On our last day in Kolkata, we were lucky enough to spend a few hours at Kolkata Sanved— an NGO that uses Dance Movement Therapy to empower victims of sex trafficking and trauma survivors. Blending DMT with Indian dance aesthetic, Sanved brings dance to communities as a vehicle for psychological rehabilitation and creative expression. Made up of a team of women, the Sanved practitioners partner with local organizations year-round, imparting sustainable curriculum.
Our short time at the organization made a meaningful impact on us. Founder Sohini Chakraborty shared the inspiration behind the conception of Sanved, nearly ten years ago. We engaged in insightful dialogue, exchanging stories and commonalities of our work. The Sanved practitioners performed a newly choreographed piece that incorporated Scottish dance elements, and exuded power, resilience, and tenderness. The meeting culminated in a collaborative exercise, where we mirrored each other’s movements, and were guided to individually express the collective energy pulsing in the room.