Current Productions
Kattam Katti
Inspired by Uttarayan (Kite Flying festival)
Aunusthan
A collection of classical Kathak pieces
Deva
An outdoor piece challenging subconscious biases towards brown skin.
Company Productions
In Pipeline
Other Productions
Company Productions
Rangmala
Rangmālā paintings illustrate a confluence of art, poetry and classical music from medieval India. In this work, Urja embodies the characteristic personification of these melodic modes though the portrayal of four distinct nayika. The music composition reflects a journey of maturity with an easing of tempo.
Continuum
Continuum is a triptych of kathak and odissi drawing on Jaydeva’s Geetgovinda to represent a journey of duality to oneness. Beginning with a bandish, which portrays sakhi in play and the angst Radha experiences in Krishna’s absence. An asthapadi comprises the second part, where Krishna pleads with an embittered Radha to accept his love.
Kabir and I
A short dance-theatre work where the protagonist finds solace in Kabir’s poetry while confronting the loss of a family matriarch. The narrative follows their questioning the significance of life’s pursuits, the purpose of celebration and mourning, and the existence of God. Originally commissioned by Akademi for UTKARSH 2015, an initiative to support the creation of new Indian classical choreography.
Mahapran
Based on Javerchand Meghani’s Gujarati translation of Rabindranath Tagore’s Bengali poem Bojre Tomar Bajey Banshi, this thought-provoking piece contemplates life and death as two definitive yet intrinsically connected realms. Originally commissioned by Kadam for the Between the lines – Rethinking Tagore for 21st Century festival 2014.
Detox
“When I let go of myself, I become what I might be” – Lao Tzo Inspired by this quote, Urja looks into physical, mental and spiritual cleansing. This ensemble work however goes deeper and beyond the more typical challenges and cycles of addiction and purification. Originally commissioned by Akademi for CHOEROGATA 2013, an initiative to support the creation of new contemporary South Asian dance choreography.
The Unbearable
Intolerance of Being
In this ensemble piece, Urja probes society’s decline in tolerance and the disconcerting consequences. Originally commissioned by Dance West for Ignition Dance Festival 2017. 
Poised
A site-specific piece portraying resolutions reached when tensions arise between individuals in testing circumstances. Originally commissioned by Milton Keynes Arts Festival 2014.
Utsav
Radiating flair and charm, Utsav is a series of stunning bandish weaving in and out of nritta and nritya over teental and ektaal. Originally commissioned by Shapoorji Pallonji & Co for the company’s 150th anniversary celebrations in Delhi, India.
I, within
A bold duet moving kathak vocabulary away from its conventional context. Through paradoxical reflection, two performers present as one, demonstrating the multidimensional nature of our identities. Avoiding the well-trodden path of traditional storytelling, the work explores the roles women play in modern society using abstract movement and naturalistic facial expressions.
Anant
A complex solo work presented in the classical canon exploring the rhythmic patterns of kathak in relation to the endless, cyclical nature of taal. Originally created for the UK Gharana Festival 2010 inspired by Urja’s ongoing artistic journey as a performer and choreographer.
Flux
Representing a constant shift, Flux encompasses the ever-changing nature of situations, associations and relationships. Originally commissioned for Fuse Medway Festival 2010.
Hats
Hats is an emotive solo portraying the journey of a woman traversing an array of roles and relationships to seek a sense of inner understanding and balance.
Baharan
A conceptual ensemble work accompanied by live music and poetry portraying a longing for change, renewal and light that manifests with the coming of spring.
Kathak through the ages
A staging of youth dance cultivated in community settings showing a fresh approach to Indian classical dance.In Pipeline
Rooh: Within Her
Rooh: Within Her drawing from three narratives highlighting the bravery of women, Urja weaves together the intergenerational lived experiences of her grandmother and mother with her own in this emotional retelling.Other Productions
Radha Raman
This piece celebrates the timeless relationship of Radha and Krishna. Blossoming over four parts, the audience is taken through phases of their nuanced love. This piece is very close to Urja’s heart as it was originally choreographed by her guru Kumudini Lakhia as a blessing for her move to the UK.Special
Commission
Commission
Breaking Ground
Breaking Ground is based on Sonia Chandaria’s migration story – tracing her grandmother’s move from her motherland Gujarat, India, to the fertile lands of Kenya in the 1940s, culminating with Sonia’s own journey to the UK decades later.Special
Commission
Commission
Uday
Literally meaning rising sun, Uday marks an ascent to new beginnings, work and challenges in this remarkable debut solo by Shyam Dattani.Special
Commission
Commission
Udaan
This powerful piece set on taal dhamar features virtuosic hallmarks of nritta such as chakkar, uthaan and paran in a demonstration of speed and control. Performed by Grand Finalist Shyam Dattani as part of BBC Young Dancer 2017.Special
Commission
Commission
Yamal
Inspired by her renowned choreography, Urja dedicates this duet to her guru, Kumudini Lakhia, exploring dynamics between two individuals. Performed by Grand Finalist Shyam Dattani and partner Ishira Shah as part of BBC Young Dancer 2017.Special
Commission
Commission
Mughal-E-Azam
A special commission produced by Akademi as a tribute to K. Asif’s 1960 Bollywood classic Mughal-e-Azam.Special
Commission
Commission
Lamha
Expressing feelings of confinement, Lamha looks into confronting life’s obstacles. Performed by Grand Finalist Vidya Patel as part of BBC Young Dancer 2015.Curated
Event
Event
MK Fringe Festival ’12
Originally created in collaboration with Theatre Tol, the Belgian performing arts company known for its stylised street theatre, Bells brings together international kathak artists with spell-binding flying aerialists. Audience members are invited to join a dramatic wedding procession under the gaze of aerial fairies, building up to a celebratory kathak finale.Special
Commission
Commission
Bells
Originally created in collaboration with Theatre Tol, the Belgian performing arts company known for its stylised street theatre, Bells brings together international kathak artists with spell-binding flying aerialists. Audience members are invited to join a dramatic wedding procession under the gaze of aerial fairies, building up to a celebratory kathak finale.Curated
Event
Event
The Red Dress Project
As part of our 2017-18 residency at MK Gallery, Pagrav was delighted to present artist-choreographer Manuela Benini’s The Red Dress Project, an evolving performance-photography project portraying powerful provocations on gender, place and identity addressing human rights issues and our impact on the environment.Curated
Event
Event
Gulmohor
A showcase of dance from an array of disciplines presented by Jacksons Lane in partnership with Pagrav Dance Company.Curated
Event
Event
