Sandeep Bodhanker started training at the age of three.

The master of a classical Indian form sweeps gracefully into the spotlight tonight

The Sahaja Yoga Foundation of Thailand has Indian classical dancer Sandeep Bodhanker in town tonight. Based in Birmingham, England, the master of kuchipudi has garnered numerous awards and is the only Indian artist to have been honoured by Unesco nine times.

Kuchipudi is a millennia-old dance-drama tradition named for the village of its origin. Using themes from Hindu scripture and mythology, it's known for fast, rhythmic footwork, dynamic expression and graceful body movements and hand gestures.

It was originally performed by troupes, but solo performances began about a century ago.

"All types of classical dance are essentially the same," says Bodhanker, who started training at age three and was performing solo at nine.

"Their main aim is in praising the divine, with the same basic components of rhythm and expression, just as all human beings have two eyes, one nose, one heart and the same rhythm of heartbeats."

As well as tonight's show, "Rhythm of Life", the young master will conduct workshops tomorrow and Sunday.

They'll include a brief historical background, stretching exercises derived from yoga, some steps, rhythmic patterns with singing, and hand gestures and the use of imagination.

XTRA

Lord of the Dance

>> "Rhythm of Life" is onstage at 7.30 tonight at the Patravadi Theatre on Soi Wat Rakang in Thon Buri.

>> Tickets are Bt600 and Bt400, with 50 per cent discount for students. Pick yours up at Total Reservation outlets at Siam Paragon, the Emporium and the Mor Chit Skytrain station, or call (02) 833 5555.

>> For more details, go to www.SandeepBodhanker.com.