Conversations with Kathak Artists from across the world
Niraj Chag is a London-based musical artist and composer. His musical style mixes Indian classical influences with contemporary stylings and layered, complex beats
The Kathak EP | Niraj Chag (bandcamp.com) Niraj Chag | Composer And Musician
Show Highlights
(0:03:07) Kanya: The begining of Kathak Compositions for Niraj
(0:05:21) How does the collaboration happen between a composer and an artist: Kanya
(0:06:27) The interplay of bols and music
(0:07:01) How watching Kathak influences Niraj's music
(0:08:28) How colors influence music
(0:11:21) How colors are related to mood
(0:12:15) Inputs needed to start working on music
(0:14:41) Playing instruments vs Hiring session musicians
(0:18:07) On the topic of artists using his work
(0:22:00) Making The Kathak EP
(0:25:24) Learning from other artists
(0:27:03) Handling conflicts during collaboration
(0:29:46) Learning by not always getting what you want
(0:32:00) Bridging communication gaps as a producer
(0:35:01) Getting into a workflow
(0:36:10) Kathak Subsonic
(0:39:35) The unpredictability of which songs get popular
(0:42:34) Artistic freedom to make choices
(0:45:25) Using AI Tools
(0:46:35) Use of technology of music vs dance
(0:51:21) Teaching and mentoring
(0:57:01) How much Kathak should a composer need to watch before starting to make music for it?
Find out more at https://the-kathak-podcast.pinecast.co
The New York Kathak Festival is a nonprofit organization that presents and promotes dancers, scholars, and practitioners of Kathak, a classical dance tracing its origins to India. We produce a festival bringing together established and emerging artists from across the United States and beyond. The Kathak Festival is produced by the American Kathak community, inspiring creative exchange between local Kathak artists and diverse New York audiences. The festival is run by a volunteer team of young professionals who live and work in the New York metropolitan area. The Kathak Festival is our passion above and beyond our professional careers in industries ranging from fashion, technology, finance, fitness, education, journalism, design, and medicine—and we take it as our responsibility to set a strong foundation for this rich classical tradition to thrive in NYC.
Show Highlights
(0:00:00) Podcast Intro
(0:03:13) What is The New York Kathak Festival?
(0:04:44) Kathak Background and connection of the NYKF team
(0:09:50) Evolution of the festival from 2019-2023
(0:11:49) How does being in New York help the Kathak Festival
(0:15:37) About the NYKF Team
(0:17:40) The importance of having a clear ask : Fundraising
(0:18:35) Donating to NYKF
(0:20:11) Having a fair and unbiased artist selection process
(0:24:12) Being immersed in Kathak for a weekend
(0:26:18) Dedicating time to Kathak
(0:27:27) Logistics and festival details
(0:29:54) Pop Up Concerts
(0:34:03) Curating Festivals with the audience in mind
(0:36:17) On the topic of educating audiences
(0:38:23) The beauty in being able to enjoy an art form without context
(0:40:05) Future plans
(0:41:52) The importance of artists to the festival
Find out more at https://the-kathak-podcast.pinecast.co
Website Khalil Alashar (@kalashar91) • Instagram photos and videos
A dancer par excellence budding from the little island in the Persian Gulf called Bahrain, Khalil Alashar has been able to grasp the authenticity and professionalism in Kathak in a very short span. His talent and dedication made him excel in his passion allocating him performances and workshops internationally.
(0:02:10) Assumptions made by others
(0:06:51) Learning
(0:18:16) Making your own stage props
(0:20:59) Masters in Kathak
(0:36:53) Inviting other artists for workshops/performances
(0:45:03) Bahraini Audiences
(0:49:01) Incorporating stories from Bahrain in Kathak
(0:51:27) Being the torchbearer of Kathak in Bahrain
(0:56:39) What is your WHY
Find out more at https://the-kathak-podcast.pinecast.co
https://www.instagram.com/theyouthkathakfestival/
Bio
Sreeja Chakraborty is an Artist from Mumbai. She has done her undergraduation from Christ University, Bangalore in BA Triple Majors in Performing Arts, English and Psychology. She specialises in Contemporary and Kathak. She has taken kathak training from her mother, Guru Madhumita Chakraborty, and is currently the performance curator at Banichhanda Dance Academy Mumbai. Sreeja is also a mental health Facilitator, associated with Project Mumbai and BMC and works on mental health programs with underprivileged children in over 20 schools of Mumbai. Sreeja has been the winner of Mumbai’s got talent and various other dance events. She is the founder and director of The Youth Kathak Festival, 2023 which is going to launch in January which is India’s first one-of-a-kind Youth led classical dance event happening in Bandra on 28 and 29th of January.
Gaurvi Jain originated from the city of lakes Udaipur who set her course in the field of performing arts having learned various artforms like Hindustani classical music, kathak, Bharatnatyam, sitar, Hawaiian guitar etc. having done her BA in Performing arts, english and psychology from Christ University Bangalore, she recently finished a course in Creative Fashion styling from NIFT Mumbai. she is the first member to join The youth kathak festival as an executive producer.
Show Highlights
(0:02:11) An Introduction to The Youth Kathak Festival
(0:04:00) What's different about it
(0:08:03) Sreeja and Gaurvi's favorite festivals and themes
(0:12:20) Will audiences dance with the performer in a Kathak Festival?
(0:14:34) What kind of artists are you looking to bring on?
(0:20:16) Details on the festival and events: 28th and 29th January
(0:31:41) Behind the scenes: TYKF Team
(0:47:52) Running a safe festival for the audience
(0:51:05) What is the one thing you're looking forward to?
Nikie Bareja is an artist who hails from Delhi and is currently pursuing her Post Graduate Diploma in Screen Acting at FTII, Pune. She is also a trained Kathak dancer who graduated from St. Stephen’s College in 2019, where she acted and directed productions which went on to be showcased at the Old World Collegiate Theatre Festival, Instituto Cervantes, The Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland etc. She is trying to be a polymath, finding her meaning and voice through her craft on the adventure that we call life!
Nikie (@nikiebeee) • Instagram photos and videos
(0:03:11) Studying Screen Acting and Film Marking at FTII
(0:05:47) How does Kathak Show up in your life
(0:07:36) Dealing with preconceived notions of Kathak
(0:13:40) Learning Odissi vs learning Kathak
(0:18:57) Unlearning and relearning when learning new art forms
(0:22:31) Managing your time
(0:26:15) The advantages of being a trained dancer in the realm of acting
(0:33:50) The Making of "Deep Jale"
(0:38:56) Sticking to your art through teenage years.
(0:25:36) The advantages of being a trained dancer in the realm of acting.
(0:33:12) The Making of "Deep Jale"
(0:38:17) Sticking to your art through teenage years.
Astha is an actress in Telugu films, Chandrahas and Pellaina Kothalo and a worldwide recognized dancer for her talent in Kathak dancing. She exhibits her passion for Sufi dancing in Kathak at various festivals like Jahan-e-Khusrau where she performed first in 2013 and then subsequent years after. She has performed at the National Center for Performing Arts, Beijing as well as the Royal Opera House in Oman and Kuwait, and the world famous Baalbeck festival in Lebanon and festivals promoting culture through the Ministry of India. She is also a choreographer of many musicals and ballets theme-based in the Mughal times where she is the lead dancer. She has studied Kathak from her Gurus, Harish Gangani and Malti Shyam in New Delhi, India.
She is a computer engineer from UCLA and left a promising corporate career to pursue her passion for dance and acting. She has penned her Memoirs in her new book, Door to Heaven, which is running for best-seller status. The book has already got noticed in the non-fiction category and has received high-flying reviews from book-readers and book-reader's clubs.
Book is available on Zorba Books: -
<https://www.zorbabooks.com/store/women-writers/door-to-heaven/>
Amazon: - <https://www.amazon.in/dp/9393029474?ref=myi_title_dp>
Flipkart: - <https://www.flipkart.com/door-to-heaven/p/itm11a6521ef0980?>
She is a TEDx Speaker having had the honor of performing a dance routine along with her speech in at TEDx Conf in Gujarat. She was voted Best Dancer and Choreographer by the The Variety Club. She has received accolades for her classical dancing style such as Nritya Utsav given to her by the organizers of festivals. She is currently active in teaching and choreographing group dances in Orlando. She is excited to lead the future generations into their awareness of dance and culture of India so they can expand their talents through her website www.asthadance.com
Follow the exciting events and projects that Astha is currently working on at:
<https://www.instagram.com/AsthaDance/>
<https://www.instagram.com/Yourstrulyastha>
<http://www.linkedin.com/in/astha-dixit>
<https://www.facebook.com/astha.dixit>
• Ishwari Kulkarni, a Kathak Artist from Mumbai is a versatile dancer with enigmatic stage presence.
• She pursued her Master’s Degree in Performing Arts - Kathak under the able guidance of the renowned Guru. Smt . Shama Bhateji from Bharati Vidyapeeth , Pune
• Ishwari has been associated with the Nadroop Dance troupe and has travelled and performed in several dance festivals like
• She has been bestowed with the ‘ Student Excellency Award’ by Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalay, Vashi
• Ishwari has also been actively associated with theatre with her performances in ‘Savai’ , ‘Uttunga’ and INT ( Indian National Theatre)
• She is currently working as an Instructor at Sumeet Nagdev Dance Arts and Blitzz Dance Academy, Anand Wishwa Gurukul, Mumbai
• Her recent work counts to her performance at Mumbai International Film Festival and her workshop conducted by Yuvak Biradari Bharat and Times Awards 2022 Economic Times Award 2022 and her recent performance on the platform of "THE STAGE " and few other solo performances to her credit.
Youtube Link - https://youtu.be/s51FFX-lQxY
https://lajjasambhavnath.wixsite.com/kathak
https://www.instagram.com/lajjasambhavnatht/
(0:02:18) Start of the conversation
(0:04:38) Briding Sensitivity of the art with the sensibility of the audience
(0:14:52) Working with Portugese Texts and adapting them to Kathak
(0:18:30) The importance of absorbing other art forms for a dancer
(0:21:05) Tips on preventing analysis paralysis, overthinking
(0:25:20) Being intentional with your costume
(0:27:16) The arts scene in Portugal
(0:29:09) Dança Tradicional vs Dança clássica
(0:31:08) Being "The Only" in a room of others
(0:33:26) Tips on assimilating into a new culture
(0:37:40) Teaching Portugese students how to prounce Kathak Bols
(0:42:53) A song from a distant land: Uma Canção de país Longínquo
(0:44:27) Working with an Indonesian Ensemble: Gamelan
(0:51:53) What drives Lajja to take on difficult challenges
Trained under the visionary Padmabhushan Kumudini Lakhia who in the early phase of her thought process almost obligated her to learn under her tutelage. A visionary at core she taught me to build the bridge between life and art and to appreciate the dignity of human body as a dancer.
Lajja´s UGC awarded Research Fellowship titled “Contemporary Sensibilities vis a vis the heritage of Kathak”, was completed under Padmabhushan Kumudini Lakhia. A post graduate gold medallist in Performing Arts –Kathak from MS University she has a strong training in Jaipur Gharana under Late Pt Sunderlal Gangani, Pt Harish Gangani and Pt Jagdish Gangani
She has choreographed solos and productions with her group of dancers along with various fusion projects with international artists from various disciplines, like amalgamating Kathak with Indonesian Gamelan. Her choreography of Kathak to composer Cesar Viana´s “Café Oriente” was very well received. Her production “Uma Canção de país Longínquo” wherein she choreographed Kathak to Portuguese literature from celebrated Portuguese poets Fernando Pessoa and Luis de Camões was received with much critical acclaim.
Her academic studies have flourished delivering lectures as a visiting faculty at various academic institutions and are complimented with paper readings at the World Forum,Den Hague, SIEF Congress, Lisbon,Portugal etc.
Further, she holds a graduate degree from the Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda, in Clothing and Textiles specializing in Indian Handlooms.
Based in Lisbon, Portugal and Ahmedabad, India; she divides her time to further her art though her work.
Intro Audio Credit: Bansure Raga | Doug Maxwell
(0:02:33) Teaching in Toronto
(0:04:33) When her students don't practice
(0:05:51) Managing expectations of students and parents
(0:09:11) Developing patience for new teachers
(0:12:54) How do you teach differently in Canada
(0:15:27) Preparations done before class
(0:22:52) Kathak background and training
(0:32:27) Writing and securing Grants: The process
(0:34:32) Keeping things simple
(0:37:10) Building confidence in yourselfd
(0:40:49) Taking and processing advice
(0:42:42) Evolution as a Kathak practioner
(0:47:04) Kathak outreach
(0:50:17) Tips for Kathakas moving to a new country
Now based in Toronto, Sukriti Sharma first started studying in Delhi, India with Guru Ashok Chakraborty and continued her training with Guru Krishan Mohan Mishra – the elder son of the renowned late Pandit Shambhu Maharaj – until 2010. During her decade-long study of Kathak, she was awarded a Post Diploma from India’s premier institute Kathak Kendra, located in New Delhi, India. To further deepen her knowledge, Sukriti has attended a variety of workshops and explored different facets of the form with masters such as Shama Bhate, Pandit Birju Maharaj and Madhu Natraj Kiran. However, the best way for Sukriti to continue her practice has been to teach others. Sukriti started teaching Kathak in India, and continues to share her passion for Kathak with students in Canada since 2017. As far as her professional career goes, Sukriti has been a part of Asavari, Padmashree Shovana Narayan’s repertoire company for 4 years. She has also performed in a range of arts and culture festivals including Kathak Mahotsav in (Delhi, 2011), Surya Festival (Kerala, 2012), Konark Festival (Konark, 2013), Aroha Fest (Ottawa; 2019) and Angikam (Toronto, 2021). Sukriti also worked with well-known Canadian dance artist Deepti Gupta in her production “Self Portraits with Amrita.” Currently, she’s being mentored by famous Kathak exponent Nahid Siddiqui, as part of a Choreographic Residency Program offered by Sampradaya Dance Creations.
Saberi Misra is a kathak dancer based in London and was born in Kolkata into a family of traditional musicians and dancers of the Jaipur Gharana; she is the great Granddaughter of Pt Jailal Maharaj ji, the Granddaughter of Pt Ramgopal Misra and Smt Guru Susmita Misra and daughter of Pandit Rajkumar Misra, a renowned tabla player and Smt Chandrima Misra an established and acclaimed Hindustani Vocalist. Saberi has done her schooling in one of the most elite schools in London, St James Senior girls' school. Growing up amidst an atmosphere of dance and music Saberi was naturally pulled towards them from a very early age, like a moth to a flame. She started her dance training at the age of three under the able and distinguished guidance of her grandmother, Smt Guru Susmita Misra, a celebrated Kathak Guru. She gave her first stage performance at the age of four, in Kolkata and received a standing ovation. In London, her first performance came at the age of six at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, where she also received a standing ovation in the presence of the High Commissioner of India at the time.
Besides dance, Saberi is also receiving laya taalim through learning tabla from her father and vocal training from her mother respectively. Saberi has also given solo performances as a tabla player and a singer. She has already established herself as a fine Kathak dancer.Episode Notes
(0:03:37) Learning from Saberi's Grandmother: Guru Susmita Misra
(0:06:03) Retention for dance: The relevance of writing things down
(0:09:05) When should Kathak students start to learn Tabla/Vocals?
(0:13:57) The mindset of a dancer improvising on Stage
(0:17:45) How accompanying a dancer should change with the composition
(0:20:38) The baseline tabla skills a kathak dancer should know
(0:26:28) Transitioning from UK to India
(0:30:39) How has Kathak changedf (or hasn't) for Saberi after coming to India
(0:32:52) Social media presence for a kathak dancer
(0:40:29) Kathak and Atheism
(0:44:01) On the topic of belief
(0:52:09) How does Saberi teach differently than how she was taught
(0:55:12) How to create more thinking Kathak Dancers
(0:02:07) The highlight of Parul's week
(0:02:53) The myth of the struggling artist
(0:07:05) Career Planning in performing arts
(0:13:12) The meaning of the word professional
(0:21:20) The humungous difference between a diploma and degree
(0:24:18) Finding bliss through Riyaz
(0:29:30) The beauty in stillness
(0:31:51) The importance of practicing in the slowest speed
(0:41:58) Working with artists as an Organizer
(0:44:49) The issue of punctuality
(0:48:17) Careers in Kathak if you don't want to be a performer*
(0:57:02) Career options at the World University of Design, Sonepat
(1:02:27) The importance of giving time to people
Bio
The divinely conferred talent that she holds of dance leaves a stupendous impression on one & all. A talented Kathak danseuse, choreographer and drama instructor Dr. Ms.Parul Purohit Vats has an impressive record for her age. This is evident by her three laudable accomplishments till date, being awarded the”VEER DURGA DAS MATRI SHAKTI AWARD 2017” for her contribution in field of Kathak in Rajasthan, “YUVA PURUSKAAR - 2002” by Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Academy, and having been conferred with a Ph.D Music degree for her thesis on Dance in 2008 by Jai Narain Vyas University Jodhpur.She was also awarded the Sur Sangam 2019 Excellence award for Performing Arts. Parul has been in the education field for since 2006.She started as a personality development teacher and choreographer.Slowly and steadily she entered the field of developing curriculam and child centric teaching approach for the institutions she worked for.She has not only studied the pedagogical approach required to be a complete teacher, has also developed in class strategies to felicitate personalized learning keeping the students at the core. She has worked with many prestigious educational institutions. She was the Cultural coordinator at a Swedish school, Kunskapsskolan Gurgaon where she worked very closely with the teachers in developing children through dance, as a teacher trainer and also imparted training of the KED methodology. She is also an examiner for Prayaag Sangeet Samiti,Allahbad. Parul is a registered member of International Dance Council, Paris. She was recently invited to present a lecture and perform a self-choreographed dance drama piece at the 51st World Dance Congress on Research, in Athens, Greece. She was the Principal of Sri Ram Bharatiya Kala KENDRA,an internationally reknowned colloge of music and dance in New Delhi. Parul cleared her grade 8 in performance arts from Trinity College London, with a distinction. She has been taking dance and drama workshops at the British council, New Delhi since 2011. Parul was invited by noted filmmaker Mr.Muzaffar Ali,in2016, for a performance on the death anniversary of famous Persian poet “Rumi”. Presently Dr.Parul is the Dean of School of Performing Arts in the World University of Design,Sonepat.Apart from this she is also busy giving lecture-demonstrations,workshops and performances around the globe.
Anvita Sharma Kathak (@anvitasharma.kathak) • Instagram photos and videos
Born in Boston and raised in LA, Anvita Sharma is a company performer and Kathak dance instructor of the Lucknow Gharana at Kathak Kala Academy. Coming from a family of Hindustani music scholars, she was exposed to various styles of music and dance early on, but finally realized her passion was in Kathak. Anvita first started teaching Kathak at the Pasadena Hindu Temple in April 2007, in the middle of her first career change. She had a degree in Finance, but after a few years of working in the corporate sector, she was back in school studying to become an RN. It was in the middle of nursing school when her Guru Rachana Upadhyay suggested she teach Kathak. From then on and until July 2022, Anvita was a full-time registered nurse and Kathak dance teacher. Having two careers for many years meant working long days, while teaching, performing, and holding lecture demos on nights and weekends. Some of her local work has been presented at Bhakti Fest, JPL, USC Pacific Asia Museum, Madison Square Gardens with Pt Birju Maharaj’s troupe, Mumbai Sister Cities, IJWD and the Ratha Yatra festival. She has enjoyed teaching in the community, watching students grow from elementary school to when they move away to college. After juggling both careers for 15 years, she recently decided to take a leap of faith, and resigned from her nursing career to dedicate herself to Kathak full time. She is also an active member of Indian Performing Arts Center (IPAC), a non-profit organization which strives to preserve Indian culture through dance. She is currently completing her 6th year Prabhakar degree from Prayag Sangeet Samiti Institution of Music and Dance. Anvita offers classes in Pasadena, Anaheim, Irvine, LA and online. With over 20 years of training in this form of art, her journey continues as disciple under Guru Rachana Upadhyay in Los Angeles and more recently, Smt. Durga Arya in Germany.
(0:02:13) Going Full Time in Kathak
(0:05:25) Insights on Time Management: Teaching Kathak along with being a Registered Nurse
(0:08:15) Planning Systems for Organization
(0:11:05) Having more time for kathakl
(0:14:19) Setting up your Riyaz Space
(0:19:02) How you teach differently
(0:25:59) Affiliating with Prayag Sangeet Samiti
(0:36:02) Starting Lessons on Singing
(0:37:13) What Anvita is learning these days
(0:44:04) Behind the scenes of an Annual Dance Recital
(0:49:39) Insights on creating your own academy
(0:02:03) The meaning of riyaz
(0:05:10) The importance of emptying your mind before riyaz
(0:13:21) Learning Kathak as a hobby vs taking it up professionally
(0:16:12) Preventing student attrition in Kathak
(0:19:09) Handling parents
(0:21:08) How do you teach differently
(0:30:43) Mastering Microbeats in Kathak
(0:33:43) The importance of being innovative
(0:41:25) Caged: A new choreography by Amruta
(0:44:55) Being inspired by Haruki Murakami
(1:04:27) What to do when you aren't motivated internally?
(1:13:09) Doing a Riyaz retreat in India
(1:18:28) Getting students off their phones in the riyaz
(1:20:44) What Amruta taught in her retreat: Teaching beyond what's in the syllabus
Amruta Paranjape is the founder and artistic director of Abhivyakti School of Kathak. She is a Kathak performer, choreographer and teacher. Amruta has always been a performer, mesmerizing the audience with her command over intricate Laya-taal (rhythm) and captivating Abhinaya. She is a senior disciple of Guru Shambhavi Dandekar and is currently undergoing advanced training in Laya-taal from Guru Taalyogi Pt. Suresh Talwalkar ji. She has completed her master’s degree in Kathak from Lalit Kala Kendra, Pune University and also has achieved 'Nritya-Alankar' degree from Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal. She believes in rigorous and consistent training and extensive Riyaz. She has presented her work as a soloist and has also conducted workshops in India and abroad in USA, UK, Nairobi and Portugal. Her approach towards choreography is traditional as well as contemporary. She has choreographed many projects with pure traditional approach. Many of her projects are based on contemporary themes. She believes in originality, creativity and perfection when it comes to choreography.
Amruta has received prestigious awards, namely the Golden Talent award received at the hands of Pt. Birju Maharajji and the Pandita Rohini Bhate puraskar given by Pune Municipal Corporation.
Amruta is an ICCR empanelled artist and is also empanelled as a Guru in the Centre for Performing arts, Pune University and Bharati vidyapeeth deemed University.
parul shah dance company (kathakdance.com) Parul Shah (@parulshahdanceco) • Instagram photos and videos
Show Highlights
(0:03:24) The Benefits of dancing without Music
(0:04:52) The importance of movement to stand on its own/support
(0:05:38) The sequence of narrative, movement, and music
(0:10:39) The crux of all of Parul's work: A lens of empathy
(0:13:03) Relating Historical narratives to current day issues
(0:16:24) Representing Kathak in the dance community
(0:17:22) Creating work with a social message
(0:19:38) Being Pigeonholed/Competing for the same resources in the south asian community
(0:23:21) Why now is the right time for social change with dance
(0:28:46) Movement choices and storytelling
(0:34:04) Creating new asthetics from a foundation of Kathak
(0:35:44) How do you teach differently than how you were taught?
(0:37:51) What do you look for in your dancers?
(0:42:36) The duality of being yourself and a team player in a group choreography
(0:52:01) Empowering studnets to think for themselves
The parul shah dance company is a New York-based Kathak and contemporary dance company that expands the classical medium beyond cultural boundaries. Through performance and education, the company’s work harnesses the expressive power of Indian classical dance to promote cultural understanding and explore questions around identity and humanity. Artistic director Parul Shah is committed to shining a light on marginalized communities and giving voice to stories that go unheard. Her work focuses on cultural practices that undermine women's dignity and respect. Building on the dance form's mythological roots, Shah tells stories that are steeped in history as well as narratives that reveal today's lived experiences. Drawing from her classical training in the North Indian classical dance, Kathak, and her South Asian American identity, Shah uses her sources as she weaves in and out tradition discovering new aesthetics. The narrative guides Shah’s movement language as she searches for authentic expression. Examining the intersections of dance and culture, the company’s work reflects the embodiment of political, social, and national ideologies.
With a deep commitment to outreach and education, the company has been teaching studio classes, holding workshops, and residencies in all the educational sectors since 2000. As an active arts educator in public schools for nearly two decades, Shah is a teaching artist in schools across NYC boroughs and tries to reach underserved communities in the arts.
The parul shah dance company has presented around the world and at home to critical acclaim, including CityCenter’s Fall for Dance Festival: NYC, the New Victory Theatre: NYC, the Kennedy Center: Washington D.C, Jazz at Lincoln Center: NYC, Asia Society: NYC, Jacobs Pillow, Inside/ Out series: MA, World Music Institute: NYC, the Japan Forum Foundation: Tokyo, The United Nations Development Program: England and U.S, Suvarna Parva: India, Ahmedabad, and collaborative work in Europe. Shah has also been an Artist in Residence at Mass Mocha, a Teaching Residency for The Yard, and the Fresh Tracks’ Residency at New York Live Arts
Akash Dwivedi (@akashdwivedi96) • Instagram photos and videos
Akash Dwivedi is a young and bright Kathak Exponent with perfect stage presence and attractive personality. He started his initial grooming training in Kathak from Guru Raksha Singh David and completed his advance training under Pt. Jai Kishan Maharaj and has left no stones un-turned. Bachelor's Degree holder in Science from C. Sh. J. M., Kanpur University has completed his Post Diploma from Kathak Kendra, Alankaar from Gandharv Mahavidyalaya and M. A. in Kathak Dance from Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidhalaya. Graded Artist from Doordarshan and Scholarship holder from National Institute of Kathak, New Delhi. Akash has also received "Vishnu Prabhakar Puruskar" in 2021. Not only this but Akash is also known for his heart taking solo and group performances, who have performed at various prestigious festivals like 'Kathak Mahautsav', 'Malhar Utsav', 'Sharad Utsav' performed 'Kumar shambhav ballet' in the presence of President of India Pranab Mukherjee to be name few. Conducted several works
Show Highlights
(0:03:23) The difference between doing a Master's in Kathav and an Alankar (0:07:36) How does higher education benefit full time performers? (0:10:48) Preferences given to teaching candidates with advanced degrees (0:12:17) The symbiotic relationship between theory and practice (0:13:09) The need for balance (0:15:20) Challenges faced by today's generation of dancers (0:19:55) Painting examination: IGD (0:24:21) Commonalities between painting and Kathak (0:30:02) Performing at Delhi Kathak Mahotsav (0:39:11) What drives Akash to Innovate (0:48:26) Performing in front of the late former President Mr Pranab Mukherjee (0:53:09) Advice on moving to Delhi from a small town
Class Information | SahajSchoolOfDance Sahaj School Of Dance (@sahajschoolofdance) • Instagram photos and videos Sahaj School Of Dance - YouTube Sahaj School of Dance | Facebook
Esha Goyal is an International Kathak Dance Artist, A Choreographer, A Dance Teacher and Founder & Artistic Director of Sahaj School of Dance LLC in Concord, North Carolina, USA.
Esha started her dance at the age of 7 with her Guru Smt . Abha Bansal Ji, disciple of The Legendary Kathak Gurus - Guru Shri Hiralal Ji and Guru Shri Kundan Lal Gangani Ji of Jaipur Gharana .
Esha received Sangeet Prabhakar degree(post her 8 years of Kathak dance which is also equivalent to Bachelor's degree in Kathak Dance) from Prayag Sangeet Samiti , Allahabad, India.
Esha also received Visharad degree (second Bachelors in Kathak Dance) from Bhatkhande Sangeet Vidyapith , Lucknow, India.
Post her Sangeet Prabhakar degree she took training under Guru Shri Tapan Roy Ji, disciple of the Legendary Kathak Guru, Smt. Urmila Nagar Ji and received her Praveen Sangeet Acharya degree - 8th year (equivalent to Master's degree) from Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad, India.
Post her master's degree, Esha is currently doing advance training under Guru Swati Sinha ji, disciple of Guru Pandit Rajendra Gangani ji of Jaipur gharana to further refine her performing skills.
(0:01:45) Experience doing the Kathak Retreat with Guru Shambhavi Dandekar
(0:07:25) Establishing your own practice
(0:08:50) On the topic of priorities
(0:10:04) A day in the life of Esha
(0:11:32) Family support
(0:14:09) The story behind the name Sahaj for her dance school
(0:15:02) The meaning of simple
(0:16:44) How do you teach differently
(0:18:58) Encouraging students to practice
(0:20:32) Riyaaz for self
(0:22:58) Behind the scenes of an annual recital
(0:26:07) Kathak in North Carolina
(0:27:32) Future Production
(0:28:47) Most memorable performances
Amrita Kathak Global Documentary - YouTube
A passionate performer and teacher of Kathak, Darlene Dhillon is a senior student of the legendary Pt. Chitresh Das. She began her training with him at San Francisco State University in 1999 and quickly became involved as a teacher and apprentice company member at his school. Ms. Dhillon has performed at venues like the prestigious Green Music Center in Sonoma, the California State Fair, Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts, and Cal Performances at UC Berkeley.
In 2018 she relocated to West Bengal, India for two years to become involved in the rich cultural landscape of the region. While in India she taught workshops at Santiniketan Society of Visual Art and Design and Jogesh Mime Academy in Kolkata. Darlene performed solos at Akar Prakar Gallery in Kolkata, and University of Calcutta. She met the esteemed Kathak guru, Pt. Ashimbandhu Bhattacharya during her travels and began ongoing mentorship with him. Darlene currently runs her school, Amrita Kathak Global in San Francisco. She teaches dance as a way for students to develop their physical and mental strength while learning about the depth of Indian classical music and dance. Her dance company will premiere new choreography at Non-Fiction Design Studios in San Francisco in September, 2022.
(0:02:10) Highlight of the day
(0:03:22) Nature vs Nuture in the context of dance
(0:05:30) Transitioning to full time teaching
(0:10:11) Bringing colleagues to Kathak performances
(0:11:43) Parallels between architecture and kathak -
(0:15:06) A dance drama based on Darlene's life
(0:19:55) How do you teach differently than how you were taught
(0:22:56) Life skills learned in Kathak
(0:25:41) How being in tune with yourself help with compositions
(0:26:26) Tips for being more grounded in Kathak
(0:28:50) Teaching to kids with multiple interests and classes
(0:32:20) Increasing student retention after Kathak graduation
(0:34:22) Living in Shantinikentan
(0:38:11) Amrita Kathak Global
(0:43:38) Fundraising thorugh Kickstarter
(0:46:18) Ambitious goals for the future
Prachi Wagh (@prachijawadekarwagh) • Instagram photos and videos
Words and Dance form my creative identity. I have a Masters Degree in Mass Communication from Symbiosis Institute of Mass Communication (Pune). I worked in Television news and event management (NDTV, AajTak-Headlines Today, Showhouse Events) for over 11 years. Meanwhile having found my calling in Kathak dance under Guru Pandit Chitresh Das and Seema Mehta, I began training under them at Chhandam Nritya Bharati in 2010. I continue to train under the guidance of Madhuri Devi Singh and Joanna de Souza. I head marketing and communication for the institution since 2012.
(0:06:15) Year in reveiw
(0:01:54) Working the graveyard shift
(0:14:41) Storytelling and communication
(0:19:39) Teaching how to communicate
(0:22:27) Relatibility of Kathak
(0:34:55) Where do you pull your stories from?
(0:42:29) Portraying Animals through Abhinaya:
(0:51:00) Initial days of Chhandam Nritya Bharati
(0:53:38) Progressively taking on bigger responsibilities
(0:56:16) The importance of word of mouth
(1:00:59) How do you teach differently than how you were taught
(1:05:50) The role of an intelligent teacher in using time
(0:00:00) Non Dominant Protagonists
(0:00:00) The motivations of Manthara from the Ramayana
(0:01:17) Most memorable performances
(0:03:46) Portraying the veil
DUGUN (@d.u.g.u.n) • Instagram photos and videos
We, Tania Dey and Pallavi Verma, are a twosome, with our practices in Kathak along with Contemporary Movement practices TANIA DEY:
I am a Design Practioner, Facilitator along with a Kathak trainee and performer. My kathak dance journey so far:
Age 7- 14: Training with Sushmita Ghosh, then a Senior at Bhartiya Kala kendra
Age 14 - 16: Training under Jai kishan Maharaaj, Delhi Kathak kendra. Diploma prog.
Age 27 - 29: Contemporary dance technique and Chau under Santosh Nair, Yoga certification Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan.
Age 30 - to current : Various workshops Online and offline from Shika Khare, Eshani Sathe, Sushmita Ghosh Basu.
Currently I am in the process of making my own process with Kathak Vocabulary and looking at multiple perspectives away from linear / traditional approach in Kathak Pedagogy. I am very keen on exploring my design exposure with my Kathak training and see where it takes me.
PALLAVI VERMA:
I am a dance practitioner based in Delhi. My dance journey began in 2016 with Sadhya Dance Company which trains and performs contemporary dance works with their movement base in Mayurbhanj Chau. In 2018, I started with my kathak learnings at Bharatiya kala kendar under Anukriti Vishwakarma, disciple of Jai Krishan Maharaj. I have been continuing with my training since then at Kendar. My kathak practice interests looks at embodied and experiential knowledge of the body: it's reflexivity, vulnerability and care alongside the technical craft of it. I completed my masters in Performance Practice (Dance) under Ambedkar University, Delhi in 2020.
Currently, I am a part of 'Khuli Khirkee', a shared co working space for professionals engaged in performing arts(previously known by the name Gati Dance Forum). I also continue to work with contemporary dance practitioners in their choreographic works. I have been enjoying my kathak learnings through the inter disciplinary approaches mainly yoga, somatics and visual art.
(0:03:53) The right time to start creating
(0:07:13) Jumping into things
(0:09:18) Creating for beginners/new students
(0:15:33) Current creative work
(0:19:24) Researching new ways of Talis and making sounds
(0:24:14) Relevant of dance and life
(0:28:26) Presentation of sound to the audience with a new vocabulary
(0:30:49) Does everything need to be big and loud?
(0:33:47) Accepting and rejecting new movement asthetics
(0:40:11) The power of a partnership: Strength and Dynamics
Intro Music Credit: Bansure Raga | Doug Maxwell
Nainika Mukherjee (@nainikamukherjee) • Instagram photos and videos
Nainika started her training under Smt. Swati Sinha in 2005. In 2016, she joined Kathak Kendra under Guru Pt. Rajendra Gangani's guidance, where she completed her Diploma Honours and Post Diploma and performed in his group choreographies. She has also presented solo recitals at TedX organised by Delhi University, Hindi Parv at Kathak Kendra (New Delhi), Art Utsav at Assam, and Saraansh at Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi. On the academic front, Nainika is currently pursuing her Master's in Psychology alongside her Post Graduate Diploma in Dance Movement Therapy from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai
Show Highlights
(0:01:31) Solo at Sangeet Natak Akademi
(0:05:09) Learning at Kathak Kendra
(0:09:07) Being surrounded by practice
(0:13:45) Keeping the essence of a composition alive
(0:18:14) Watching oneself dance
(0:22:09) Getting feedback from peers and non-dancers
(0:24:39) Standing out in a space where everyone is good
(0:27:36) Having the right awareness of sellf
(0:31:17) Dance Movement Therapy
(0:34:21) Difference between therapy and something being therapeutic
(0:36:28) The reason why dancers might need dance movement therapy
(0:48:25) Meaning of success
(0:58:31) Formative years of Kathak