Shiamak Davar has become the first Indian to choreograph an Italian opera.

Davar has choreographed portions of "La Traviata", which was first performed in Venice in 1853, and is being shown in India for the first time.

"They needed someone who could effortlessly mix and match international and Indian choreography styles for the performances in India," tells Davar.

"I've been doing international dance for 20 years and the Indo-Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry asked me to do this," said Davar, 11 members of whose troupe are performing in the two hour-long opera that is being shown at New Delhi's Siri Fort auditorium Thursday.

"Also, the opera has been directed by Maurizio Di Mattia who has worked with the likes of Luciano Pavarotti. I was very excited to be working with him. He was extremely sweet."

The music of the opera, which tells the tragic love story between Alfredo and Violetta, is by Guiseppe Verdi.

Davar said he tried to bring very subtle Indian flavours to his choreography for "La Traviata". "It's not loud at all," said Davar.

"The Indian-ness is very delicate, in touches and shades. Only people who follow dance will be able to notice the Indian influences, for instance, in the hand movements."

Doing an opera, Davar said, opened a whole new vista of work. "This is a unique form. Very intense, very delicate," he said. "I was overjoyed to do this, I have learnt a lot and have had the opportunity to do a whole new experiment."