Prayers and poems... by Rekha Tandon

Rekha Tandon, a classical Odissi dancer performed a dance inspired by the rituals of Indian temple dancers at Villa Straeuli, Winterthur. [dated May 2008]

In commemoration of the 60 Years Jubilee celebration of the Indo - Swiss Friendship Treaty, artist-in-residence Rekha Tandon performed at Villa Straeuli on May 17, at 2030 hrs at the 'TanzOrtamGleis'. An Odissi dancer, choreographer and scholar, Dr Tandon's mission is to conserve, present and embody tradition, with a contemporary aesthetic. Her innovative productions are created from research of the classical, folk and tribal performing arts.

Venue: TanzOrtamGleis, Untere Vogelsangstrasse 2, 8400 Winterthur Partner Organisation: Villa Straeuli at Winterthur

Audience Feedback:

Franz Probst, President Swiss-Indian Chamber of Commerce; Senior Partner Probst Attorneys-at-law Rekha Tandon successfully merges traditional Odissi dance with new elements. The dance performance was outstanding and gave valuable insight into Odissi dancing. Combined with the visual projections, the evening offered a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with the efforts of Rekha to expand the possibilities and the reach of traditional Indian dancing.

Ana Tajouiti, president ‘tanzinwinterthur’
With extraordinary precision and an impressing stage presence, Rekha Tandon showed at the TanzOrtamGleis impressions of her dance works. She was able to mix in a very sensible way, elements of the western culture by video sequences, music and text with Indian dance art. Rekha was able to impress the audience by her courageous effort to bridge the gap between the two diverse cultures.

Evelyn Klöti, Dance Critic
Seeing Rekha Tandon dancing and hearing her speaking about her art (and her work) is of equal value. She has to tell a lot. Whether in a graceful movement of the hands, a glance, a stamp, a word - it is direct and precise. The evening "meet the artist" in Winterthur was a very inspiring meeting with classical Indian dance and mythology and with a great dancer and researcher.

Christian Huggenberg, Journalist
Rekha is an extraordinary dance performer. Never before have I seen such a performance on stage. She is a performer full of rhythm and power, elegance and spiritual wisdom. Her dance art expresses the spirit of Indian culture and history in a unique and wonderful new way.

Media coverage in Switzerland

Article by Evelyn Kloti (PDF) 16 May 2008 in Der Landbote, a Swiss Daily

Event Listing (PDF) 16 May 2008 in Der Landbote, a Swiss Daily