Shyam Dattani Wins Commission to Create new Dance Work

We are delighted to introduce you to local dance artist, Shyam Dattani, who has been awarded a major commission for the Richmond Arts & Ideas Festival. Shyam will develop the new and unique outdoor work, ‘Garbh’.  

Garbh is a South Asian outdoor dance work bringing an authentic Indian Village experience to Richmond in June. An ensemble of six dancers embodying Gujarati folk dance will lead this vibrant celebration. Orbiting a central clay garbhi (lantern), symbolising life within a womb, the ensemble will collectively engage in a ritual that celebrates Shakti, the divine feminine, drawing energy from Mother Earth. 

‘I am delighted to have received this commission to finally realise this work in its full potential. Being a Richmond-based artist, premiering Garbh on my home ground at Richmond Arts & Ideas festival feels really special, and I can’t wait for local audiences to experience this dream of mine. I’m so grateful to Without Walls for commissioning the research and development of this work, Pagrav Dance Company for their continued co-producing support, Urja Desai Thakore for her mentorship and Mira Salat, my co-choreographer for this work!’ – Shyam Dattani 

Shyam is a mover and maker whose practice is grounded by strong technique, training, and choreographic thinking within Kathak. He was the South Asian Dance category winner of BBC Young Dancer 2017, performing as a grand finalist at Sadler’s Wells. Since then, he has worked extensively with leading South Asian dance choreographers and companies in the UK & beyond.  

We are excited to see Garbh come to life at Richmond Arts and Ideas Festival and share this powerful outdoor dance work with Richmond residence and festival goers. This event is free and will take place on 14-15 June 2025.

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