Episode Notes

Bio: Anjali Nath is an established kathak artist known for her swift chakkars (spins), crisp footwork and grace. Her solo performances are rooted deeply in the Kathak tradition, dazzling to watch, and deeply moving. A disciple of the late Kathak maestro, Pandit Chitresh Das and Gretchen Hayden, Anjali carries forward a significant legacy of high artistry, education and training of the next generations of Kathak artists and students. She has passionately pursued a career in Kathak and public health simultaneously for over 20 years. Anjali is dedicated to sharing, promoting, and advancing the art for the benefit of all while working to establish sustainable professional opportunities and platforms for the art. Anjali strives to engage everyone she reaches in the holistic benefits and universal relevance of the art of Kathak.

Show Highlights

(0:10:19) Being called Guru

(0:14:47) benefits of doing ballet before kathak

(0:20:36) How Pt Chitresh Das ji spoke to his students

(0:24:57) Rang Manch

(0:26:22) Starting out as a soloist

(0:29:19) Kathak vs Tabla Bols

(0:32:44) Standing out in Kathak

(0:40:55) How perception shapes teaching

(0:43:35) Improving teaching through observation

(0:44:33) Teaching personality

(0:47:29) Treating students with respect

(0:48:44) Gurubehen : Shefali Jain

(0:56:29) Process of creation

(1:04:27) Relationship with Gretchen Hayden (Gretchen Di)

(1:10:51) The Mental Space needed for exploration

(1:13:38) Impact and Legacy