Aaha!, the digital dance festival conceived by Aravinth Kumarasamy, which was launched on June 1 on AVAI.video in collaboration with The Hindu, sought to create a curated space where dance lovers could watch works of merit. Though the festival has concluded, the performances are available for viewing for the next six months.

Many productions were conceived specifically for the digital medium, with artistes treating the camera as a collaborator rather than a recording device. Close-up cinematography revealed the subtleties of abhinaya, while dynamic framing and editing opened perspectives unavailable in theatre. “Several works embraced site-specific locations and cinematic storytelling,” says Aravinth, artistic director of the Singapore-based Apsaras Dance Company.

Aaha! became a meeting point for dancers, musicians, filmmakers and designers, fostering collaborations unique to the digital medium. 

“The initiative aimed to build a global home for Indian classical arts, documenting not only performances but also the creative processes behind them, ensuring these traditions evolve with integrity and relevance,” says Mohanapriyan Thavarajah, curator of the festival.