A mandala — Sanskrit for “circle” — is, in many Eastern traditions, more than a decorative pattern. It is a spiritual symbol that embodies calm, order, and attentiveness. In Tibetan Buddhism, monks create intricate mandalas from coloured sand, only to erase them afterwards. It is a practice rooted in devotion, impermanence, and the art of letting go.
In the dance performance Mandala, Sooraj Subramaniam brings this philosophy to life. With great attention to detail and rhythm, he weaves movement into a powerful dance ritual. His choreography balances between structure and surrender, between the meticulous and the universal. Mandala is a meditative experience — a physical exploration of time, presence, and the beauty of the ephemeral.
Concept, Choreography, Performance Sooraj Subramaniam
With the support of Maghenta and the City of Ghent
Duration: 10–20 minutes (currently in development throughout the summer)
Sooraj Subramaniam is an Australian-Belgian dancer of Malaysian-Indian descent. He has a background in classical Indian dance forms such as Bharatanatyam and Odissi, as well as in ballet and contemporary dance. He situates his work within multiple identities, placing a strong emphasis on poetic modes of expression and choreographic influences from Indian dance traditions. His work is not overtly political, but seeks to transcend — or deliberately inhabit — narrow labels such as classical or urban, traditional or contemporary.
