not as you know it.