Rivers Remember, an artistic collaboration and dance exploration between NI and India
10th September, 2026
Inspired by the rivers of Northern Ireland and India, Rivers Remember was created during a week-long international artistic exchange supported by Arts Ekta, the Prabha Khaitan Foundation, and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
Internationally acclaimed Odissi dancer and choreographer, Kavita Dwibedi, visited Northern Ireland to work with local contemporary dance artists Sarah Flavelle and Maeve McGreevy. Under the direction of Maiden Voyage Dance Company’s Nicola Curry, the artists spent time together exploring how movement carries memory across cultures, landscapes and generations. They created a performance of Rivers Remember, which draws together the expressive language of classical Odissi and contemporary dance to reflect on identity, belonging and the stories our bodies remember.
The international collaboration hosted a masterclass for dance practitioners, created solo dance pieces and a duet of Rivers Remember, which was premiered at The Lyric Theatre as part of the 20th annual Belfast Mela festival, accompanied by renowned local Harpist Ursula Burns.
Watch the video from a rehearsal of Rivers Remember
Siobhán Molloy, Arts Development Officer, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented: “It’s been wonderful to see two different dance styles come together as one, showing how art is a universal language. The Arts Council is supporting this project through our National Lottery funding as part of our wider international programme and strategy to ensure more people from all backgrounds can enjoy arts experiences.”
Nisha Tandon, Founder-Director, Arts Ekta, added: “This is our second year partnering with the PK Foundation and with the Arts Council supporting us. Cultural collaborations and storytelling like this are very important, so we can showcase our incredible dance, music, and arts community to audiences here, and deepen appreciation of our rich heritage in both Northern Ireland and India.”
Cathy Tongper, Overseas Affairs Officer of the Prabha Khaitan Foundation, which is based in India, said: “We’re delighted to have been a part of Rivers Remember. Collaborating with Arts Ekta and the Arts Council NI has allowed us to share our culture and art with new audiences and bring new experiences to our renowned dancer and choreographer Kavita Dwibedi.”