River: Nadhi
Exploring cultural and ecological connections with Combination Dance and Giridhar Raghunathan - a dance film project that bridges two rivers, two countries, and one community.
The Concept
As part of the Biodiversity Action Plan for the Borough of Richmond, River: Nadhi premiered at Hampton Court Palace on 29 September, in association with Habits and Heritage.
The work investigates the shared concerns surrounding two rivers: the River Ganges in India and the River Crane in Richmond, UK. Both rivers, though separated by geography, are bound by common challenges—pollution, preservation, and humanity’s evolving relationship with nature.
Conceived by Combination Dance and choreographed by acclaimed choreographer Dr. Giridhar Raghunathan (M.Tech, M.F.A in Dance, PhD in Dance Studies), the project draws upon cultural and spiritual connections with rivers while celebrating the beauty and fragility of local biodiversity. River: Nadhi reflects a harmonious blend of ecological awareness, cultural heritage, and artistic expression.
The Execution
Dr. Giridhar Raghunathan crafted choreography that weaves together traditional and contemporary movement languages, creating a dialogue between past and present. Inspired by the profound cultural legacy of the River Ganges and the vibrant biodiversity of the River Crane, the dancers’ movements embodied the duality of natural splendour and ecological vulnerability.
The cinematography emphasised the fluidity of dance alongside the rhythms of water, juxtaposing serenity with urgency. By framing dancer against the rivers’ changing backdrops, the film highlighted both their beauty and the pressing need for conservation.
The project was rooted in collaboration, engaging NRICH Dance Consortium, Richmond’s Heritage & Arts teams, Friends of the River Crane, and local cultural partners. This inclusive approach not only amplified the project’s impact but also fostered a sense of shared stewardship. By bridging communities across continents, River: Nadhi became both a celebration of diversity and a call to action.
The Impact
River: Nadhi serves as a reminder of the universal significance of rivers - as ecological lifelines, cultural symbols, and community connectors.
For Richmond, the project underscored the importance of local biodiversity and the River Crane's role in community identity. For India, it reflected on the spiritual and cultural depth of the Ganges, urging audiences to see parallels between local and global environmental challenges.
As a film and performance, River: Nadhi offers a lasting visual and educational resource, standing as both an artistic expression and an ecological advocacy, inspiring audiences to rethink their own connection to rivers and the natural world.
