India–Spain dance concert in UK blends cultural exchange with mental wellness message

The World is One concert, presented by Sangeet Foundation and curated by SohiniMoksha World Dance and Communications, drew a packed audience in Reading, bringing together artists from India and Spain in a unique celebration of culture, artistic collaboration and mental wellness.The event was designed to highlight the role of the arts in promoting emotional wellbeing and fostering meaningful cultural dialogue. Opening the evening was a moving vocal performance by Ryka Chakraborty, a young singer on the autism spectrum, whose rendition underscored the programme’s focus on inclusivity and awareness around mental health.One of the evening’s highlights was a cross-cultural dance presentation choreographed and performed by dance exponent Sohini Roychowdhury alongside Flamenco artist Irene Hernández Díaz.

The performance featured a high-energy Bharatanatyam segment in conversation with Flamenco, exploring the symbolic balance of Shakti and Shiva. Another notable piece brought together Flamenco Alegría and a composition by Rabindranath Tagore, creating a striking artistic bridge between Indian and Spanish traditions.

The concert also featured a sitar recital by musician Jonathan Mayer, accompanied by tabla player Denis Kucherov.

Their performance offered audiences an immersive experience of Hindustani classical music, adding a reflective and meditative dimension to the evening.The programme concluded with a collaborative ensemble performance involving all four artistes. Combining storytelling, music, dance and improvisation, the finale centred on themes of healing, emotional expression and human connection through art.Held as part of the India–Spain year of cultural exchange, The World is One showcased how artistic collaborations can transcend borders while encouraging conversations around mental wellbeing and community engagement.Reflecting on the evening, Sohini said, “When rhythm becomes breath and movement becomes listening, art becomes a place where healing begins and we remember that the world is one.”