SOTA

Impact 2024

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Programme Booklet

Impact 2024 is a multi-disciplinary performance honouring the cultural legacy of the late Santha Bhaskar (1939-2022), an iconic trailblazer in the world of Dance. In addition to original dance choreographies inspired by Santha Bhaskar’s works, the production also features dramatic scenes from her colourful life, depicted through dance, film, music, literary arts, theatre and visual arts. The show is collaboratively created by SOTA students, alumni, and staff.

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Friday, 8 November 2024

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7.30pm to 8.30pm

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Level 2, SOTA Drama Theatre

As an educator and pioneer, Santha Bhaskar pushed the boundaries of classical Indian dance, particularly Bharatanatyam, exploring cultural intersections through a multi-disciplinary lens. Her innovative spirit has profoundly shaped Singapore’s cultural landscape, inspiring future generations of students and dancers.

 

Join us for a vibrant evening of heart, soul, and storytelling as our students, alumni and teachers showcase their original works and interpretations in honour of Mrs Santha Bhaskar’s legacy.

 

Impact 2024 is raising funds for the SOTA Endowment Fund (SEF). Proceeds from the sale of tickets will go towards the SEF.


Event Highlights

Curtain call
Curtain call
The titular role of Mrs Santha Bhaskar was played by Uma Devi Urmila (Year 5 (2024), Theatre).
The titular role of Mrs Santha Bhaskar was played by Uma Devi Urmila (Year 5 (2024), Theatre).
'Bharatanatyam'
'Bharatanatyam'
'Little Flame' traces the beginnings of young Santha Bhaskar’s pursuit of traditional Indian dance.
'Little Flame' traces the beginnings of young Santha Bhaskar’s pursuit of traditional Indian dance.
'Blessing (Namaskaram)' introduces the Namaskaram, an act of respect and devotion performed before and after a dance.
'Blessing (Namaskaram)' introduces the Namaskaram, an act of respect and devotion performed before and after a dance.
'A New Friend' depicts the first meeting between Santha Bhaskar and her husband, KP Bhaskar.
'A New Friend' depicts the first meeting between Santha Bhaskar and her husband, KP Bhaskar.
'Crossing Oceans' portrays Mrs Santha Bhaskar’s journey from India to Singapore.
'Crossing Oceans' portrays Mrs Santha Bhaskar’s journey from India to Singapore.
'Crossing Culture - Friendship'
'Crossing Culture - Friendship'
'Fire' features a dance choreographed and performed by Arya Biju Thantry (Year 5 (2024), Dance). Photo by Year 5 (2024) student Sophie Ang.
'Fire' features a dance choreographed and performed by Arya Biju Thantry (Year 5 (2024), Dance). Photo by Year 5 (2024) student Sophie Ang.
Two portraits of Mrs Santha Bhaskar were available for auction as part of Impact 2024, to raise funds for the SOTA Endowment Fund. The portraits are painted by Year 6 (2024) Visual Arts student Michelle Yeo, who was inspired by how Mrs Bhaskar incorporated elements from Chinese dance into Indian classical dance, when she first arrived in Singapore.
Two portraits of Mrs Santha Bhaskar were available for auction as part of Impact 2024, to raise funds for the SOTA Endowment Fund. The portraits are painted by Year 6 (2024) Visual Arts student Michelle Yeo, who was inspired by how Mrs Bhaskar incorporated elements from Chinese dance into Indian classical dance, when she first arrived in Singapore.
Primary school engagement show.
Primary school engagement show.
Impact 2024 features meaningful poems written by SOTA Literary Arts students. Researching the life and works of Mrs Santha Bhaskar, each writer drew inspiration from significant moments to capture different facets of her cultural legacy. The poems were then weaved into various points of the performance.
Impact 2024 features meaningful poems written by SOTA Literary Arts students. Researching the life and works of Mrs Santha Bhaskar, each writer drew inspiration from significant moments to capture different facets of her cultural legacy. The poems were then weaved into various points of the performance.

Behind the scenes

Year 6 (2024) Visual Arts student Michelle Yeo, painted two A3-sized portraits of Santha Bhaskar for SOTA’s fundraising show, Impact 2024

Behind the scenes – Pang Xin Yi (Class of 2014, Dance)

Behind the scenes – Uma Devi Urmila (Year 5 (2024), Theatre)

Behind the scenes – Ashley Jane Leow (Class of 2018, Film)