To Burn, To Bloom - An Oriental Dance Production

To Burn, To Bloom is a contemporary oriental dance-theatre work that explores the seeker’s journey of quest, discovery, and enlightenment. Inspired by Sufi mysticism and the allegory of The Seven Valleys of the Soul, the production traces the path through longing, love, knowledge, detachment, unity, bewilderment, and annihilation—culminating in a state of spiritual flowering.

Set to the timeless music of Umm Kulthum, the legendary Egyptian singer whose songs evoke longing, ecstasy, and transcendence, the work transforms her music into both landscape and heartbeat—bridging classical heritage and contemporary movement. As the world commemorates the 50th anniversary of Umm Kulthum’s passing, To Burn, To Bloom becomes both a tribute and a reimagining—embodying her spirit through dance and carrying her legacy into new, modern terrains.

Choreographed and directed by Debapriya Das, one of India’s leading oriental dance artists, the 90-minute production draws from the language of oriental dance (popularly known as belly dance), interwoven with elements of theatre, contemporary dance, and jazz. An ensemble of 40 dancers from Nrityakosh & The Nrityakosh Company will be presenting the production to the audiences in Bengaluru.

“This work is about transformation—how burning and blooming are part of the same rhythm,” says Debapriya Das. “Umm Kulthum’s music holds that paradox so beautifully—it becomes a landscape where devotion, surrender, and discovery meet.”

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