The Rite of Spring

Seeta Patel’s The Rite of Spring is a reimagining of Igor Stravinsky’s iconic ballet in the Bharatanatyam dance style, developed with an extended cast of 10-12 dancers and full orchestra in a major collaboration with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

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 the iconic The Rite of Spring.

Normally seen as a solo dance form, Seeta Patel Dance’s The Rite Of Spring is a rare chance for audiences to see contemporary Bharatanatyam performed in an ensemble. It also subverts the original narrative of a single sacrificial Chosen One by elevating this character to a deity unto which the whole community sacrifices themselves. This is a spiritual exploration of the work through an Eastern philosophical lens. Accompanied live by Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, this is a Rite of Spring but not as you know it.

Looking beyond notions of the exotic and Orientalist perceptions of Eastern classical arts, this work will showcase some of the finest Indian classical dance talent across the globe. With ensemble Bharatanatyam in a contemporary context being a rarity, this work fills a gap and opens the potential from much more growth of the art form, and coming together of diverse audiences.

The Rite of Spring was initially presented in Mid Scale version and had a critically acclaimed tour between 2018 and 2021. It was later developed into a full-length Large Scale work, which premiered at Sadler’s Wells in March 2023.

Awards

Nominated for Best New Dance Production at the Olivier Awards 2024

Patel brings out the more lyrical, romantic elements of Stravinsky’s score…instead of an earthy, ominous Rite, through Patel’s eyes the scene is dreamy, the stage glowing (there is lovely lighting from Warren Letton), hand gestures look like plants growing, nature abundant in a place of warmth and wonder.

GUARDIAN

Patel quickly seizes on the raw, percussive energy of Stravinsky’s chugging music. As the cast of six stamp out its rhythms, it feels like the two very different forms were meant for each other. The dance is energetic, full of intricate footwork and gesture, and of geometric patterns that come and go with ease as the dancers weave around each other…Patel’s Rite is a fascinating diversion from the usual take on the story. It also looks gorgeous thanks to Warren Letton’s lighting and Jason and Anshu Arora’s quirky costumes.

DANCING TIMES

…then The Rite of Spring began and it was fabulous. Peacock-eye fingers jabbed out from thrusting arms, bare feet thumped the floor and bodies prowled the stage in strict geometric formations that carried a powerful emotional drive. The musicality was delicious and the unified sense of purpose was palpable.

DANCE EUROPE

Patel has created an authentic dance piece that is truly fresh and original. Her aim to bring Bharatanatyam into a modern age alongside contemporary dance is undoubtedly a success…exploring this new medium through an adapted version of The Rite of Spring is thoroughly enjoyable.

A YOUNGER THEATRE

…this is a luscious piece of art…Patel’s work embraces the percussive stamping of Bharatanatyam…at times her choreography weaves the dancers in and out of patterns like a murmuration of starlings…given his unconventional approach to ballet, I feel sure Nijinsky would approve.

PULSE CONNECTS

The dancers were supremely tight as a unit and performed with relentless energy, intensity and focus. Their small hand gestures were like visual imagist poetry in suggesting new life…Seeta Patel is certainly onto something in looking at such exciting cultural fusions.

STAGE TALK

Patel directs with a uniquely stunning vision. With Stravinsky’s century-old score as the influencing factor there is a presentation of Bharatanatyam to add a new dimension to the story of the beauty found at springtime…a vibrant, bold, exciting contemporary piece.

BEHIND THE ARRAS: (Birmingham)

…confident, vivid and moving…

BIRMINGHAM PRESS

Stunning and visually enticing

THE REVIEWS HUB

Seeta Patel has created an evocative, visceral interpretation of The Rite of Spring

THE STAGE

The six dancers performed with great energy and precision, effortlessly interweaving east and west dance styles to reveal new layers of Stravinsky’s powerful music in a thought-provoking and powerful interpretation.

BROMSGROVE STANDARD (Birmingham)

Seeta Patel has created a work of impact and ambition which is further enhanced by committed and powerful performances by the ensemble of six dancers…tackling a classic takes great bravery, but in her commanding and utterly convincing interpretation, Patel has created a must-see epic.

CULTURE WHISPER

The unbelievably intricate footwork characteristic of Bharatanatyam is executed with such speed, tight turns and forceful arm-work that I reel from its frenetic energy and urgency…the dancers’ extended fingers pulse like small daggers, faces remain calm yet expressive…exciting, dynamic.

DANCE TABS

Credits

Large Scale version

Seeta Patel Solo:
Choreographer and performer: Seeta Patel
Musicians: Samyukta Ranganathan (vocals), Prathap Ramachandran (percussion), Vijay Venkat (flute)
Rehearsal Directors: Avatâra Ayuso, Kamala Devam, Swati Seshadri
Set Designer: Rachana Jadhav
Projectionist: Wayne Sables

The Rite of Spring:
Choreography and Direction: Seeta Patel
Music Score: Igor Stravinksy
Vocals: Roopa Mahadevan (featured between Acts 1 and 2 of Stravinsky’s score as part of a 4-minute interlude. Composed by vocalist solely for this choreography. Edited by Julien Kottukapally)
Music played by: Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
Chief Conductor: Kirill Karabits
Cast: Kamala Devam, Sarveshan Gangen, Sarah Gasser, Aishani Ghosh, Kieran Heralall, Nidhaga Karunad, Kishore Kuman Krishnan, Indu Bhageloe Panday, Shree Savani, Adhya Shastry, Moritz Zavan Stoeckle, Sooraj Subramaniam
Rehearsal Director: Avatâra Ayuso

Both works:
Executive Producer: Grace Okereke (Uprise Rebel)
Project Manager: Nassy Konan
Co-Producer: Sarah Shead (Spin-Arts)
Marketing Manager: Georgia Gerson
PR Consultant: Fourth Wall PR
Technical Director: Helen Mugridge
Lighting Designer: Warren Letton
Assistant Lighting Designer: Bethany Gupwell
Sound Engineer: Adam Bonser
Collaborator: Julien Kottukapally
Re-lighting: Ryan Day
Costumes: Anshu and Jason (smallshop, Bangalore)

Seeta Patel Dance gives thanks to Sam Allen and the board and to everyone that has helped along the way to bring this work to fruition.

Mid Scale version

Director & Choreographer: Seeta Patel
Costume Design: Jason & Anshu (India)
Lighting design: Warren Letton
Producer: Sarah Shead, Spin-Arts
Administrator: Hayley Youell

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