French contemporary dance festival in seven Indian cities

A dance festival, which seeks to explore and promote the contemporary dance trends of India and France, is set to begin here under the aegis of the Embassy of France and its cultural network.
'DanSe DialogueS,' which debuted in India in November 2011 in New Delhi, Chennai and Bangalore is back again this year with a second edition.
"Beginning from April 11 to April 30, this year's programme is designed to assess the desire of the French Embassy to nurture strong bonds with India in the field of contemporary dance," says an official.
The second edition enlarges its scope to seven cities including Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Trivandrum, and shifts its focus on Indo-French collaborative projects.

Masterclasses by choreographers and video screenings of French and Indian dance performances are also set to be showcased.
In preparation of the festival, Indian and French dancers were invited to interact within the artistic residencies set up in Delhi and Chennai.

"Two major choreographic pieces were conceived and created through the process of learning from one another. The first an hip-hop extravaganza recital by Mourad Merzouki and another an experimental performance 'Stranger in Indian paradise' by David Rolland," says the official.
The festival combines master classes and video screenings, and comprises vanguard projects from the two participating countries.
While 'Black Pulp' by Xin Company redefines the contemporary genre, 'Our solitudes' by A.I.M.E Co. And 'Huge Intimity' by Retouramont Co. Pays tribute to the agility, grace and nimbleness of the dancers' suspended bodies.

Leading contemporary dancer Astad Deboo has lined up the production 'Rhythm Divine' which blends percussions and Manipuri dance in a unique sensorial journey.
The dance event aims to encourage exchange programmes and meetings between French and Indian professionals.
While DanSe Dialogues' first edition brought together over 7,500 spectators, this year it is expected to be even more, say officials.