Dancing with the Gods

When I bought Sohini Roychowdhuri Dasgupta’s coffee table book DANCING WITH THE GODS, I was least aware that I was in for such a wonderful journey into the world of dance within the confines of its two covers. As we know, singing and dancing are nature’s gift enshrined in every human being whether she/he ever manifests it or not is another matter open to discuss why of it? Some manifest it profusely, abundantly and lavishly. Sohini is one such gifted performer, choreographer and teacher of Bharatanatyam. It is an amazing feeling to see that Sohini is an exponent of Dance, of the very soul of Dance, not just of Bharatanatyam. Her canvas is vast. It encompasses a vast vision and visual. When one looks at the mudras, bhavas, rasas coming so alive through the life size photo plates shared in this book of shots taken of Sohini in action, one is left spellbound. Such depth of expression is possible only when the dancer has become one with her dance – means when the dancer is no more, only the dance is. This truly makes one worthy of justifying the title such as DANCING WITH THE GODS. In the photo plates where Sohini is personifying all the rasas individually, one by one, each rasa feels transmitted live to the watcher’s own being. They are so alive one feels one could shake hands with them, one could chat with them, or one moves into the depths of one’s own interiority. It leaves you in that space it is meant to possess.There is enough history of dance shared in the book at appropriately designated spots. Credit goes to the beautiful layout and design. Again, history of dance doesn’t limit Sohini to countries or continents. In her vision, dance is as universal and ancient as the universe itself. In fact, is it not that from Shiva’s dance the universe manifests! Looked deeply enough, every star, every galaxy, every flower, every sunset or sunrise, every atom in the universe is in a dance. Dance is at the very core of the existence. And Sohini seems to have grasped that very well.One can easily notice what a profound and limitless panorama Sohini envisions for dance when she says about her dance: “My dance is the storm in my soul…now and forever.”Shiva seems to be Sohini’s guiding light and fav hero in the entire universe, and of course, why not? Shiva, the Nataraj, the very fountainhead of all dance.The most fundamental basics of dance originating from our ancient scriptures on dance are prominently described and displayed.As I got awestruck by this coffee table book, I started following some of Sohini’s online concerts, talk shows, her famous programs at the world’s prestigious venues from the past and recent, and so on. She is a teacher par excellence. She is futuristic without compromising the ancient, the treasures of the past. She manages to bring them together so seamlessly.Sohini has her dance schools in Madrid, Berlin, Kolkata and New York. Her troupe with some of her earlier students – very well represented in this book – is a living testimony to her achievement and her uniqueness in what she is doing.I can say with full conviction that DANCING WITH THE GODS will be a proud showcase of taste, beauty, aesthetics and dance in any Drawing Room anywhere.I can’t agree more with the observations of Hindustan Times and Times of India, two leading English dailies of India, about Sohini Roychowdhury Dasgupta when they mention her as: “a revolutionary in the world of music and dance”, and “remaking history in the footsteps of Uday Shankar” respectively.I would be failing myself if I don’t mention ROLLI BOOKS for their standard of high-quality printing, lay out and the presentation of the book, as well as the two editors who have accomplished a rare feat with their editorial skills.Yoga Pratap Bharati, Pune, India

Mostly self promoting eye candy.

"Dancing with the gods" is a great tribute to the heritage of classical dance forms of India. It gives an overview of the 8 classical dance forms of India in layman language, supported my breathtaking pictures to help you visualise how each performer of the respective dance form would look like. A special mention to the extremely picturesque depiction of the "Navarasa" , the nine emotions, that convey the emotions of each rasa with perfection. Also, diving into mythological references behind every dance form, this is a easy to read, perfect coffee table book which will transport you into a world of dance, mythology and overwhelming emotions.

I bought dancing with gods from a famous Literature fest I met sohini RoyChowdhury there and I got it signed from her for my grandma i liked her very much basically i fell in love with her in first meet she is super sweet and her book inspired my grandma to learn bharatnatyam again this book is full of visual narrative of bharatnatyam. If you are looking for eye catching coffee table look no further just buy it And if you are a bharatnatyam dancer then gift yourself with this magical book every single Penny worth spending.

This is a beautifully designed guide to the nuances of dance. Compiled by a leading practitioner of classical dance, Dancing with the Gods is a superlative attempt at finding a common lingo for dance forms from around the world. This is the first book ever written that looks at dance from a global perspective and uncovers the common principles that underlie its many expressions. A must read.

Easy read and the pictures are so beautiful. Takes us through history with such vivid visuals. So meaningful and completely a jewel for our coffee table book.

It was really a nice book in reading and have an amazing experience. I recommend anyone who's wants to know more about dance to read it.

treat for Bharatanatyam lovers. If you are a Bharatanatyam dancer you should definitely read it. it gives more knowledge to you

Highly recommend this incredibly beautiful book to all. The photographs are stunning. The storied touch one’s soul. A true treasure.Alexandra Sheldon

Un viaje por las danzas clásicas a través de la mirada de una maravillosa maestra en este arte.Muy recomendado!!! ❤️🔥