ClassicalClaps

16/08/2026

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐟 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐝𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐰 𝐞𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭?

In conversation with 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐩 𝐒𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐤𝐚𝐫 for ClassicalClaps, Padma Vibhushan awardee and celebrated Bharatanatyam and Odissi exponent Dr Sonal Mansingh calls for the creation of an Indian Heritage Service (IHS) — a specialised cadre dedicated to protecting India’s monuments, performing arts, languages, traditional knowledge, museums, archives and intangible cultural heritage.

Her message is significant: heritage is not only about preserving the past; it is also about strengthening cultural identity for future generations.

Read the full conversation:

Do you think India needs a dedicated Indian Heritage Service? Share your views in the comments.

In an era where rapid development often overshadows cultural preservation, iconic Bharatanatyam and Odissi exponent, former Rajya Sabha Member, and Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr Sonal Mansingh has made a compelling appeal for the creation of an Indian Heritage Service (IHS)- a specialised cadre dedicat...

01/08/2026

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐚 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐤 𝐝𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡?

In our latest feature, 𝐆𝐮𝐫𝐮 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐢 𝐃𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐚 and 𝐃𝐫 𝐓𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐓𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐞 reflect on the evolving role of formal Kathak education — not as a replacement for lifelong talim, but as a structured beginning that can shape awareness, discipline, confidence and wider career possibilities.

An important read for students, parents, teachers and anyone interested in the future of Indian classical dance education.

𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 this with a Kathak student or teacher.

Tina Deole Tambe

For many young dancers and their families, a degree in Kathak appears to offer a clear path into the world of classical dance. It provides structure, legitimacy, academic recognition and, in some cases, a bridge to professional possibilities. Yet, the question remains more layered than it appears: C...

31/07/2026

𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐲𝐚𝐦 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐡𝐨𝐣𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐢?

For dancer and emerging choreographer 𝐕𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐢𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐢, the answer lies in Abhadra-his deeply personal solo production that brings together Bharatanatyam, Bhojpuri language, cultural memory and questions of regional identity.

From growing up in Salempur to training under Vidushi Rama Vaidyanathan, Vinay reflects on finding his artistic voice, overcoming the hesitation associated with speaking his mother tongue, and translating the traditions of Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh into classical dance.

In conversation with 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐩 𝐒𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐤𝐚𝐫, he also speaks about artistic risk, the realities of creating an independent production, the role of social media, and his vision of taking classical dance education to smaller towns and villages.

What possibilities emerge when a classical form begins to converse with a new language and cultural landscape? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer Vinay Tiwari is exploring an unusual artistic question: can the vocabulary of a South Indian classical dance form become a medium for Bhojpuri language, memory and lived experience? Trained under Vidushi Rama Vaidyanathan, Vinay is a Bharatanatyam dancer, podca...

28/07/2026

आज के युवा कलाकार के लिए केवल अच्छा रियाज़ ही नहीं, सही डिजिटल पहचान भी जरूरी है।

लेकिन क्या हर रिहर्सल को रील बनाना चाहिए? क्या हर ट्रेंड का हिस्सा बनना जरूरी है? क्या अधिक फॉलोअर्स का अर्थ अधिक दर्शक भी होता है?

सोशल मीडिया कलाकार को नए दर्शकों, आयोजकों और अवसरों तक पहुंचा सकता है। लेकिन खराब वीडियो, अतिशयोक्तिपूर्ण भाषा, बिना सोचे-समझे पोस्टिंग और लाइक्स से अपनी कला का मूल्य तय करना उसकी पेशेवर छवि को नुकसान भी पहुंचा सकता है।

“रियाज़ से रील्स तक: युवा कलाकार न करें ये गलतियाँ” में जानिए सोशल मीडिया पर कलाकारों की 20 आम गलतियां—और कला को केवल ‘कंटेंट’ बनाए बिना अपनी डिजिटल उपस्थिति को प्रभावशाली बनाने के तरीके।

आपके अनुसार युवा कलाकार सोशल मीडिया पर सबसे अधिक कौन-सी गलती करते हैं? कमेंट में अपनी राय साझा करें और यह लेख किसी युवा कलाकार के साथ जरूर शेयर करें।

Read in English एक युवा शास्त्रीय संगीत कलाकार किसी बंदिश को निखारने में कई वर्ष लगा सकता है। एक नृत्य कलाकार मंच पर प्रस्तु...

27/07/2026

In the classical arts, opportunities are rarely built on introductions alone - they are built on trust, respect and meaningful relationships.

Networking isn't about collecting contacts or seeking favours. It's about showing up, listening, supporting fellow artists, learning from seniors, respecting organisers, collaborating with sincerity, and becoming an active part of the artistic ecosystem.

Our latest article, "𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝘀: 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲," explores how artists can build lasting professional relationships without compromising the values that define our traditions.

How important has networking been in your artistic journey? Share your experiences in the comments, tag an artist who would benefit from reading this, and help start a meaningful conversation within our arts community.

In the classical arts, relationships matter. A student may find a mentor through a workshop. A young artist may receive a performance opportunity because an organiser remembered their sincerity. An accompanist may recommend a dancer after a respectful collaboration. A senior artist may guide a young...

22/07/2026

For over four decades, 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐚 𝐊𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢 has transformed dance into an expression of courage, resistance and social change.
In this compelling conversation with renowned choreographer 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐩 𝐒𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐤𝐚𝐫, the celebrated classical dancer, actor and human rights activist reflects on practicing dance during restrictive times in Pakistan, reclaiming women’s agency through movement, preserving classical traditions and using art to build bridges across borders.
Sandip Soparrkar

One of Pakistan's most fearless cultural voices, Sheema Kermani has spent over four decades proving that dance can be much more than performance-it can become a powerful instrument of resistance, social justice, and women's empowerment. A renowned classical dancer, choreographer, actor, and human ri...

21/07/2026

For over four decades, 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐚 𝐊𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢 has transformed dance into an expression of courage, resistance and social change.

In this compelling conversation with renowned choreographer 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐩 𝐒𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐤𝐚𝐫, the celebrated classical dancer, actor and human rights activist reflects on practising dance during restrictive times in Pakistan, reclaiming women’s agency through movement, preserving classical traditions and using art to build bridges across borders.

One of Pakistan's most fearless cultural voices, Sheema Kermani has spent over four decades proving that dance can be much more than performance-it can become a powerful instrument of resistance, social justice, and women's empowerment. A renowned classical dancer, choreographer, actor, and human ri...

20/07/2026

The monsoon finds its musical expression in Goa as 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐡𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐚 returns for its third edition from 24–26 July 2026 at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa.

Featuring Ustad Shujaat Hussain Khan, Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar, Anup Jalota, Ranjani-Gayatri and several acclaimed artists, the festival brings together monsoon ragas, Khayal, Thumri, Ghazal, Fado, musical theatre, photography and contemporary musical tributes under the theme “𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚, 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬.”

Read more about this immersive celebration of music, rain and romance on ClassicalClaps.

Which artist or presentation would you most look forward to experiencing? Tell us in the comments and share this with fellow music lovers.

Taj Hotels

Malhar and the Sea, a classical music festival themed One India, Many Voices, will bring together veterans and acclaimed performers at the Taj Exotica Resort, Goa, from 24 to 26 July. Now in its third edition, the monsoon festival will focus primarily on ragas associated with the rainy season and th...

15/07/2026

MEHFIL SERIES: A Musical Evening of Raga, Kharabat, and Ghazal Traditions Presented by The Bandish Network ABOUT THE SHOW The Bandish Mehfil Series offers an intimate musical gathering rooted […]

14/07/2026

𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻.

Nehru Centre London, the cultural wing of the High Commission of India, has announced its 11th batch of free weekend classes in Yoga, Kathak and Bharatanatyam for beginners, scheduled from 18 July to 16 August 2026.

With limited seats available and admissions on a first-come, first-served basis, interested participants are encouraged to register early.

𝗧𝗮𝗴 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝗴𝗮 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀.

The Nehru Centre, the cultural wing of the High Commission of India in the United Kingdom, has announced the eleventh batch of its short-term classes in Yoga, Kathak and Bharatanatyam for beginners. The classes will be conducted at the Centre in London from 8 July to 16 August 2026. Designed to intr...