“A taut Kathak-inspired contemporary work which would sit well in most small-scale dance houses across the UK.”
Most recently programmed at Dance Umbrella 2021
Traces
Traces is an abstract journey of human experience. Built through an extraordinary language of dance, 'Traces' draws from personal incidents and explores rejection, abandonment and loss. Lost in circular time, Kesha purges herself of memory and re-traces the past, finding herself without form, floating in flux.
The body persistently tries to digest incident by regenerating its appearance and invites audiences to explore a vulnerable yet deep enquiry. The work’s nomadic nature and intention to dismiss and repel formal dance structures is explored through an intensive, cathartic process of eliminating and deconstructing layers of tradition.
Co-Produced by Curve Theatre, initial commission by Akademi and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. Supported by Arts Council England
“Traces was a beautifully studied performance exploring memories and how we process and learn from them. Kesha Raithatha used all her skills as a dancer drawing from different traditions to create her own language of expression. Alone on the stage she drew us in to her story only to push us away again when her secrets were too painful to tell.”
— Anna Mortimer, Resolution 2019 (The Place) review
“I found her ability and interest to embrace both the influences of the past and present, east and west, tradition and modernity very brave and rooted in her personal life journey. Her giving voice to her female experience of these dichotomies resulted in a very deep research and choreographic journey. I believe Kesha is a very talented dance artist and I hope she can receive the support she needs to keep developing her choreographic voice.”
— Eva Recacha, Choreographer/Lecturer at The Place
Bollywood Jane
Curve Theatre Leicester’s 2019 Musical Production ‘Bollywood Jane’: Lead Choreographer & Costume work - cast of 30 amateur and professional dancers and actors from a wide range of abilities and backgrounds.
Bringing a fusion of extravagant East-West dance styles to Leicester’s own Cultural Quarter, Bollywood Jane is a visual feast. Showcasing the dynamic setting of Belgrave Road, this Made at Curve production features a talented local community company with direction by Siobhán Cannon-Brownlie (The Crucible, 2018) and choreography by Kathak and contemporary dancer Kesha Raithatha.
“Kesha’s talent is matched only be her generosity of spirit. Her working methods are inclusive and kind, yet rigorous and disciplined. She was the perfect collaborator for a community project and her presence made the experience for me. Her energy and passion light up the room and her choreography is layered, nuanced, intricate and absolutely joyful. I am so grateful to have worked with her.”
— Siobhán Cannon-Brownlie, Director - Bollywood Jane 2019
“Kesha brought her expertise and astonishing artistry to the production, empowering every single member of the company to dance from their hearts and with genuine connection to the material. Kesha challenged the company with complex work, guiding and nurturing them throughout the process, creating something truly beautiful and life-affirming. We are blessed we have such a talented choreographer living and working in our city.”
— Nikolai Foster, Artistic Director - Curve Theatre Leicester
Black Waters
Choreographer and Dance Educator for Black Waters Heritage Project by Phoenix Dance Company funded by National Heritage Lottery.
Black Waters is Phoenix Dance Theatre’s latest contemporary dance production inspired by two stories of historic colonialism, the Zong Massacre and Indian freedom fighters who spoke out against the British regime and were imprisoned in cellular jail Kala Pani.
The Heritage Project will use multicultural art forms and storytelling sessions to engage young people with these two important stories from British history and lead further research into the significance of these two moments.
Synapse
This film piece was choreographed by Kesha Raithatha on the Aakash Odedra 2 company.
The neurological pathways that run through our body yearning to connect with each other. The transmission of messages goes beyond the sphere of the body. We desire to connect to the environment around us, the people around us, the sensation of the body within the physical environment around us.
Synapses connect us to the Earth, her roots, to everything we touch, smell, taste, visualise and stream through our visual cortex to all that is audible. This network is about the connectivity of the individual and the greater individuals around us and our affinity to everything that we are in contact with that we internalise. There is an interwoven link between the world of neurones flowing within us and the world of neurones that run through the natural world around us.
We are all connected to each other, to be vulnerable enough to embrace it is a choice.
Previous Projects
2022
‘Finding Home’ - Leicester’s Ugandan Asian History at 50 at Curve Theatre, Leicester
2021
‘Virtual Ghost’ - a work which plays with and challenges ideas of how South Asian women’s bodies are present in public spaces. Presented at National Rural Touring Forum.
2019
‘Lagaan’ - Screening by Bollywood Fever production with Aakash Odedra Company and Shiamak UK Lead choreographer and project manager
2018
‘The Mehfil Project’ : Kathak Duet choreographer and dancer with live music accompaniment at Peepul Centre Leicester.·
2017
·'A Season of Bangla Drama'- 'Sold! A Sex Trafficking Story' (R&D): performer, choreographer and director with Showmi Das at 'The Space' London.
Bajaa Festival: Performer and choreographic collaboration with Soumik Datta At Horniman Gardens
2016
Common Tongue: Artistic Director and Choreographer for the renowned 'Bandish Projekt' at Curve Theatre, Leicester
Principal Performer for Aakash Odedra Company for 'Hanuman the Hero'
2015
‘Freshly Brewed’ by Rishii Arts at Rich Mix and Embrace Arts - Solo choreography to Assamese sounds, vocals and projected visuals
Collaborating with Leicester based South Asian musicians Rishii Chaudhary and Akash Parekh; Producer Samir Bhamra and Choreographer Sonia Sabri on Arts Council funded project ‘Speaking Hands - Melodies on the Brink’ in November 2014 at Embrace Arts Leicester
Assistant Director and Performer for Arts Council England funded ‘Circle of Light’ 2015/16. Choreographed by Subhash Viman, produced by Phizzical.
2014
BOLLYDYNAMIX - Principal Choreographer and Performer
2011
AMAAS - Aakash Odedra Company and Desi Masti, Assistant Choreographer, Rehearsal Director and Performer. Curve Theatre, Leicester