Ep 2. Upaj: Improvise

Upaj: Improvise is the second episode of season six of the critically acclaimed television series Afropop: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange. The episode highlights the collaboration between two renowned dance companies, the New York-based Battery Dance Company and India's Daksha Sheth Dance Company, as they come together to create a breathtaking new dance production.

The episode begins with a brief introduction to the two companies and their respective histories. Battery Dance Company, founded in 1976, is known for its innovative approach to contemporary dance and its commitment to using dance to promote social awareness and change. Daksha Sheth Dance Company, on the other hand, is a relatively new company founded in 1994 by dancer and choreographer Daksha Sheth. The company draws inspiration from traditional Indian dance forms but also incorporates elements of contemporary dance and other art forms.

The two companies first met in 2007 when Battery Dance Company traveled to India to participate in an international dance festival. The two companies were paired up to perform a joint piece, and they quickly discovered a shared passion for improvisation and experimentation. Over the years, the two companies continued to collaborate on various projects, and in 2012, they decided to create a full-length dance production together.

Upaj: Improvise documents the intense and challenging process of creating that production. The episode follows the Battery Dance Company dancers as they travel to India to work with the Daksha Sheth Dance Company in their home studio. The two companies spend weeks together, developing ideas, improvising movements, and exploring different cultural and artistic influences.

The episode highlights the unique challenges and rewards of cross-cultural collaboration. The two companies have vastly different dance styles, training methods, and cultural backgrounds, but they come together with a shared passion for creativity and experimentation. The episode shows how the dancers learn from each other, share their skills and experiences, and push their boundaries to create something that is entirely new and unexpected.

Throughout the episode, the dancers grapple with the challenges of creating a cohesive piece that incorporates both Indian and Western dance styles. They experiment with movement, sound, and staging, trying to find the perfect balance between the two styles. The process is fraught with moments of frustration and uncertainty, but also moments of joy and discovery.

The episode also explores the cultural and social themes that are central to the production, such as the relationship between tradition and modernity, the intersection of different cultural identities, and the power of dance to bring people together. The dancers discuss these themes and how they inform their choreography and performance.

The episode culminates in the premiere of the production, which takes place in Mumbai. The audience is treated to a stunning display of dance and music, featuring mesmerizing performances by the Battery Dance Company and Daksha Sheth Dance Company dancers. The production is a triumph of cross-cultural collaboration, a testament to the power of art to bring people together and bridge cultural divides.

Overall, Upaj: Improvise is a fascinating look at the creative process behind a groundbreaking cultural exchange. The episode highlights the beauty and power of collaboration and showcases the incredible talent and passion of the dancers involved. It is a must-see for anyone interested in dance, culture, and the power of art to transcend national and cultural boundaries.