HIMADRI MADAN
Performer, choreographer, dancer
Himadri Madan is a performer, choreographer, and dance teacher trained in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Bollywood. She holds a BA (Hons) in Choreography from Bangalore University, India, and an MFA in Choreography from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, London. Her choreographic practice focuses on creating socially and politically engaged work through the vocabulary of Indian classical dance, exploring contemporary approaches to these traditional forms.
She is a core team member of Theiya Arts, and her recent works include The Ticking Clock (Edinburgh Fringe 2022, Edinburgh Multicultural Festival 2022), Maiden | Mother | Whore (supported by Creative Scotland and the Centre of biomedicine, self and society, University of Edinburgh, presented at Assembly Roxy, Civic House and Being Human Festival in 2024) , and the ongoing development of The Gaze – you, me, us and them (supported by The National Lottery).
“Art can be a powerful conversation starter. By creating this installation, I hope to encourage reflection and discussion around these topics that affect us all in our day-to-day lives."
In The Gaze, I explore how as an Indian woman and classical dancer, I collide and collude with the structures of patriarchy, expectations of physical perfection, and the idea of modesty and shame.
“The Gaze includes an interactive installation, which creates a participatory space allowing the audience to reflect on their own experiences of navigating, resisting, and conforming to power structures of internalised shame.
Performance Dates
The Gaze, you me us and them
22nd November 2025
The Tramway Glasgow
25 Albert Dr, Glasgow G41 2PE
28th February 2026
The Studio, Capital Theatre, Edinburgh
22 Potterrow, Edinburgh EH8 9BL
The Gaze – you, me, us, and them is a fly-on-the-wall immersive multi-media experience. Step into the shoes of Himadri Madan to gain an insight into females‘ experiences under modern day scrutiny (or society’s ever-present, critical gaze.). Combining exhibition and film with live performance, this is an intimate, thoughtful and visually stunning work.
Creator Himadri Madan is joined by musician Ankna Arokiam for the live performance element of the show.
The stand-alone installation gives insights into Himadri’s lived experience as a dancer, and her relationship with her body under society’s scrutiny. She also takes inspiration from Draupadi by Mahasweta Devi, a fictional narrative that addresses violence against female bodies and examines how internalised shame is weaponised against women.
With thanks to our Sponsors
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Before Moving to the UK
Performer & Chreographer
Before relocating to the UK, Himadri Madan worked in India as a performer and choreographer with organisations including Anandi Arts Foundation, Cornucopia Creations LVDS, Natya STEM Dance Kampni, ISKCON, and others.
She was committed to creating opportunities for dancers and collaborated with non-profit organisations to organise events such as the first Dance World Cup India Qualifiers in Bangalore with ISPTD, and Asmi, a music and dance festival by Anandi Arts Foundation that offered a platform for children who faced financial barriers.
Himadri also worked with people in local communities in Delhi and Bangalore, bringing dance to everyone during community celebrations.
![From @theiyaarts ‘s performance yesterday at @stceciliashall. And coincidentally it was also Janamashtmi 😁😁
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Vocals : Anuradha Kuber
Musical composition (in addition to the traditional compostion ) : Ajay Paraad
Music Layout : @shambhavi_dandekar
Choreography and performance - Himadri and Nandini😊
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[kathak, baithak, performance, choreography, ashtapadi, Kathak dancers, south Asian dance in UK, Edinburgh dance]](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.71878-15/534803382_1268685634941022_1528379750155970236_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=vdsOG78pAREQ7kNvwFuLy6h&_nc_oc=AdncIJtnl1bgICFNRgXp-YPl3Cb7eQGY_OWydGejtlFw9AN85FcrAnLErrW4ckmHaWs&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=8L0YQqxLpST11UGIuE8BPg&oh=00_Afhdys9o-NwxyS4yf_Jt6qtPLvyjnKlWgGjFuyeXlpUoCA&oe=6925FC3B)
![I think ‘The Gaze’ is a culmination of every idea I’ve held close growing up as an artist. Every song I love seems to match in feels. Outfits from Bollywood that have stayed with me—Asoka, Ramta Jogi—somehow seem to work in this production.
And dancing with a veil, my absolute favourite, feels like it was always meant for this.
I love that I’m deep in a bit of a hyper-fixation zone: rewatching all the films we made for The Gaze with @outdoors_egirl, re-reading Draupadi by Mahasweta Devi (a key text behind the production), writing and re-writing the script, distilling through a constant surge of ideas. Planning the costume. Reimagining the set.
Can’t wait to be at Tramway for our development week and actually play with all of this.
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[The Gaze, performance art, contemporary dance, Tramway Glasgow, experimental theatre, South Asian art, Bollywood inspiration, Asoka, Ramta Jogi, veil dance, feminist performance, Mahasweta Devi, Draupadi, movement research, interdisciplinary art, costume design, set design, artist process, rehearsal diary, creative development, live art, visual storytelling, dance and theatre, emerging artist, South Asian diaspora, femme gaze, collaborative art, artist residency]](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.71878-15/520527213_1260406889053057_3452801378220312875_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=fVe-yXyhzvYQ7kNvwGUFUlB&_nc_oc=AdnY1b4XgPe5x4VKvsUlDI1sN4ebSVPdvj2j2XSYO9qRYHZG46Vwb1PQ_7OgUGjtCkk&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=8L0YQqxLpST11UGIuE8BPg&oh=00_Afj8MLVDTZQwc1xBJ1cyd7P2AuKtytH5rnRCAuEepNESvg&oe=69260454)
![After an afternoon of chatting, food and dance!!
We were so enamoured by @tithiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii ‘s choreography on this song, we had to learn it !! And how beautiful is this cover of the song by @aditi_chakraborty_official
Shot with a lot of effort by @gab_albornoz
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[dance, dance cover, song cover, dancing with friends, trending on instagram, trends]](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.75761-15/491418802_18063025961060314_6581063124730702949_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=w0pEbTg8YAUQ7kNvwGCWnzu&_nc_oc=AdlgUw-IZltUPN49rlGKzB2xVn6CZiWLRsEyaaaqwHD6R1TeN4reRYqgtz0RsOPNNzs&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=8L0YQqxLpST11UGIuE8BPg&oh=00_AfjLsMHGfUYh4zQyR2jhA7dJ7CqjRkOVj9o5opT-HqSwaw&oe=6925E5FE)
![I had the most amazing opportunity of being one of the 8 dancers selected for South Asian Dance Development programme by @sadlers_wells and @akademidance from September 2023. And this was one of my most favourite moments of the programme, while attending the talk of @clemencedebaig_art .
Last week we had the last weekend intensive and I have been reflecting on how much I learnt throughout this programme.
Although there are still some things left before it completely finishes I will definitely miss being in the same space with @chanjaneonlifetour @divija_melally , @maryam_._shakiba , @odissielena , @mathangikeshavan , @kaajeljayantilalpatel and @_aishanighosh .
I will miss how beautifully @orrow_bell and @subatomicbabaloos held the space for us while we had multiple thought provoking conversations in that room.
I really hope this is not a goodbye but just a pause until we see each other again in other spaces ♥️♥️.
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[dance life, dance and tech, Sadler’s Wells, professional development, Dance in UK, dance in London, Dancing, performance]](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.75761-15/472690661_18058982003060314_1223214748464075108_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=0WpQ-Z1R6r0Q7kNvwHVbrUy&_nc_oc=Adk_8jfIhbExBTDKeRsNbyOiwyFIzRSDhOCdistJHJeTWwChHWyOufKcm07I7eh2nRk&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=8L0YQqxLpST11UGIuE8BPg&oh=00_AfgQUzvWAXF1puK6Y_KpPGc8G2n3MHvwUYX_dFTqxSETDQ&oe=69260032)
![When you find an empty amphitheater while waiting for a restaurant.
This was not planned, or choreographed. Did not even dance to this music.
But what a lovely place it was #nationalhandicraftmuseum
Video: @madansnehlata
[dance, outdoor dancing, Kathak, handicraft museum, stage, improvisation, improv, movement, spontaneous]](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.75761-15/475493672_18055945970060314_8731616815408609106_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=LQQDlAhf-ZMQ7kNvwGV60iQ&_nc_oc=Admjt-28N4ZjuSnTsSef8gRJeTXPB9EoTtyptNMQovnyWT2oumbzXU19EaTSsdY8N-4&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=8L0YQqxLpST11UGIuE8BPg&oh=00_Afg4vQyBPwbVO-tlNFfhl1cCoOWdAuMYcHL2pyLIplZ_SQ&oe=69260661)
![I am no Belly Dance/Raqs Sharqi practicioner, this is probably not even Raqs Sharqi/Belly Dance but this is how my body automatically moves to this music ... And these days I have recognised the importance of letting my body find its movement which obviously is fuelled by my lived experience, things I have witnessed and memories that have left traces on my movement but it's not always confined to a form or rules
My body has its own language which is just as valid and beautiful to me as any form I practice😊
#randomthoughtsofachoreographer 😅
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#dance #movement #watchdance #dancereels #alibi #trendingreels #trendingmusic
[Dance, choreography, movement, Music, Edinburgh]](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.71878-15/506336694_678389338342515_6865195621986750938_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=GQzGHM5j6jEQ7kNvwEPhzus&_nc_oc=AdnzIPPb6qaFOqNTgMX0UcHn32GUI-9ixPj8liTUXeoaqvNqN6HkrC8-wzRM-hknAhA&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=8L0YQqxLpST11UGIuE8BPg&oh=00_AfhCJWd87KMAPXRXPEIf5rvKst4E1aRTlSfCGvZqx4S6ng&oe=6925EE7B)
![Bringing back our most famous post to announce a new location for Kathak Classes @theiyaarts and @patrickahsmith joining the team as a Kathak teacher.
Join us on Sundays
1pm-2pm
@northmerchistonclub1921
New block starting next week.
Will we see you there ?
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[New class, dance class, Edinburgh, Dance classes in Edinburgh, performance, Kathak, Indian classical dance, Kathak teachers, Kathak a classes in Edinburgh]
#thingstodoinedinburgh #whatsonedinburgh #thingstodoonweekends #learnanewskill #learnart #learndance #edinburghdanceclass #scotlanddanceschool](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.71878-15/505482906_978467850871785_7261042188945069102_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=0FuE0nmj2vUQ7kNvwFmtfmH&_nc_oc=AdmozQjZjWWUMqhQXWwCKmiisgJwwVUYs9mQDZ9DN_xpInPeiKaSHogi4zLYkHLhN2A&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=8L0YQqxLpST11UGIuE8BPg&oh=00_AfhJL6OtpbEhD2FjM9ILhm_IHMKDyMSSW-wTyCDdRsf6xw&oe=6925E405)
![Reshare from @theiyaarts
The first event in the calendar is just around the corner and its a very special one as it brings together all the elements of what we have been working on during the past year’s fellowship with the Centre of Biomedicine Self and Society at the University of Edinburgh. Academics and artists alike will join in conversation about Arts-led research processes in the current context of the world we live in.
We will love to have you join us and support us in creating a space to discover how to nurture a successful process of arts-led research.
This event is FREE but tickets are required. You can find the @eventbriteuk link in our bio.
About Maiden | Mother | Whore:
Choreography & performance : @gab_albornoz @nandini1739 @himadrimadan @karenedinburgh @tharangarupanie
Vocals: @giulia.drummond
Projections: @robert_motyka_artist
Light design: Pete Searle
Set design : @aqsa.arif.art and @naznaznazia
Creative producing: @rutnagur_m and @susan_ripplearts
PR: @storytelling.pr
Stage management: @dancing_coffee_addict
Academic collaborators:
@absolutekilljoy and @ingridkyoung
This project has been developed with the support of: @biomedselfsoc Artistic fellowship programme at @edinburghuniversity @creativescots National Lottery Fund
@dancebase
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[Dance, visual art, projections, mapping, performance, Edinburgh, choreography, south Asian dance, contemporary dance, movement, art, live music, live performance, exhibition, woman, gender, identity, create, activism, arts as activism, artivism, made in scotland, scottish artists, collaboration, academia]](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/470214241_18051126635060314_8552844984180598558_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=q-OQYqUJgVsQ7kNvwGJ9Orq&_nc_oc=Adn-oLQ5wSFmzYU-J2gm4EQ3hbl5KAgihlsyAvxd9OrvDOSTzuKBpUbw1pmcPp3W-Yc&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=8L0YQqxLpST11UGIuE8BPg&oh=00_AfhQ8WBI4jBvR_jM8aS69zQ965j8xXFW8f1EyJ8Bxwz1bA&oe=6925F431)
![Maiden| Mother | Whore is returning this Autumn 🍁
Reshare from @theiyaarts
If you know us, you know how much sharing these dates mean to us… and if you don’t, then this is a great opportunity to get to know us better!
Head over to Eventbrite to book your tickets for Maiden | Mother | Whore.
We will be presenting this project in various formats both in Edinburgh and Glasgow. This performance examines the relationship between the self and society through interactive projections, live music and movement inspired in South Asian dance.
- Links to tickets in bio -
Choreography & performance : @gab_albornoz @nandini1739 @himadrimadan @karenedinburgh @tharangarupanie
Vocals: @giulia.drummond
Projections: @robert_motyka_artist
Light design: Pete Searle
Set design : @aqsa.arif.art and @naznaznazia
Creative producing: @rutnagur_m and @susan_ripplearts
PR: @storytelling.pr
Stage management: @dancing_coffee_addict
Academic collaborators:
@absolutekilljoy and @ingridyoung
This project has been developed with the support of: @biomedselfsoc Artistic fellowship programme at @edinburghuniversity
@creativescot National Lottery Fund
@dancebase
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[Dance, visual art, projections, mapping, performance, Edinburgh, choreography, south Asian dance, contemporary dance, movement, art, live music, live performance, exhibition, woman, gender, identity, create, activism, arts as activism, artivism, made in scotland, scottish artists, collaboration, academia]](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/470206467_18051126506060314_5083868507392407195_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=9v-YHFw-ZWQQ7kNvwGMawGQ&_nc_oc=AdlRO3LwES3okqNli-8wSBhGVSSxugSyYMpJxedy2gPrAU13skn9wixlpc4juBy35Ec&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=8L0YQqxLpST11UGIuE8BPg&oh=00_Afg2mJHmoWbhL7LfrbBTC3hd3OcHvlkppcBofxQ_vi0MxA&oe=6925EB01)
![And it's Janamashtmi .... 😊😊
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Vocals : Anuradha Kuber
Musical composition (in addition to the traditional compostion ) : Ajay Paraad
Music Layout : @shambhavi_dandekar
Choreography and performance - Himadri and Nandini😊
[Dance, Kathak, performance, dance video, Kathak dancers,dance in Uk, Hindustani classical music, Janamashtmi]](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.71878-15/504241453_1055994926471171_7368910996962494187_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=fG40SQgZYO0Q7kNvwHfxUPj&_nc_oc=Adlc2V8hw38vciVU_JefGmou4oA3fVjFpN7yf5PvM6aMSprRlLeeDPJ8mySOQ57c98w&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=8L0YQqxLpST11UGIuE8BPg&oh=00_AfgXA5ukVNBwD08nITq9uKID9iyysF92n6pljfBd7A8kmQ&oe=6925F260)
![Just as I was preparing to go on my annual leave we received the shocking news from Creative Scotland.
I was preparing to submit an application for my project 'The Gaze' in September, guess that can't happen now.. and I can imagine many artists are finding themselves in the same limbo....
So here I am doing what calms me when I am stressed and riding the janamashtmi high🙃
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[Dance,Kathak,Meera Bai, performance,Kathak dancers, janamashtmi, dance in UK]](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.71878-15/504491584_2825150661010929_3546450492247296052_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=AVptM9rFdvYQ7kNvwHKcZGB&_nc_oc=AdkOh9oTQjQVJdUMPJfxh8x9Zi8bB5ThK3rZua7__qZ3Mw_-mY0tQxAnCNqeieEePTU&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=8L0YQqxLpST11UGIuE8BPg&oh=00_AfjPlpKLrGh3gFeODeATSB14Ce9noFOQcjGwiJItsfxQgw&oe=6925EA02)
