As part of the Artists-in-Residence (AiR) program at Arts Mission Oak Cliff, Rachana presents Between Worlds, a solo dance-theatre performance that bridges ancient Indian classical traditions with contemporary social inquiry.
March 13-14 | 7:30pm | $15
March 13 & 14 | 7:30pm | $15
Drawing from Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Karana, and Natyashastra-based movement practices, the piece combines dance, voice, music, and classical gesture to explore identity, transformation, embodiment, and social perception.
Rather than a linear story, Between Worlds unfolds as a series of emotional, philosophical, and physical states inspired by Indian mythological philosophy. Rooted in traditions over a millennium old yet firmly situated in the present, the performance invites audiences to witness the interplay of past and present, questioning how societies respond to difference and envisioning transformation as sacred rather than threatening.
More about Artist-in-Residence, Rachana Rao:
Rachana Rao is a distinguished Indian classical dancer celebrated for her seamless mastery of Bharatanatyam, the Karanas, and Kuchipudi. Her artistry is marked by expressive storytelling, rhythmic precision, and a graceful synthesis of tradition and modernity. Through her performances, Rachana transcends cultural and geographical boundaries—offering audiences a timeless experience rooted in classical heritage yet resonant with contemporary relevance.
Internationally, she has graced prominent stages, including her performance as an IndianRaga Fellow (2019) at the historic Howdy Modi event in Houston, Texas. Rachana’s commitment to artistic exchange extends beyond performance—she has conducted global workshops with Aalaap and Samarpan, fostering resilience and creativity within the dance community during the pandemic.
In 2025, she continues her artistic evolution as an Agora Cohort Artist for the Seeds Festival and as a featured artist in the AT&T Performing Arts Center’s Elevator Project, alongside appearances at Over the Bridges Arts – Burning Women Festival and the Texas Dance Improvisation Festival. With over 500 performances across India and the United States, Rachana’s work thrives at the intersection of intercultural collaboration, pedagogy, and performance.
Her contributions to the arts have earned her numerous honors, including the Yuva Prathibha Award and Yuva Prathibha Ratyotsava Award from the Government of Karnataka, the ICCR Dance Scholarship, and the Natya Mayuri Award from the Gadag Culture Department. A Graded Artist of Doordarshan (Hyderabad and Bangalore) and an Empaneled Artist with Sankalp, Delhi, Rachana continues to dedicate her practice to preserving, evolving, and sharing the rich legacy of Indian classical dance.