The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) presents the August Dance Residency 2026, a two-day immersive residency celebrating premier institutions that have served as torchbearers of India's classical dance traditions. Inspired by the enduring guru-shishya parampara, the residency honours organisations that have preserved the country's rich artistic heritage by nurturing generations of dancers and …
The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) presents the August Dance Residency 2026, a two-day immersive residency celebrating premier institutions that have served as torchbearers of India’s classical dance traditions. Inspired by the enduring guru-shishya parampara, the residency honours organisations that have preserved the country’s rich artistic heritage by nurturing generations of dancers and safeguarding the sacred texts, knowledge and traditions of Indian classical dance. This year, the NCPA welcomes renowned Bharatanatyam and Odissi maestro Dr. Sonal Mansingh and the Centre for Indian Classical Dances, New Delhi, for an engaging programme of masterclasses, a lecture-demonstration, an archival video viewing and a reflections talk.
Day 1 – Masterclass on Geeta Govind & Lecture-demonstration
Masterclass
Godrej Dance Theatre| Sunday, August 23, 2026 | 11.00 am – 2.00 pm
An NCPA Presentation
The masterclass centres on Jayadeva’s Geeta Govind, the celebrated 12th-century love poem dedicated to Radha and Krishna. Traversing the many shades of passionate love, the poem unfolds through longing, separation, misunderstanding, pleading and the ultimate triumph of love in an extraordinary synthesis of imagery, lyricism and spirituality. Over the centuries, it has become synonymous with the magic of Krishna, with Radha emerging as the presiding force who wields the power of life and love.
Drawing upon selected verses from the poem’s 24 cantos, Dr. Sonal Mansingh will guide participants through an evocative exploration of its literary, philosophical and performative dimensions. Through movement, interpretation and discussion, the workshop will weave together these timeless themes while encouraging participants to understand the depth and gravitas of the Prabandha poem with maturity, sensitivity and a contemplative frame of mind.
Lecture-demonstration
Experimental Theatre | Sunday, August 23, 2026 | 5.00 pm – 6.00 pm
An NCPA Presentation
The evening lecture-demonstration offers audiences a deeper understanding of the literary, philosophical and artistic significance of Geeta Govind, highlighting its enduring influence on Indian classical dance traditions and its continued relevance to performers and audiences alike.
Dr. Sonal Mansingh is one of India’s foremost classical dancers, scholars and cultural ambassadors. Having mastered Bharatanatyam, Odissi and Chhau, she has performed, lectured and conducted workshops in more than 90 countries. Founder-President of the Centre for Indian Classical Dances, established in 1977, she has trained generations of dancers while making significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of India’s cultural heritage. She is a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Ratna. Dr. Mansingh has also served as a Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Chairperson of the Sangeet Natak Akademi and is currently serving her second term as Trustee of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.
Age Recommendation: 8+ | Late entry not permitted
Tickets:
Lecture-demonstration
Members: ₹180, ₹270
Non-Members: ₹200, ₹300
Masterclass Registration Fee (Both Days): ₹2,000 (Inclusive of GST)
For registration details, please call: 8879114939 / 8879313834
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Day 2 – Masterclass on Geeta Govind & Archival Video Viewing and Reflections Talk
Masterclass
Experimental Theatre| Monday, August 24, 2026 | 11.00 am – 2.00 pm
An NCPA Presentation
The second day of the masterclass builds upon the previous day’s learning, enabling participants to further explore the poetic, philosophical and performative nuances of Geeta Govind. Through continued study of selected verses, Dr. Sonal Mansingh will deepen participants’ understanding of its expressive vocabulary, emotional depth and interpretative possibilities within the classical dance tradition.
Archival Video Viewing and Reflections Talk
Godrej Dance Theatre | Monday, August 24, 2026 | 4.00 pm – 5.00 pm
An NCPA Presentation
The residency concludes with an archival video viewing followed by a reflections talk, offering participants and audiences an opportunity to revisit landmark performances and engage in conversations on artistic interpretation, tradition and the continued relevance of India’s classical dance heritage.
Through her distinguished career as a performer, scholar, teacher and institution builder, Dr. Sonal Mansingh has inspired generations of dancers while strengthening the appreciation of India’s classical arts across the world.
Age Recommendation: 8+ | Late entry not permitted
Talk: Free Entry
Masterclass Registration Fee (Both Days): ₹2,000 (Inclusive of GST)
For registration details, please call: 8879114939 / 8879313834
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
About the NCPA
The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai, is India’s premier cultural institution. Inaugurated in 1969, it was the first multi-venue, multi-genre cultural centre in South Asia. The NCPA is committed to preserving and promoting India’s rich and vibrant artistic heritage in the fields of music, dance, theatre, film, literature and photography, as well as presenting new and innovative work by Indian and international artistes from a diverse range of genres including drama, contemporary dance, orchestral concerts, opera, jazz and chamber music. Today, the NCPA hosts more than 700 events each year, making it India’s largest and most holistic performing arts centre.
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