New Delhi, April 8 (IANS): A pan-Indian contemporary dance festival aimed at fostering cultural relations between India and France will begin here April 11, the organisers said.

The second edition of "Danse Dialogues" festival is a collaboration between the embassy of France in India and the Alliance Francaise. The festival will travel to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Trivandrum and Bangalore from April 11 to 30.

The dance performance are divided into two parts. There are two projects in the first part of the festival, where French choreographers Mourad Merzouki and David Rolland have worked closely with Indian dancers during artistic residencies, in order to create an Indian version of their performances, a statement said.

The second part of the festival will showcase current trends from both Indian and French scenes, and choreographers will translate their understanding of a dance form on the stage.

In "Rhythm Divine", renowned choreographer Astad Deboo has collaborated with Manipuri dancers and the performance will blend classical Indian forms with modern dance techniques.

While in "Stranger in Indian Paradise", French director and choreographer David Rolland has joined hands with two choreographers from Chennai to create a new dance piece.

Similarly, French choreographer Fabrice Guillot's "This Immense Intimacy" is a vertical ballet that features only a female dancer. She will use elastic rope to perform an aerial solo, where the wall will be her dance floor.

The event will take place at multiple venues.