Aakash Odedra & Aditi Mangaldas: Mehek

The second and final performance of the world premiere of a new dance piece, devised and performed by two of the pre-eminent South Asian dancers of their time – Aakash Odedra, well known to Abu Dhabi audiences from previous visits; and Aditi Mangaldas, a dancer and choreographer long recognised both for her skill and for bringing a contemporary evolution to Kathak dance.

Derived from the Hindi word for fragrance, the title Mehek alludes to the enduring power of memory and the essence of love itself. Aditi Mangaldas, dancing the first ever duet of her 50-year career, and Aakash Odedra weave a narrative that celebrates love in all its forms: raw, authentic, and infinitely resonant.

The Arts Center will also be hosting a dance workshop with Aakash Odedra on 9 February at 6.30pm; request an invitation here.

Mehek is created by Aakash Odedra Company and Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company / The Drishtikon Dance Foundation, and is presented with the support of Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels. It was co-commissioned by The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi Sadler’s Wells; The Lowry, Salford; Birmingham Hippodrome; and the Bagri Foundation.

magpie interviewed Aakash Odedra in advance of the performance; read the feature here.