Nritya-Manthan Performing Arts Festival coming to Delhi

Nritya-Manthan organised and presented by artist and vocalist Tamanna Tiku is all set to present 16 young artists in Kathak, Odissi and Mayurbhanj Chhau dance forms, who have delved deep into their respective arts, gained technical credibility and developed their individuality as performers.

Tamanna Tiku is an Urban Planner, Kathak Artist and Hindustani Classical Vocalist, based in Washington, DC. Under the tutelage of her Guru Nrityashri Alaknanda Ji, she became a recipient of the prestigious CCRT national scholarship at the age of 13 and completed her graduation in Kathak from the Gandharva Mahavidyalaya at the age of 17.

Tamanna has represented India as a cultural ambassador and a soloist, at festivals and events in various parts of the world like South Korea, Singapore, Poland, and the US.

At 17, Tamanna moved to the United States to pursue her undergraduate and graduate studies in Architecture and Urban Design from Virginia Tech and University of California, Berkeley. All along, she continued her training as a professional vocalist and dancer, turning into a cultural ambassador overseas, by performing at venues across America - in small towns as well as large metropolitan hubs.

From a very young age, she became an integral part of her guru's productions like Krishna-Leela, Udaan and Indo-European Dance Festival, Cracovia Danza Festival in Poland, and Hidden Treasures organised by Nootana in Washington DC. Recently, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she has presented her works and her guru’s choreographies at prestigious online forums based in Delhi, London and Washington DC.

Tamanna has been lauded by audiences and veteran critics alike for being proficient in the technical ‘nritta’ aspect of Kathak, as well as her sensitive story-telling.

As an artist, Tamanna believes in preserving her cultural heritage while being a relevant voice of reason in society. As a festival organizer and curator, she aims to foster an environment of continuous learning and encouragement for young artists. Her musical training and passion for issues like the environment, mythology and social justice are reflected in her artistic portfolio.

With Nritya-Manthan she strives to shine light on India's rich cultural heritage through its younger torch-bearers. To propagate the arts among the masses and for our arts to remain relevant in the long run, the youth's engagement with the arts is critical. Tamanna hopes to enable a movement of shared growth and learning among young Indian artists.