Sat Dec 27 07:44:31 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and news article based on the text you provided:
Summary:
Coimbatore is hosting “Medai – The Stage,” a month-long classical dance festival inspired by Chennai’s famous Margazhi season. Curated by Preeti Banerjee, the festival, running from December 21, 2025, to January 22, 2026, features diverse classical dance forms like Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, and Mohiniattam, alongside Bharatanatyam. The theme, “Art Beyond Boundaries — Tradition Meets New Narratives,” showcases both established and emerging artists, blending traditional roots with contemporary expressions. The festival includes Senior Artists Showcase and Nava Spandanam sections. Tickets are available at theticket9.com
News Article:
Coimbatore Embraces Classical Dance with “Medai – The Stage” Festival
Coimbatore, India – December 27, 2025 – As the Margazhi season sweeps through Chennai, Coimbatore is joining the celebration of classical arts with “Medai – The Stage,” a month-long dance festival showcasing a diverse range of Indian classical dance forms.
Curated by Preeti Banerjee and organized in collaboration with Shree Natya Nikethan, the festival opened on December 21st and will run until January 22, 2026. The event, held at Medai’s Coimbatore space, aims to bring the spirit of Margazhi beyond Chennai, highlighting not only Bharatanatyam but also Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, and Mohiniattam.
With the theme “Art Beyond Boundaries — Tradition Meets New Narratives,” “Medai – The Stage” promises performances that honor the rich traditions of Indian classical dance while exploring contemporary themes. The festival line-up features 80 artists divided into two categories: “Senior Artists Showcase,” featuring established dancers and their students, and “Nava Spandanam,” which highlights emerging talent and fresh perspectives.
“The idea was to take the spirit of the Margazhi festival outside Chennai, by incorporating other classical forms as well. We tried it first in Bengaluru in 2023, and the results were encouraging. With Medai opening its space in Coimbatore a year ago, we felt the time was right for this city to also get a taste of the Margazhi season,” said Preeti Banerjee.
Performances take place daily with afternoon shows at 12 pm and 2 pm, and evening performances from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Tickets can be purchased at theticket9.com. Co-curators Shakira, Balakrishnan, Sakthi Madhumithaa and Kriti, join Preeti Banerjee to deliver a culturally rich and engaging month of dance for the city of Coimbatore.
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