<img style="float: left;" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/2015/sep/the-guide-logo.gif" alt="" width="150" height="36" />The Sam Ved Society for Performing Arts and Uma Dogra is back with the two-day Raindrops Festival that will showcase some of the most promising dance talents in India. "This festival was started in memory of my guru as a platform to introduce upcoming dancers. I have been dancing for 45 years," explains the veteran kathak exponent, Dogra.
<img title="Divya Ravi" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/2016/jul/Divya-Ravi.jpg" alt="Divya Ravi" /> Divya Ravi
Looking back at her fondest memories of dancing, she spoke about her mentor Dr. Daisaku Ikeda who invited her to perform in Japan in January 2008 for his organization, Min-On Concert Association. She recalls, "The best part was that the people appreciated it and responded favourably to this kind of foreign art form. It reveals the universality of art. In a lot of places around the world, going for these classical shows is known to be a fashion statement, which I don&rsquo;t appreciate. My mentor says that any form of art is a heart to heart dialogue. Keeping that in mind, Japan was an unforgettable experience." Curious, we asked about the choice of name for the festival: "Mumbai is known for it&rsquo;s rain, and our performances take place in July. It&rsquo;s the month of showers. So, I named it the Raindrops Festival."
<img title="Uma Dogra" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/2016/jul/uma-dogra.jpg" alt="Uma Dogra" /> Uma Dogra
Divya Ravi, a Bangalore based Bharatanatyam dancer will be performing at this festival. Since she was five, she developed a strong relationship and passion for this dance. Having performed in Mumbai on two occasions earlier &ndash; at the Nalanda Nitrayotsav and at the Brahma Varsha Yotsav apart from several other shows across India. Talking about her fascination for Classical dance, she explains, "I have always been a Bharatanatyam dancer, but I did venture into another Classical dance form, Kathakali for four years from 2009-2012. Every style of dance is beautiful but personally speaking, I prefer Bharatanatyam only because I can relate more to it."
Schedule July 16 &gt;&gt; Vrinda Chadha (Odissi) &gt;&gt;&nbsp;Divya Ravi (Bharatanatyam) &gt;&gt;&nbsp;Bhakti Deshpande (Kathak) July 17 &gt;&gt;&nbsp;Gururaju (Kuchipudi) &gt;&gt;&nbsp;Swati Sinha (Kathak) &gt;&gt;&nbsp;Anand Satchidanandan (Bharatanatyam)

The 26th edition of the Raindrops Festival of Indian Classical Dance will showcase India&rsquo;s finest talent

Classical dance takes centre stage

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The 26th edition of the Raindrops Festival of Indian Classical Dance will showcase India&rsquo;s finest talent

Classical dance takes centre stage

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Classical dance takes centre stage

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