Ashley Lobo Thrills International Audiences With 'YAMA'!

It's very rare for the director of the well-renowned Linz state theatre ballet to hand over the reins of her ensemble to a foreigner. In what was the first-ever invite to an Indian choreographer, the Landestheater Linz, Austria which stages some of the best from the world of dance invited Ashley Lobo to create an abstract contemporary dance piece titled YAMA based on the God of Death of the same name.  In this first ever event, Ashley made a significant mark as the piece received standing ovations and rave reviews.  

After spreading his wings far and wide in Germany and Poland, this was another marquee moment in Ashley's career as his work once again got this level of international recognition in the sphere of contemporary dance. The 65-minute show is a contemporary piece based on death and birth. Through this abstract, sensual journey of colours, associations, and images, Lobo beautifully portrays life and its intricacies. 

Commenting on his experience, Ashley Lobo says, "It has been an amazing experience to work with the Landestheater Linz. Apart from it being an honour to choreograph for them, I have thoroughly enjoyed myself and I look forward to hopefully working with them in the future again."

Lobo used Prana Paint(TM), a unique sensitizing approach developed by him that explores movement through connectivity, yoga, breath, and touch. He has been invited to teach this unique technique at educational institutions like the Joffrey Ballet and contemporary dance companies like the Inbal Dance Theatre Company. His Prana Paint(TM) technique also attracts numerous international dance students to come and explore their artistry at his studio in Mumbai, India. This unique approach has put Ashley on the International radar and has led to him being invited as a guest choreographer to create a full-length International contemporary dance production by the Ballet Chemnitz in Germany, Poland and now in Landestheater Linz in Austria.

Ashley Lobo is one of the pioneers of contemporary dance in India and founder of one of India’s premier dance schools The Danceworx Performing Arts Academy. Lobo's contemporary dance touring company, Navdhara India Dance Theatre has been instrumental in carving a niche for the choreographer on the international dance stage.