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Crossroads
A Kathak, Flamenco & Lavani Project
Performers
Two dynamic genres of dance and music, two artistes—Kathak exponent Aditi Bhagwat and Flamenco artist Bettina Castaño—come together in Crossroads: A Kathak, Flamenco & Lavani Project. This unique collaboration explores the deep-rooted connections between these dance forms, uncovering the striking parallels in their intricate footwork, rhythmic patterns, percussive hand clapping, and expressive storytelling.
The origins of Flamenco trace back to the nomadic gypsies of Rajasthan, while one of the three major schools of Kathak—the Jaipur Gharana, to which Aditi belongs—shares a similar heritage. How is it that dance forms developed across distant lands can bear such an innately striking resemblance? This question has long intrigued both Aditi and Bettina, fueling their artistic dialogue.
Expanding their exploration, the duo brings Lavani into the conversation, capturing the raw energy and gypsy spirit of both Flamenco and this vibrant folk tradition of Maharashtra.
Their collaboration has been featured at prestigious platforms, including the Art of India festival (Times of India), SHE Awards (The Telegraph, Kolkata), Women of the Week festival (Kerala Arts and Crafts Village), NCPA Tata Theatre, Prithvi Theatre, Royal Opera House, and the Indian Fine Arts Society (Bahrain). A short excerpt of their performance has garnered over 1.4 million views on Instagram, reflecting its widespread resonance.
Joining Aditi and Bettina are Shruti Bhave on Violin & Vocals, Emmanuel Simon on Percussion, Swapnil Bhise on Tabla and Chetan Kinhekar on Flamenco Guitar.
Supported by:
Performers
Bettina Castaño
Bettina Castaño is a flamenco exponent of great repute. She also specialises in Cajon and the castanets. Bettina has collaborated with Indian music while working with Chenda artists from Kerala like Padma Shri Mattanoor Shankarankutty and percussionist Sivamani. She collaborated with Aditi on a Flamenco Jazz Kathak project “Crossroads” supported by the consulate of Spain in Mumbai and at NCPA in Feb 2020. Bettina’s understanding of Indian rhythms along with a mastery in the art form flamenco and western classical music makes her a great collaborator to work with.
Aditi Bhagwat
Aditi Bhagwat is an internationally acclaimed Kathak and Lavani exponent from Mumbai, India. A seasoned performer, she has showcased her artistry at prestigious dance and music festivals worldwide. In addition to being a dedicated performer, Aditi is a passionate dance educator, training students in both Indian classical and folk traditions.
Her artistic journey spans multiple disciplines, including Flamenco, Jazz, Folk, and World Music, enriching her creative expression through cross-cultural collaborations. She was awarded the prestigious OneBeat Fellowship by the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, where she worked with musicians from diverse backgrounds. With a strong foundation in Kathak, Aditi continues to push creative boundaries, seamlessly blending rhythm and movement in her collaborations with Flamenco and Lavani.
Beyond the stage, Aditi has also appeared in Indian films and television as both an actor and dancer. However, live performance remains her greatest passion. She credits her mother and her gurus for nurturing her talent and shaping her artistic journey.
