The Dance Centre presents the Global Dance Connections series
Gaurav Bhatti
Bulleh Shah: Seeker of Light
March 28-29, 2025
Scotiabank Dance Centre
Presented with New Works
The Dance Centre acknowledges that it is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. It is an honour and a privilege for us to be guests in their lands. We are grateful.
Bulleh Shah: Seeker of Light
Concept, Dance & Choreography: Gaurav Bhatti
Mentor: Aditi Mangaldas
Lighting Designer: Ryan Stafford
Set Designer: Manish Kansara
Costume Designer: Muhammad Alamgir
Music Composed and Arranged by: Rushil Ranjan & Max Guthrie
Dramaturg: Saattvic
Indian Classical Music Rendition: Sami Ullah Khan, Mohit Gangani and Saattvic
Musicians:
Sami Ullah Khan, Faraz Ahmed and Harman Singh (Vocal)
Mohit Gangani (Tabla) | Ashish Gangani (Pakhawaj) | Amir Ahmed (Saarangi)
Bhanu Sisodia (Dhaama) | Sunny Shishodiya (Padhant)
Rehearsal Director: Aamrapali Bhandari and Gaurav Shridhar
Production Manager / Technical Director: Christopher Flux
Management: New Works
Poetry: Baba Bulleh Shah
Residency support: Dance City (Newcastle, UK), The Dance Centre (Vancouver, Canada), Shed 9 & OddBird Theater (Delhi, India), Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company-The Drishtikon Dance Foundation (Delhi, India) and Aakash Odedra Company (Leicester, UK)
Public Funders: Canada Council for the Arts, BC Arts Council, City of Vancouver.
Production: Gaurav Bhatti Dance Company
Videography and Editor: Adarsh Prathap
Special Thanks to: Victoria Bell, Hannah Boothman, Out Innerspace Dance Theatre, and family and friends who helped make this production.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHIES
Muhammad Alamgir – L’MOMO (Costume Designer)
Muhammad Alamgir is creator of L’MOMO, a Canadian luxury fashion brand founded in 2013, dedicated to creating bold, sophisticated clothing that merges modern design with timeless elegance. Based in Toronto, L’MOMO is known for its striking use of color, sharp tailoring, and sleek silhouettes that celebrate both strength and individuality. Each piece is crafted with precision to make a lasting visual impact, whether on the street, the stage, or the runway. The brand was born out of a passion for audacious experimentation and high-quality craftsmanship. At its core, L’MOMO values originality, structure, and form—building garments that not only stand out, but also empower the wearer. Attention to detail is at the heart of every design, from the choice of fabric to the final stitch.
L’MOMO also believes that luxury should be responsible. The brand is committed to ethical sourcing and sustainable practices, ensuring that every collection meets the highest standards in both design and integrity. With each new collection, L’MOMO continues to challenge conventions and redefine what modern luxury can look like. The result is a body of work that feels bold, elevated, and unapologetically expressive – fashion that doesn’t just follow trends, but creates them.
Gaurav Bhatti (Choreographer, Performer)
Gaurav Bhatti is a Kathak dancer and choreographer who is redefining his traditional roots through a contemporary lens. Trained by esteemed gurus Saveeta Sharma, Lata Bakalkar, and Aditi Mangaldas, he has performed internationally with Aditi Mangaldas’ repertory in the UK, Germany, Russia, and Singapore. Gaurav has received recognition from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Dr. Sunil Kothari Award for Emerging Artists. With his innovative approach, Gaurav bridges cultural traditions and artistic expression, pushing the boundaries of traditional and contemporary dance. He remains committed to his roots in Kathak while exploring new ways to express himself through contemporary movement. Gaurav’s unique voice blends the nuances of Kathak with modern perspectives, creating a distinctive and captivating style.
Manish Kansara (Set Designer)
A distinguished artist and educator, Mr. Manish Kansara brings over 35 years of experience in sculpture, art education, and interdisciplinary design. As the Director of Rust Cube Foundation, he has led numerous creative initiatives that bridge art, education, and community engagement. Trained in sculpture at the Fine Arts Faculty, Baroda, and the College of Arts, New Delhi, he further honed his craft through a prestigious Research Fellowship by the Charles Wallace (India) Trust at Cardiff School of Art & Design, UK.
Beyond his extensive academic contributions, Mr. Kansara has made a significant impact in the realm of set design, blending his deep understanding of form, space, and aesthetics to create immersive stage environments. His artistic vision breathes life into performances, crafting evocative settings that enhance storytelling.
For today’s performance of Bulleh Shah, his set design provides a visual canvas that complements the poetry, philosophy, and mysticism of the Sufi saint. With his expertise, the stage transforms into a realm where the spirit of Bulleh Shah’s verses comes alive, creating an experience that is both visually and emotionally profound.
Aditi Mangaldas (Mentor)
Aditi Mangaldas is a leading dancer and choreographer in the classical Indian dance form of Kathak. With extensive training under her gurus, Shrimati Kumudini Lakhia and Pandit Birju Maharaj, Aditi is recognised for her artistry, technique, eloquence and characteristic energy. She has broken new ground by using her knowledge of Kathak as a springboard to evolve a contemporary dance vocabulary. Celebrated around the world for the startling richness and intricacy of her dance and choreography, Aditi has recently won the UK Theatre Awards 2024 in the category of ‘Achievement in Dance’ for MEHEK, a duet with Aakash Odedra.
Aditi was nominated by the National Dance Awards UK – Critics Circle in the categories of ‘outstanding performance (classical)’ in 2017 and ‘outstanding female modern performance’ in 2023 as well as for the Eastern Eye Arts, Culture, and Theatre Awards 2024 (ACTAs), UK for MEHEK, which was also ranked as ‘Top five dance shows of 2024’ by The Stage, UK. Aditi was awarded the Gujarat Sangeet Natak Academy award, India 2007 as well as the National Sangeet Natak Akademi award, India 2013, that due to compelling reasons, she declined. Aditi heads the Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company & the Drishtikon Dance Foundation. aditimangaldasdance.com
Rushil Ranjan (Composer)
Rushil Ranjan is a critically acclaimed and award-winning composer, arranger and producer. Singled out by luminaries including AR Rahman, his work in bridging classical art forms from around the world has earned him a reputation as one of the most distinctive and exciting musical voices today. He currently holds the position of Associate Artist at the Royal Albert Hall and Artistic Partner at Manchester Camerata. He is also a recipient of PRS Foundation’s Composer’s Fund. A composer across mediums, he has written for concert, award-winning dance productions and BAFTA-nominated TV and Film projects.
Rushil rose to prominence as the progenitor and composer of the Orchestral Qawwali Project. Drawing unanimous international acclaim, Rushil went on to direct and produce a series of sold-out shows for the Project, selling out the venues around the world including most recently the 5500 capacity Royal Albert Hall. Often writing for dance, Rushil most recently scored Aakash Odedra’s Songs of the Bulbul. Premiering at Edinburgh International Festival, critics singled out the score for its bold and cinematic blend of western and Indian classical traditions. The production went on to win the coveted “Best International Show” festival award. As a composer for film and TV, Rushil has already built up an impressive list of credits and accolades having scored award winning films for Netflix, ITV, Film 4 and the BFI.
Max Guthrie (Composer)
Max Guthrie is a highly skilled composer, orchestrator and arranger, renowned for his innovative contributions to the world of dance, film and television music. Since graduating from Leeds Conservatoire in 2022, Max’s unique ability to craft intricate musical landscapes has made him a sought-after collaborator, particularly in his ongoing assistance to esteemed composer Rushil Ranjan. Recently, Max undertook a commissioned project at the acclaimed Royal College of Music, composing and arranging the musical landscape for an evening’s celebration of Sufi music. His bespoke work can be heard across Film, TV, dance and popular music.
Max’s unique creative process has allowed him to explore new musical territories, blending traditional orchestral techniques with a vast range of contemporary elements, resulting in fresh and distinctive soundtracks.
Saattvic (Dramaturg)
Saattvic blends diverse experiences as an actor, playwright, director, producer, composer and Indian classical musician. As an actor, he has featured in stage plays, TV commercials, an Indian soap opera and a Bollywood movie. He has written, produced and directed several plays in India. He is an accomplished tabla (Indian classical and folk drums) player, having given concerts in India, the UK and Canada. He is particularly passionate about bringing Indian performing traditions and historical texts to contemporary Indian and Western audiences. He has long collaborated with Gaurav as a producer, music composer, musician and dramaturg. Saattvic also served for several years on the board of DanceHouse Vancouver, and is currently in the final stages of a PhD in Business Economics at UBC.
Ryan Stafford (Lighting Designer)
Ryan is an award-winning Lighting Designer working throughout the UK and internationally across theatre, dance and opera. In 2024 he won the Off West End Award for Best Lighting for BACON (Finborough/ UK Tour/ SoHo Playhouse, NYC). In 2019, Ryan received the Michael Northern Award for Excellence in Lighting Design from the Association of Lighting Designers.
Credits include: More Life (Royal Court Upstairs), Kontakthof/ Echo’s of 78 (Sadlers Wells/ Tanztheater Wuppertal), Natalia Osipova: The Exhibition (Royal Ballet/ Linbury Theatre/ Jo Strøgren), HIR (Park Theatre), TRAPLORD (Ivan Michael Blackstock/ Southbank), Rope (Theatre Clwyd), Swim, Aunty, Swim! (Belgrade Theatre), OLION (Frân Wen), Force of Nature, Two Left Feet (Natalia Osipova/ Bloom Dance Project/ World Tour), Cinderella and Red Riding Hood (Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse), Left from Write (Norwegian National Ballet/ROH/ European Tour); VORTEX (Russell Maliphant); Breeding (King’s Head Theatre), Wind of Heaven (Finborough), CODI (National Dance Company Wales), Young Associates: Mixed Bill (Sadler’s Wells), Isla (Theatr Clwyd & Royal Court), Greater than Lion (Kennedy Muntanga Dance Theatre, Messums); Generation Goldfish (Bayerisches Staatsballett, Munich); NYDC X Russell Maliphant, Together, Not the Same (Sadler’s Wells), Easy Virtue, Robin Hood (Watermill) and The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives (Elufowoju, Jr. Ensemble, Arcola Theatre).
CLASSICAL MUSIC TEAM
Sami Ullah Khan (Singer/Composer)
Sami Ullah Khan is a talented singer and composer from New Delhi, India. With a deep understanding of Indian classical music, Sami has made a name for himself in the world of Kathak dance. Sami’s musical journey is closely tied to the prestigious Kathak Kendra, where he has worked extensively. He has also had the privilege of collaborating with the renowned Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company. One of Sami’s most notable associations is with the esteemed Kathak exponent, Pt. Rajendra Gangani. He regularly performs with Pt. Gangani, creating mesmerizing musical experiences that showcase the beauty of Kathak dance.
Sami Ullah Khan’s compositions are highly regarded for their ability to elevate the art of Kathak dance. His music is a perfect blend of traditional elements, making him a sought-after composer in the world of Indian classical dance.
Ashish Gangani (Pakhawaj)
Ashish Gangani hails from a family of traditional kathak exponents and eminent percussionists of the Jaipur Gharana. He began training in the intricate art of Pakhawaj playing, at a tender age of 12 under the tutelage of his father Shri Ravi Kumar Gangani, followed by his training in the skillful guidance of the famous Tabla /Pakhawaj percussionist Pt. Fateh Singh Gangani ji. He later joined the National institute of Kathak Dance, Kathak Kendra and acquired the finest nuances in able guidance of the eminent pakahawaj maestro Pt. Ravi Shankar Upadhaya. He was recipient of the esteemed scholarship from Kathak Kendra. He has performed extensively both as an established soloist and a fine accompanist.
Currently he is working in the Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company – The Dhrishtikon Dance Foundation repertory as a Pakhawaj Player. Ashish has taken part in many major festivals throughout the country and abroad and with his engaging stage presence has earned acclamations for his Layadaari (command over tempo) and Taaldari (expertise in different talas).
Mohit Gangani (Tabla/Composer)
Mohit Gangani is a highly accomplished tabla player and musician from the esteemed Jaipur gharana. Born into a family of musicians, Mohit’s innate passion for music was nurtured from a young age. He began his musical journey learning the tabla at the age of four, under the guidance of his uncle, and later trained with the illustrious Pt. Fateh Singh Gangani and Pt. Rajendra Gangani.
As a seasoned musician, Mohit has had the privilege of working extensively with the renowned Kathak exponent, Aditi Mangaldas, and is an integral part of her Drishtikon repertory. His collaborations with Aditi have resulted in numerous productions, including “Within” and “Timeless.”
Mohit’s contributions to the world of music have been significant, and his expertise as a tabla player has been highly valued by his peers. He has performed in various concerts and events, showcasing his talent as a solo artist. Additionally, Mohit has also ventured into film projects, including Echoes & I imagine (2015). With his rich musical heritage and rigorous training, Mohit Gangani continues to make a name for himself as a talented and versatile musician.
Faraz Ahmed (Singer)
Faraz Ahmed started singing since a very tender age of 7 years and gave his first international performance at the age of 8 years in France. He started learning Hindustani Vocals under the tutelage of Lt. Ustad Siddique Ahmed Khan Sahab and later on went to learn from Ustad Ghulam Sabir Khan Sahab. He belongs to the famous Moradabad Gharana vocal music. In 2010, Faraz joined the famous Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company – The Drishtikon Dance Foundation and has been working there as a vocalist to date.
With Smt. Aditi Mangaldas, Faraz has travelled nationally and internationally performing in some of the most esteemed festivals in the world. Some of them include the Alchemy Festival, London | Darbar Festival, London | Dance Umbrella Festival, London | Ozasia Festival, Australia | Perth International Arts Festival, Australia | Bangkok International Festival of Dance and Music, Bangkok | Abu Dhabi Classics, UAE etc. With Smt. Aditi Mangaldas, Faraz has also performed at the Rashtrapati Bhawan Auditorium, New Delhi for the then Hon’ble President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee and his delegates.
Sardar Harmandeep Singh Rajwal (Singer)
Harman, known professionally as Harmandeep Singh, is a rising star in the Punjabi music scene. Born into a musical family in Jalandhar, Punjab, Harmandeep began singing and playing instruments at the age of 7. He formally trained in classical vocal music under Professor Maninder Pal Singh ji and in tabla under Ustaad Ramakant ji.
Harmandeep holds a Master’s degree in Vocal Music and has achieved milestones such as Sangeet Visharad in vocal and tabla playing. He has performed at numerous prestigious events, including Bawara Sangeet Samelan and Shri Baba Hari Vallabh Sangeet Samelan. With his unique voice blending traditional folk with modern nuances, Harmandeep has captivated audiences and garnered numerous awards. His music explores themes of love, life, and social issues, resonating with listeners of all ages.
Amir Khan (Sarangi)
Amir Khan is a renowned Sarangi player from the esteemed Moradabad Gharana, a legendary family of musicians. As a seventh-generation descendant, Amir was born with music in his veins. He learned the art of playing Sarangi from his illustrious family members, including his grandfather Ustad Siddique Ahmed Khan Sahib, uncle Ustad Ghulam Sabir Khan, and father Ustad Kamal Ahmed Khan.
A graded artist of All India Radio and Doordarshan, Amir has performed extensively across India and abroad, including in the US, London, Australia, Russia, and Amsterdam. He has shared the stage with prominent artists such as Smt. Rita Ganguly, Abida Perveen, Pt. Rajendra Gangani, and Aditi Mangaldas. With his mastery of the Sarangi, Amir continues to enchant audiences worldwide with his soulful and mesmerizing performances.
Bhanu Sisodia (Dhama)
Bhanu Sisodia is a skilled percussionist from the esteemed Jaipur Gharana, hailing from a family of traditional musicians. He began his musical journey at the tender age of 10, training under the guidance of his father, Shri Chander Pal Sisodia, and later under the renowned percussionist Waheed Ali Khan. Bhanu further honed his craft at Delhi University, where he was mentored by the eminent tabla maestro, Ustad Farukh Ali. His exceptional talent earned him a prestigious scholarship from the Sahitya Kala Parishad, Delhi.
As a performer, Bhanu Sisodia is known for his engaging stage presence, remarkable command over tempo (Layadaari), and expertise in various talas (Taaldari). With his impressive skills and dedication to his craft, Bhanu has garnered acclaim and respect in the music fraternity.
Sunny Shishodiya (Padhant)
Sunny Shishodiya began training in Kathak at a tender age under the tutelage of his grandfather, Lt. Ghanshyam Shishodiya followed by rigorous training in the guidance of legendary Pt. Birju Maharaj.
Sunny has worked as a senior dancer in the Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company – Drishtikon Dance Foundation. As an integral part of Drishtikon, Sunny has had the opportunity of performing at the leading international festivals such as the Dance Umbrella Festival (London), Perth International Arts Festival (Australia), Abu Dhabi Classic Series and many other prestigious festivals round the world. His Solo at the Vande Maataram Festival in Kathak Kendra and his performance in the recent production MAHARAAS has been highly acclaimed. He is currently working as a Repertory Member at the National Institute of Kathak Dance, Kathak Kendra, New Delhi. For Sunny, Kathak is an ongoing journey. He is a promising torch bearer of the Lucknow gharana.
Aamrapli Bhandhari (Rehearsal Director)
Aamrapali is a distinguished dancer, choreographer, teacher, and creator with an expansive career that spans performances in 26 countries. A devoted disciple of Guru Rajendra Gangani since the age of seven, she was a merit student of Kathak Kendra, New Delhi. She has graced major dance festivals, both as a soloist and in ensemble, collaborating with eminent artists and renowned choreographers across India and abroad. She is the recipient of prestigious scholarships in dance from the CCRT and Sahitya Kala Parishad.
Her training under the illustrious Ms. Aditi Mangaldas and her tenure as a repertory dancer with Drishtikon from 2015 to 2018 have further enriched her artistic journey. In 2019, she was selected for the Classical Intensive by the Akram Khan Company in London, a testament to her exceptional talent.
Aamrapali also dedicated six years to nurturing the next generation of Kathak dancers at SIFAS in Singapore. Her choreographic works include acclaimed dance productions such as Radha, Reflections, Jatayu, Shakti, and Enamoured. Driven by a passion to explore the depths of storytelling through Kathak, Aamrapali aspires to give this classical art form a new and transformative face, expressing her creative visions with grace and innovation.
Gaurav Shridhar (Rehearsal Director)
Gaurav Shridhar is a distinguished Kathak dancer and exponent of the Jaipur Gharana. Born into a family of dancers, Gaurav’s passion for dance was evident from a young age. He began his training under the guidance of his grandfather, Pt. Baijnath Shridhar. Gaurav further honed his skills at the National Institute of Kathak Dance (Kathak Kendra), where he received professional training from esteemed gurus Pt. Abhimanyu Lal ji and Pt. Rajendra Kumar Gangani ji. He holds a Senior Post Diploma from the institute.
Gaurav’s dedication to preserving and propagating the art of Kathak has earned him numerous accolades, including the Rashtriya Gaurav Samman. He is also a CCRT scholarship holder and a Doordarshan graded artist. Gaurav is currently pursuing his master’s in Performing Arts at the Prayag Sangit Samiti. Through his performances, Gaurav continues to enchant audiences with the beauty and elegance of Kathak dance.
THE DANCE CENTRE
Established in 1986 as a resource centre for dance in British Columbia, The Dance Centre is a multifaceted organization offering a range of activities which is unparalleled in Canadian dance.
It presents performances and events, building audiences and nurturing public awareness; invests in programs, resources and support for hundreds of dance professionals working in all genres; operates Scotiabank Dance Centre, a cultural hub and one of Canada’s flagship dance facilities which welcomes tens of thousands of visitors annually; and works to promote BC dance.
Through programs, outreach and education, The Dance Centre is committed to sustaining a strong and vibrant community through dance.
Staff
Executive Director Mirna Zagar; Associate Programming Director Raquel Alvaro; Associate Producer Linda Blankstein; Membership Coordinator Kaia Shukin; Director of Marketing Heather Bray; Outreach Coordinator Yurie Kaneko; Digital Marketing Coordinator Lindsay Curtis; Development Manager Catherine Butler; Venue and Services Manager Christopher David Gauthier; Technical Director (Interim) Jeremiah Hughes; Comptroller Elyn Dobbs; Dance Central Editor Shanny Rann
Board of Directors
Yvonne Chartrand, Mique’l Dangeli, Mirjana Galovich, Linda Gordon (Chair), Selim Hasan, Anndraya Luui, Sujit Vaidya, Wen Wei Wang, Mark Weston
Scotiabank Dance Centre/The Dance Centre is an IATSE 118 Union house.
THANK YOU
The Dance Centre is grateful for the generous support of The Choreographer’s Circle, Anndraya Luui and the BC Arts Renaissance Fund.
The Corporate Leader’s Circle
The Holiday Inn and Suites Vancouver Downtown – Angela van den Byllaardt, Sales Manager;
Jarislowsky, Fraser Limited – Beau Howes
The Choreographer’s Circle
Impresario: Charles and Eve Chang Foundation, Anndraya Luui
Choreographer: Anonymous x2, Marnie Carter, Moh Faris, Tony Giacinti (in memory of Lola MacLaughlin), Stephen Jarislowsky, Yosef Wosk OBC
Artistic Director: Linda Blankstein, Beau Howes and Genieve Burley, David Matte, Jackson McKiee
Principal Dancer: Anonymous, Ken Alexander, David Cousins, James Felter, Mike and Kathy Gallagher, Judith Garay, Ken Gracie and Philip Waddell, McGrane – Pearson Endowment Fund, Jean Orr, Patrick Shea, Don and Jane Shumka, Janet and Ron Stern
Dance Artist: Anonymous, Santa Aloi, Rosario Ancer, Noel Best and Barbara Shuman, Matthew Breech and Shino Watanabe, Richard Cavell and Peter Dickinson, Amanda Collinge, Jason Dubois and Clayton Baraniuk, Linda Johnston, Kemo Schedlosky and Mark Gatha, Annelie and Dan Vistica, Wen Wei Wang, Jason Wrobleski, Max Wyman and Susan Mertens, Mirna Zagar
The Artist’s Circle
Sylvia Anderson, Carol Carr, Beth Carter, Kirk Chantraine, Yvonne Chartrand, Nicola Follows, Lorna Froidevaux, Linda Gordon, Dubravko Pajalic, Dr. Mary Robertson, Anthony Roper
The operations of The Dance Centre are supported by the Government of Canada, Canada Council for the Arts, the Government of British Columbia, the BC Arts Council, and the City of Vancouver.
Media sponsors: Stir, The Georgia Straight
The VDC Dance Centre Society is a registered charity no. BN 11925 8754 RR0001