Gauri Sharma Tripathi (@gaurisharmatripathi) on Instagram

Gauri Sharma Tripathi has trained in the classical tradition of Kathak, under the guidance of her Guru and mother, Padma Sharma.

She is the Artistic Director of her companies Amara Nritya Kala Hansa & ANKH Dance UK. The repertory of ANKH continues to bridge the teaching and choreographic journeys between the traditions and the new. A Nritya Visharad and a Singar Mani Awardee, Gauri wrote the three-year degree course on Kathak for London Contemporary Dance School, she was also part of the ISTD South Asian dance founding team, faculty, and examiner. She has curated The Alchemy Festival at the Southbank Centre for nine years and is associated with The Women of the World festival. Her curatorial work includes The Indian Dance Festival at the Korzo Theatre in The Hague, Netherlands.

Through her varied work, she has brought a strong South Asian presence to the UK arts scene.

(0:01:27) Bio and Background

(0:02:28) Start of Conversation

(0:03:35) Starting from Screatch

(0:05:55) Documenting Choreographies

(0:08:13) How memories shape dance

(0:10:38) Referring back to previous choreographies

(0:13:28) How dance is intoxicating

(0:15:54) Being trained as a soloist

(0:20:27) Teaching students to be part of group choreographies

(0:24:00) how do you teach differently than how you were taught

(0:31:15) Enabling students to explore and grow

(0:34:10) The spine of kathak

(0:35:57) Residency at the Southbank Center

(0:38:31) The Alchemy Festival

(0:40:39) Creating an environment of collaboration

(0:44:22) The versatility of Kathak

(0:46:43) What does support mean for artists

(0:50:13) Documenting her mother's work (Padma Sharma ji )

(0:56:00) Transition from UK to India

Find out more at https://the-kathak-podcast.pinecast.co

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

New York Kathak Festival

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

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

<http://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>

<https://www.facebook.com/Asthadance>

<http://www.youtube.com/c/asthadixitdance>

• 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

• Madame Menaka choreography movement -Indradhanush Festival -Art of Silence -Anubhandh 2020 -Anubhooti 2021 to name a few

• 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

Show Highlights

(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

Parul Purohitvats – * Kathak Exponent * Choreographer and Guru * Educator * Artistic Director of "PARUL's Kathak Nritya Sansthan " * Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Academy "YUVA PURUSKAAR" awardee *

(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

Home | Amruta Paranjape

(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

Contact us | darlenedhillon

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

Vaishali Trivedi || Sangati Vaishali Trivedi (@vaishali_sangati) • Instagram photos and videos Vaishali Trivedi is a Kathak dancer, singer, choreographer and a teacher based in Ahmedabad, India. Acclaimed as a rare dancer with a melodious voice by artists and connoisseurs, Vaishali combines perfect technique with flowing grace and a very fine sensitivity. She began her training in Kathak, under Smt. Kumudini Lakhia, India’s path breaking choreographer and Kathak dancer, at an early age and later became a principal dancer, teacher and a choreographer at Kadamb Centre for Dance in Ahmedabad. After working at Kadamb for several years, Vaishali branched away and formed Sangati Centre For Performing Arts in 2017.

Vaishali has given Kathak performances in major dance festivals in India and has been featured in Festival of India in USSR, Sweden, Germany, Thailand, Brazil, Bhutan, Japan and Canada. She has also performed in many theatres, festivals and events worldwide, including Biennale de la Dance in Lyon, France, Sziget Festival in Budapest, Hungary, Le Biennale di Venezia in Venice, Italy, Kremlin Palace theatre in Moscow, Russia, London’s South Bank Centre, UK, Theatre National de Chaillot, Paris, and Montpellier Dance Festival, France. Vaishali has danced in the great sitar maestro Pt. Ravi Shankar’s musical theatre 'Ghanshayam' and also danced and sang in the production of Pt. Birju Maharaj in the Festival of India in Germany at a young age. Recently she has done several collaborative works with world renowned choreographers like Kader Attou, Karine Saporta from France, Joachim Schlomer from Germany, Ivaldo Bartzzo from Brazil, TTB theatre group from Italy and also with choreographers from Switzerland, USA, Pakistan, Spain to name a few. Apart from her solo performances, she has also choreographed a number of group productions which have a blend of traditional and contemporary sensibilities. Her choreographic work has been presented in several prestigious events including Kathak festival organized by Kathak Kendra New Delhi, Tigad festival in Algeria, Voloubilis festival in Morocco, Brazil, Turkey, USA, UK, France, Switzerland, etc. Vaishali has directed large-scale public cultural shows involving hundreds of artists. She has also conducted several workshops and written articles in noted dance magazines such as ‘Attendance’.

In 2017 her solo works ‘Project Ravi Varma’ and ‘Urban Sufi’ were presented at “Indika Festival’, UK. In 2019 she choreographed a full -length work, ‘Still Water’ involving live visuals and music with 12 dancers for the Abhivyakti Arts Festival.

Show Highlights

(0:02:17) Rehearsing for World Dance Day

(0:03:40) Working with dancers of all levels

(0:06:36) How do you teach differently than how you were taight?

(0:09:26) How her teaching style has changed over time

(0:11:06) Going out on your own

(0:14:45) Getting new work and opportunities without being outgoing

(0:18:14) The responsibility of being a dancer from Kadamb

(0:23:32) Introducing newcomers to Kathak as a choreographer

(0:25:22) The importance of being curious about other dance forms/vocabulary

(0:28:28) Energy, timing and space in dance

(0:29:44) Jamming sessions for projects

(0:33:43) Tips on observing dance

(0:36:17) Having a generous teacher in Kumiben

(0:39:29) Discussion on productions : Still Waters

(0:41:45) Inspiration for Still Waters: Living in a big city

(0:43:57) Work on Erasing Borders

(0:50:01) Future projects and mission

(0:52:25) Memorable moments from past performances

(0:54:45) Being quarantined in France

(0:57:51) Managing people as a choreographer

Neha Pendse (@neha_aaradhana_kathak_dance) • Instagram photos and videos

Home - npdanceacademy.com

Neha Pendse is the founder and artistic director of Neha Pendse Dance Academy LLC   based in Houston TX. She is the disciple of Late Mrs Savita Godbole, Dr Suchitra Hramalkar and Padma Shri guru Shovana Narayan Traxl. She's been trained in both Lucknow and Raigarh gharana. She has done masters in Kathak dance from DAVV university Indore and holds a gold medal in the same. She has received a junior CCRT scholarship and has represented her university in state (gold medal), zonal (gold medal) and National level (bronze medal). She has been invited to meet then president Mrs Partibha Patil for her contribution in university and received word of appreciation. received. She has performed all over India in various dance festivals like Malhar utsav, Paryavaran utsav ,Guru lacchu maharaj utsav, and USA in Sewa International charity gala, BMM Philadelphia, ICC Houston, HMM Houston, New York kathak festival, mind the gap Houston. She is serving various organizations in dance competitions in the judges panel as well.   She holds a degree in Supply Chain Management from University of Houston.

She is the daughter of renowned theatre personality Mr Milind Deshpande.

Show Highlights

(0:01:39) Getting the academy registered

(0:02:57) Must haves for a dance studio

(0:03:51) Lake surrounding the studio

(0:05:16) Being relatable to your students

(0:06:26) The difference between teaching kids and adults

(0:08:31) Teaching people who are older than you

(0:09:31) Stressing the imporantance of practice

(0:12:49) How parents have changed over time

(0:13:59) How do you teach differently than how you were taught

(0:17:37) What is Neha learning right now with Shovana ji

(0:22:02) What is taught at the masters level in Kathak

(0:27:31) Mind The Gap

(0:29:54) Meet and greet with the audience

(0:31:47) Theater and Abhinaya

(0:35:01) Performing on Homestages: New York Kathak Festival

(0:37:04) Future plans

ADITI MANGALDAS Dance Company

Bio Aditi Mangaldas is a leading dancer and choreographer in the classical Indian dance form of Kathak. With extensive training under the leading gurus of Kathak, Shrimati Kumudini Lakhia and Pandit Birju Maharaj, Aditi is today recognised for her artistry, technique, eloquence and characteristic energy that mark every performance. Besides dancing and choreographing classical productions, both solo and group, she has broken new ground by using her knowledge and experience of Kathak as a springboard to evolve a contemporary dance vocabulary, infused with the spirit of the classical. Considered a maverick in India, she has consistently broken ground, unafraid to confront social and present-day concerns.

She heads the Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company – The Drishtikon Dance Foundation.

Show Highlights

(0:02:23) A love story between a mature older woman and a younger man: Upcoming Duet with Akash Odedra

(0:07:22) Lost In The Forest: expressing the anxiety and isolation felt during the pandemic

(0:08:44) Working with Shubha Mudgal for the production

(0:09:34) Using empty frames to show movement in time

(0:13:32) Performing for the first time in India post Pandemic: 2022 Jaipur Literary Festival

(0:15:09) Uncharted: What/Who are we looking for?

(0:17:01) Building and nurturing relationships

(0:19:26) Getting pregnant with your work

(0:21:24) Keeping things open to interpretation based on people's own life experiences

(0:22:25) Creating art that resonates with you for years

(0:24:32) The elements of storytelling

(0:25:34) How far in history do you go back to call something traditional

(0:28:32) The importance of not getting complacent

(0:29:48) The process of getting to dance on a world stage

(0:31:08) Playing the dual roles of a dancer and choreographer

(0:32:50) The importance of working with a diverse set of dancers

(0:34:11) Wearing multiple hats: dancer, choreographer, artistic director

(0:36:21) Cross training: Kalari/Yoga/Contemporary Dance

(0:37:43) The meaning of Kathak sensibilities

(0:40:39) Giving a direction to your artistic endeavors

(0:42:16) Collecting thoughts, ideas, images

(0:44:38) Is time reversible: Timeless

(0:47:41) Using Rhythm to portray time

(0:51:55) How do you feel about being an inspiration

(0:56:19) Declining the National SNA award for creative/experimental work

(0:57:10) Portraying raw pain and anguish

(0:58:59) Having a responsibility as a dancer

(1:00:21) Double Standards

Vidushi Uma Dogra is one of the leading Kathak Exponent of India. She is the senior most Disciple of Late Guru Pt. Durga Lal ji of Jaipur Gharana. For her 50 years contribution in the field of Dance as Performer, Teacher , Choreographer and Author She has been conferred with

-Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award from Govt of India in 2014. -Sanskriti Maharashtra Rajikiye Puraskar 2008. -Gaurav Samman from Govt of Maharashtra 2016 . -Honorary Doctorate of Art from ITM University of Raipur 2016. -Honorary Member of Min-on Concert Association Japan for spreading Peace and Happiness through Dance.

She is founder and Managing Trustee of Samved Society for Performing Arts. Under its banner from the last 32 years She organises 2 Major Festivals to promote Art and Artists. Pt. Durgalal Festival of Dance and Music. Raindrops Festival of Indian classical Dance.

Uma ji has written a book "IN Praise of Kathak" Many Articles on Dance which has published in Megzine of Sangeet Natak Akademi and other publication. She had made a film on her guru

"Nirwana through Dance '' Pt. Durgalal "

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

(0:03:02) Hosting the 32nd Pt Durgalal Festival post pandemic

(0:07:41) Being an artist vs being a dancer?

(0:08:52) The importance of appreciating dance,music and paintings

(0:11:55) How painting relates to dance

(0:14:17) Arranging platforms for dancers

(0:20:53) How Uma ji became fearless in the pursuit of arstistic excellence

(0:23:40) How should artists determine their worth

(0:26:38) Issues that come up when artists become organizers

(0:28:07) Younger artists having to pay to perform

(0:28:37) A rule of thumb for artists to determine their pay, based on the renumeration of the musicians

(0:38:52) Thoughts on getting mentorship from other gurus

(0:42:32) How Uma ji portrayed the Khandita Nayika differently

(0:45:54) How you teach differently than how you were taught

(0:50:21) The importance of appreciating yourself for a dancer

(0:51:53) Future projects

(0:57:01) Sharing information freely with everyone

(0:58:01) Working for animal activism

(1:01:52) Urge to senior artists to promote younger dancers/next generation artists

Urja Thakore (@urja76) • Instagram photos and videos

Urja Desai Thakore is one of the UK’s leading kathak practitioners, who studied under the guidance of Kumudini Lakhia at Kadamb, Ahmedabad for over 20 years. Urja then read a BA in Kathak from Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Maha Vidyalaya. She has also completed a MA in South Asian Dance with Choreography from the University of Roehampton. A graceful and emotive dancer, Urja is renowned for her love of abhinaya, subtle movements and technical strength. Furthermore, her sensitive, thought-provoking choreographic style is highly regarded by both traditionalists and modernists alike. In 2007, Urja co-choreographed Akademi’s Bells for the Trafalgar Square Festival, an outdoor dance spectacle that brought together international talents from the UK, India and Belgium. She was also assistant choreographer to Kumudini Lakhia for the Swapnagata Festival curated by Akram Khan at Sadler’s Wells in 2009. In 2012, Urja was appointed Artistic Director of the first dance festival in Milton Keynes. With the launch of the BBC Young Dancer competition in 2015, Urja was selected as the Guest Choreographer for the South Asian dance category soloist. Another major passion for Urja within her practice is teaching, something that she has become extensively experienced in over the past 20 years, and has supported her standing as an ISTD Committee Member. Furthermore, viewed as an active advocator and future industry leader for the dance sector, Urja was selected as one of 20 artists for the One Dance UK’s Mentoring Programme in 2015.

Show Highlights

(0:02:59) History behind Kattam Katti: Urja di's signature production

(0:07:36) Musicians being part of the choreography

(0:11:14) Getting musicians to move on stage

(0:13:48) Incorporating new choreographic elements to dance: The R&D Process

(0:18:28) The process of editing the production as needed

(0:19:41) Choreographing for the Britain Symphony

(0:20:50) How is choreographing for an Opera different

(0:22:49) How the perception of future projects affects your outlook

(0:25:19) How much background info is needed for an audience to appreciate dance

(0:37:13) The importance of making each other look good on stage

(0:38:40) Starting out on your own in the UK

Kathak Dance : Prajakta Raj (Atre) - YouTube

Prajakta Atre (@prajakta_atre_3) • Instagram photos and videos

Groomed by stalwarts like the late Guru Dr. Rohini Bhate and Guru Roshan Datye, Prajakta Raj is an accomplished Kathak danseuse and a well-known name in this field today. Prajakta, who was trained for 14 years by Guru Roshan Datye, received advanced training from late Guru Dr. Rohini Bhate from 1996 to 2008 at the renowned Nrityabharati Kathak Dance Academy in Pune. Besides completing the Senior Diploma course at Nrityabharati, she has also obtained a Master's Degree in Kathak from the Centre for Performing Arts (Lalit Kala Kendra), Pune University. Prajakta has also successfully proved her mettle as an able dance teacher since 1992. Presently she is working as a Guru and Examiner at the Lalit Kala Kendra of Pune University. As a small contribution to the institution that made her a dancer, she has been working as an Honorary Teacher and Secretary at Nrityabharati Kathak Dance Academy since 2006. She is also the Founder-Director of Aarohini Kathak Dance Academy and the Director of Aarohini Art Welfare Organisation, a non-profit organisation, dedicated to the promotion of Kathak and other art forms. Aarohini celebrated its Silver Jubilee Year from June 2016 to June 2017 by successfully organizing 7 grand stage performances and 1 O Enrichment Sessions throughout the year. A multi-faceted personality, Prajakta also has a Master's Degree in French from Pune University and is a lecturer of French

Show Highlights

(0:04:09) Non negotiables for your own dance space

(0:10:55) Connection with Guru Rohini Bhate ji

(0:13:52) Doing Riyaz with a sense of responsibility

(0:16:02) Learning values and life skills from her gurus and passing it on

(0:20:46) What tradition means to Prajakta Tai

(0:23:09) Why it's important to preserve the compositions passed down by her guru

(0:23:56) How tradition is like a river

(0:27:49) How do you teach differently than how you were taught

(0:29:50) implementing new techniques on

(0:30:47) How to make your wrists more fluid

(0:33:59) How teaching makes you a better dancer

(0:49:36) Developing patience vs having it inherently

(0:54:38) Bonding with your students outside of class

(0:56:03) The logistics of touring abroad for performances

(1:03:08) Making friends and well wishers through travel

(1:04:18) memorable performances and anecdotes

(1:06:53) The importance of being ready with what you've been taught

(1:11:41) The feeling of being recognized by people you've never met before

Abhimanyu Lal, son and disciple of renowned guru and SNA Awardee Smt. Geetanjali Lal is recognized as one of the most accomplished Kathak dancers. The splendor of his brilliant solo performance has earned him applause both in India and other parts of the world. Hailed as a bright star in the firmament of Kathak, Abhimanyu has received acclaim as a dazzling dancer by the media and connoisseurs of arts. He has been awarded Shri Krishana Gana Sabha Endowment Award and Nritya Jayantika Award.

Presently Abhimanyu Lal is teaching Kathak as Varishtha Kathak Prashikshak in National Institute of Kathak Dance, Kathak Kendra, New Delhi

Abhimanyu Lal (@abhimanyu__lal) • Instagram photos and videos

(0:01:41) Dancing with your students at class

(0:04:06) Rituals in Riaaz

(0:05:23) Tips to doing footwork for longer

(0:06:46) The importance of improvisation in Upaj

(0:09:48) The importance of having a good foundation

(0:12:03) Who do you like to work with

(0:14:24) Performing at good and bad venues

(0:16:45) Rituals before going on stage

(0:18:11) Deciding the repertoire based on audience

(0:20:11) How to guage the mood of an audience

(0:21:09) Memorable performances

(0:23:16) Managing language barriers

(0:24:27) Playing drums and relating it to Kathak

(0:26:17) Preparing students to be independent

(0:27:36) Giving Challenges to students on stage

(0:28:50) Difference between how you were taught and how you teach

(0:31:48) Encouraging students to practice

(0:33:15) accomodating students of all levels in workshops

(0:35:38) Teaching how to communicate with the audience

(0:39:43) working with school students

(0:41:56) Legac

I started learning Kathak at the age of 5 year old.

I received the foundation training from Asha Dedhulkar, Disciple of Gopi Krishnaji, Benaras Gharana.  After his death, I continued my journey in Kathak under the guidance of Dr. Rajeshri Shirke, Lucknow Gharana I have been a student of Kathak for over 20 years now. I was a recipient of the Jawahar Bal Bhavan award and have received  multiple opportunities to learn from some of the Legends of kathak in India and the US. I continue my learning in the US, under mentorship of Archana Joglekar.

In the US, I have been collaborating, choreographing with Performing artists for the last 15 years. 

(0:01:23) Kathak as a form of expression

(0:06:26) When do students begin to express themselves through dance?

(0:13:06) Kathak Training

(0:16:13) What are you learning these days

(0:17:43) Keeping children engaged in class

(0:19:53) Revisiting old pieces

(0:23:02) The mindset of a good student

(0:25:35) Stories of collaborations

(0:30:06) What to look for in collaborators

(0:31:25) Stories from the stage/behind the scenes

(0:36:11) Connecting with people on a deeper level

(0:37:36) Support system and network

(0:39:28) Which causes speak to you?

(0:41:31) Teaching style and practice

(0:48:01) Teaching mathematics through Kathak

(0:48:55) Future Projects

As the founder and principal of Indianica Academy, Mrs. Padma Khanna Sidana continues her pursuit of reaching out to the youth and members of the Indian community in the United States and beyond. Every year since its inception Indianica Academy presents their annual cultural show titled Chamakte Sitaaray (Shining Stars) where the students showcase their knowledge of Kathak and folk dances of India. Her history making endeavors have been fruitful and reaped benefits for everyone involved.

Hailing from the cultural city of Varanasi (Banaras) Mrs. Padma Khanna Sidana began her journey as a student of Kathak at the tender age of 7. As an exponent of Kathak at a very young age she performed on stage as one of the youngest known stage artists of her time. Her mother once revealed that in her deep sleep PADMA’S feet used to tap and keep moving in dance rhythm. She learnt Advanced KATHAK DANCE from Padmashri Gopi Krishna, whose talent of KATHAK is acclaimed and appreciated like Pundit Ravi Shankar’s in Sitar. Padmaji’s arrival to Mumbai (Bombay) she was welcomed with open arms by Indian Movie Industry (Bollywood). For more than one decade, she was known as “Dancing Queen Of Indian Cinema”. She acted in more than 300 movies in all regional languages of India. Few to mention are “‘Saaz Aur Awaaz, Biwi Aur Makaan, Johnny Mera Naam, Raahgeer, Baharon Ke Sapne, Anhonee, Dastan, Rampur Ka Lakshman, Saudagar, Maaie, Hamaar-Bhauji’ and many more. One of her most popular TV series is ‘RAMAYAN”, in which she played the pivotal, outstanding and memorable role of “Kaikeyi”. It is a matter of great pleasure for us today to have a versatile and veteran artist like Padmaji among us.

Show Highlights

(0:04:19) Learning with Pt Gopi Krishna

(0:11:06) Beginnings of Indianica Academy in the US

(0:18:33) Support systems in the US

(0:22:27) Teaching at Indianica Academy

(0:26:18) When do students start taking dance seriously

(0:30:33) The mindset of a dancer

(0:31:40) The sequence of Riyaz

(0:35:36) Adding variations to Tatkaar for longer riyaz sessions

(0:39:12) Memorable performances

(0:43:31) Story of how a student stayed in touch

(0:45:43) Portrayal of kathak in bollywood over the years

(0:48:52) Padmja ji's take on what is Kathak and what is semi-classical

(0:50:42) On stage vs on screen personalities

(0:53:23) Acting in Movies, and Kathak Abhinaya

(0:55:19) Future projects

Instagram

Sojugada Sooju Mallige | Mahadeva | Dance Cover | Bengaluru - YouTube

Varsha is a multifaceted Kathak dancer, a known instructor, performer and choreographer with over 20 years of dancing experience. Despite her diverse interest in Psychology, dance and movement therapy, Varsha continued to focus mainly on Kathak, earning recognition and popularising the dance form at home and other countries like Netherland, Germany, Switzerland, Dubai, Srilanka and many more. In 2018 she opened her own studio “Kalaagram art and wellness centre Pvt.Ltd.” in Bangalore and in 2020 she founded “Kalaagram Dance Gurukul” in Goa, a cozy dance haven built from upcycled sustainable materials. This foundation aimed to preserve and popularize kathak to the underprivileged. She has been awarded the dancing flair in Mumbai,2012. Varsha's expertise is not only limited to Kathak but also in therapeutic dance practices, healing, meditation and counselling psychology.

Show Highlights

(0:02:26) Building your own studio

(0:11:04) The DIY mentality

(0:12:38) Teaching Russian, Konkani, Marathi Students

(0:14:33) Starting classes in Goa

(0:19:00) Music and Dance in Goa

(0:21:23) Teaching storytelling to students

(0:22:12) The meditative nature of Kathak

(0:26:02) Work with side trance music

(0:28:11) Adapting movements to shooting with a drone

(0:29:35) how are kids benefiting from learning dance

(0:30:50) dance and psychology

(0:34:00) Drawing the line betweeen being empathetic and their therapist

(0:35:30) Dance and Yoga Retreat: Samudra

(0:40:08) Memorable performances: Dancing in a temple

(0:41:33) Tips on being independent

Minhaz Khan (@minhazkhanofficial) • Instagram photos and videos

Minhaz Khan is a senior most repertory member of Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company – The Drishtikon Dance Foundation. He started performing at an early age of five at Guru Purnima Mahotsav in Pune and trained under the eminent gurus in the field of art and culture since then from Pt. Rajendra Gangani, Ustad Zafar Mullah Khan and Shri Afsar Zafar Mullah Khan. Minhaz is well known in the Classical field in India. His flawless footwork, speedy pirouettes, graceful movements add subtle abhinaya has impressed connoisseurs and critics alike. He has also worked as an independent choreographer and has taken Kathak workshops in India, Europe and most recent in SIFAS- Singapore Indian Fine Art Society, Singapore in 2019 where he not only took workshop in Banaras gharana but also performed. Minhaz’s talent extends from Kathak to instruments in Tabla and Pakhawaj. Apart from Kathak he also does creative dance.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

(0:02:40) Tabla, Pakhawaj, and Kathak

(0:06:52) How do you plan to teach?

(0:07:45) Encouraging students to practice

(0:10:46) Keeping a balance

(0:13:01) Productions: Within and interrupter

(0:13:54) Auditioning for Drishtikon

(0:14:51) Dancing blindfolded

(0:18:55) What are classes at Drishtikon like

(0:22:46) Being ready for anything: Taiyari

(0:25:29) Being open with your colleagues

(0:28:01) Keeping an active repertoire

(0:29:16) What makes for a good team member in a dance company?

(0:33:57) How lights are used in a dance production

(0:37:56) How is a light sequence written down?

(0:39:10) Solo/Collaborative work

(0:44:09) When to start exploring new movements

(0:46:33) Watching other dancers

(0:47:36) The influence of traveling on dancer

(0:52:13) Examples of the different audiences in every country

(0:55:10) Incorporating movements from other dance forms

(0:57:18) Upcoming projects

Episode Notes

Notes go here

Deepali Vichare (@deepalivichare) • Instagram photos and videos

Bio Deepali Vichare is the founder/director of Aarat Dance Academy, which completes 25 years in 2022. Furthermore, With two decades of experience in dance choreography for over 85+ films & numerous events, her vision is to spread the dance art worldwide & grow together

Show Highlights

(0:06:15) The value of putting in time into classical arts

(0:01:54) Setting boundaries for yourself

(0:14:41) Starting online classes with new students

(0:19:39) What goes on behind the scenes in a choreography

(0:22:27) How do you teach differently than how you were taught

(0:34:55) Recent Creations: Staging Frames and Tridhaara

(0:42:29) Learning and compartmentalizing different dance forms

(0:51:00) Insights into doing effective Riyaz

(0:53:38) The need to appreciate and offer feedback to fellow artists

(0:56:16) The importance of trying

(1:00:59) Future Projects

Intro Music Credit: Bansure Raga | Doug Maxwell

BIO

Neha Seshadrinath is an innovative and versatile performer of Indian classical dance forms. Her passion for the arts is palpable in her elegantly crafted performances. She has been trained in Kathak and Bharatanatyam under the tutelage of Smt. Nirupama and Shri T. D. Rajendra of Abhinava Dance Company (ADC) for over 18 years. She has also been trained in Natya Shastra under the guidance of her guru Smt. Nirupama Rajendra.

She has worked as a principal dancer and a faculty member at ADC and has performed at a number of prestigious festivals and events throughout India and abroad like the USA, UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, China, Bahrain and South Africa. She has worked with other dance companies such as Sampradaya Dance Company, Canada and also in a production by Smt. Kumudini Lakhia ji which was featured in Russia.

Neha is also a successful solo performer in her own right. She is a graded artist of Doordarshan. She is also the recipient of the Young Artist Scholarship, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India and also an empanelled artist of Indian Council for Cultural Relations. She also holds a Masters degree in Psycho-social counseling and Rehabilitation. She is currently living in Czech Republic and continuing her passion for dance through conducting classes, workshops and also through performances.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

(0:01:09) The concept of Karunas

(0:08:22) The importance of having a strong core

(0:13:52) How stamina is affected by consistency

(0:15:17) How do you teach differently than how you were taught

(0:19:09) Drawing the line between being compassionate and being a therapist

(0:21:06) Finding more lullabies with girls in it

(0:22:34) Creative process

(0:25:17) memories from her first performances

(0:26:16) How being in Karnataka influenced Neha's kathak practice

(0:29:45) Working with Abhinava dance company

(0:32:35) Doing both Kathak and Bharatnatyam

(0:35:33) Connection with Gurus

(0:43:32) Spreading awareness about Kathak

Anurekha Ghosh (@anurekhaghosh) • Instagram photos and videos

Anurekha Ghosh Dance World - YouTube

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

(0:02:34) Moving to India from UK

(0:06:56) Transitioning to working and learning in India

(0:17:42) How do you perform for a learned audience

(0:14:17) Doing Kathak away from Delhi

(0:16:26) Kathak in Kolkata

(0:18:53) How have your productions evolved over time?

(0:21:49) The wish to start presenting more traditional work

(0:25:18) Dealing with conflicts during collaborations

(0:27:07) Handling ticket sales/costs/logistics

(0:29:53) The evolution of tradition

(0:32:08) Doing camera based work

(0:40:33) Impact and Legacy

BIO

Anurekha Ghosh is one of the finest internationally acclaimed BBC award-winning Indian Classical Kathak dancers. Her technique and style is a combination of “tradition and modernity”. She has shown her excellence in Choreography be it in the classical or contemporary genre.

She has been trained in classical Kathak dance, specializing in the Lucknow Gharana since her childhood under the guidance of Smt. Meera Majumdar and Smt. Mousumi Sen in Calcutta. Anurekha moved to the United Kingdom in 1992 and took further training in Kathak with Guru Pratap Pawar. She received extensive training under the renowned Kathak exponent Nahid Siddiqui from Pakistan. She received advanced ‘talim’ from Tabla exponent Pt. Dinanath Mishra of Benaras Gharana. She is fortunate to receive in-depth guidance and ‘talim’ from the finest Kathak exponent and Guru Smt. Durga Arya.

She learnt the art of Kalaripayattu, a South Indian Martial Arts at CVN Kalari, Kerala. She has trained in vocal music from Smt. Swagatalakshmi Dasgupta in Kolkata. Anurekha has performed in the major theatres and Festivals all over the world as a soloist or with her company productions. She has performed in USA, Canada, all over Europe, India, Estonia, Japan, Pakistan, Indonesia and the UK including Royal Opera House, London, South Bank Centre, London, Edinburgh Fringe Festival Madission Square Gardens New York, Festival of FEZ, Morocco (sharing the stage as a soloist with Pandit Ravi Shankar and Anouska Shankar) and Edinburgh International Festival, Scotland, New York Kathak Festival, USA, DancElation Festival, USA, Vande Mataram Dance Festival organized by Sangeet Natak Academy, New Delhi to name a few. She has choreographed and created many classical and contemporary productions for her company: Anurekha Ghosh and Company.

Anurekha received the awards for Arts & culture category presented by the Asian women Achievement Awards in collaboration with BBC, The Lisa Ullman Scholarship for Dance and Movement, the Best choreographer for The Place Choreodrome at The Place Dance Theatre UK, Nritya Shiromani, Naatyasaaradhi, Natya Damru, “Tujhe Salaam” by ILEAD (Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata), Nritha Vilasini, REX KARMAVEER fellowship from ICONGO instituted by United Nations, Amravati award, Pandit Arjun Mishra award and Padmavati award, Kala Bhushan award to name a few.

Anurekha collaborated with internationally renowned choreographers like Padmashree Kumudini Lakhia, Akram Khan (UK), Nahid Siddiqui (Pakistan/UK), Shobana Jeyasingh (UK), Mark Baldwin (UK), Andre Gingras (Holland), Héla Fattoumi and Eric Lamoureux, Via Dance Company, France. She has danced in the Michael Howell film “FRANKENSTEIN” choreographed by Mark Baldwin, screened on BBC. Her performance is also featured in the film THE SUFI WORLD. She has given many performances on BBC, Channel 4, French Television, and Indian Television. Anurekha shares her time in India and the west, teaching classical Kathak to aspiring students across the world, She has been conducting dance workshops and master-classes in Primary and Secondary schools, Special Needs schools, Performing Arts colleges and University all across the globe. She has been imparting classical Kathak dance training in intensive retreats attended by students from various parts of the world.

Intro Music Credit: Bansure Raga | Doug Maxwell

EPISODE LINKS

Sonia Sabri Company (@soniasabrico) • Instagram photos and videos

Sonia Sabri Company (ssco.org.uk)

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

(0:02:03) 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony

(0:03:54) A Camp for Kathak

(0:08:11) Catering to varying experience levels of dance

(0:12:11) How do you teach differently compared to how you were taught

(0:18:54) The issue of students dropping out of Kathak in high school

(0:27:06) Outreach and Education: Teaching audiences about dance

(0:35:01) Making your content specific to your audience

(0:39:38) What does it mean to collaborate?

(0:49:02) Building relationships with dancers

(0:56:02) Hiring dancers for Sonia Sabri Dance Company

(1:04:34) Performing kathak for 10,000 people: WOMAD

(1:06:47) How would you like to be remembered?

BIO

She also runs Kathakaars, a creative forum for aspiring dancers providing vocational training and offering a range of performance and choreographic opportunities to create a legacy of high quality artists Sonia Sabri is UK’s leading Kathak dancer, amongst the brightest and most inspirational of British born dancer-choreographers working in the twenty-first century. Creating work that spans from the presentation of classical roots of Kathak to explorations of contemporary approaches, her productions reflect an appreciation of Western and Eastern cultures. She has created a fresh, unique style of Kathak by reinventing it from within, by pushing boundaries and generating work that is original in concept and exciting and relevant to today’s audiences. As a dance artist, she is acclaimed for her enchanting stage presence, grace and musicality that enthral audiences both nationally and globally.

She has secured an international reputation for collaboration across dance styles and art forms including work with pioneers Sarvar Sabri, Arlene Phillips CBE, Sir Trevor Nunn, Richard Alston, Lea Anderson, Shobana Jeyasingh, Nitin Sawhney, Rose English, Jonzi D, Jatinder Verma to mention a few. As well as touring with work created in Britain across the world she has been supported and commissioned by UKTI and British Council and independent bodies to create new work and lead meaningful learning and participatory projects. One of many highlights include her work in the Emirates touring with Kathakbox; leading movement based workshops and residencies for women only groups and especially from orthodox backgrounds; residencies with children with learning difficulties, and creation of new dance and live music works with girls. Sonia is the first female artist and female led dance company to have toured the Emirates and other parts of the Middle east.

Sonia’s art is the seed of all her outreach work in the community for different groups including women, young people and children, mothers and daughters, young families, elderly people through to working with women of mental and health concerns many of which referred by GPs. Some examples include working with women in some of the deprived areas in the country using movement and music as a way to share their personal experiences as a way of therapy. Providing a safe environment, emotive language of art and with Sonia’s sensitive and sympathetic nature (derived from her personal experiences), women unveiled their inner most thoughts, challenges, concerns and broken dreams. Through carefully considered and bespoke arts programmes, residencies and workshops, Sonia has enabled many women to transform their lives. Some examples include - many have gone into education; have built confidence to communicate with their families about their inner most feelings / concerns which otherwise they feared to voice; change their lifestyle towards positive mental and physical health; build friendship circles to empower other women. Some who had lifelong dream to dance, sing, or play an instrument were provided a platform to do so and have now gone on to seek vocational training to develop their talent with some now performing in community and professional settings.

Sonia has also trained library workers in community libraries and in health centres how to use the toolkit of Kathak dance and offer emotional and physical wellbeing, build child and parent relationships, and approaches to communicate with women of culturally sensitive backgrounds who often felt detached from main stream society. Where ever Sonia has delivered and continues to deliver these programmes, there is a legacy of empowered women who are now helping other underrepresented women.  Sonia works with women and girls of all backgrounds and experiences and many are from the muslim community. She is considered a role model nationally and not exclusively for the South Asian community given the ground-breaking work she has developed through her artistic practice. There are very few women of her faith and cultural heritage and a proud British Indian leading the way for the future generation. In addition, Sonia is a teacher of Kathak and regularly undertakes various workshops, lecture- demonstrations and residencies in both national and international venues. She is accredited by the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). Recently she was commissioned by BBC Young Dancer 2017 as one of the mentors and choreographers for the grand finals.

(0:01:49) Current Trends in Kathak Research for Academia

(0:09:05) How Kathak has picked up movements from other dance forms

(0:10:47) The case for the Bengal Gharana

(0:23:16) spreading awareness on the Bengal Gharana

(0:25:23) How you choose a Taal

(0:30:59) Portrayal of Durga

(0:40:03) How poeple were affected by the portrayal

(0:44:31) How do you teach Abhinaya to your students

(0:48:22) The importance of formal education for a career in dance

(0:53:46) The 5 types of Student Interactions Amita di has

(1:08:27) How to make Kathak more accessible, and build an audience

EPISODE LINKS

Amita Dutt | Facebook

BIO

Amita Dutt, Uday Shankar Professor of Dance at Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata, has been serving the world of Kathak for more than three decades.

Groomed in the strictest classical traditions under Pdt. Birju Maharaj, Prof. Bela Arnab, Pdt. Vijay Shankar and other leading maestros of the premier Kathak gharanas, Amita dances with a hypnotic force and subtle sensitivity combining rhythmic virtuosity with delicate expressiveness, commendable, ‘taiyaari’ with mastery in ‘abhinayanga’. In her art we find a successful blend of tradition and talent, environmental totality as well as breathtaking dynamism. Her innovative, analytic mind has also constantly encouraged her to experiment with new ideas - thus expanding the boundaries of Kathak. Having her roots in Calcutta, Amita has performed far and wide across three continents. Among her innumerable dance recitals in prestigious dance and music festivals, mention may be made of the Khajuraho Dance Festival, the Konark Festival, Utsav Mahakaleshwar, Rajgir Mahotsav, the Biswa Banga Millennium Festival, the First South Asian Festival of SAARC Countries, the India Festival in USSR, the American Dance Festival, Uday Shankar Festival, Sarat Chandrika Festival, North American Bengali Conference, Nritya Nitya Utsav, the Young Choreographers Festival, Nir Mahal Tourism Festival, Bishnupur Tourism Festival, the India Festival at Singapore entitled Incredible India @ 60, China Kunming International Culture and Tourism Festival and many more. During the Autumn Festival of 1990 at Darjeeling, when the President of India, Sri R. Venkataraman, came as the Chief Guest, the Governor of West Bengal Prof. Nurul Hassan invited Amita to present her traditional dance and choreographic composition Durga. She also performed for the official government function for the Golden Jubilee of Indian Independence at Patna (1997).

During the visit of the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe to Kolkata, Amita performed in the lead with her University troupe in her own choreographic creations on Tagore’s songs. She has also popularized her dance by performing at academic conferences and institutions.

The Governor of Bengal Sri Narayanan invited her to present her dance before the King of Bhutan HM Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk at the Raj Bhavan Kolkata on October 5, 2010.

In addition to giving solo recitals, Amita has been experimenting with new choreographic patterns blending pure Kathak movements with popular songs and innovative themes and has staged a number of very successful choreographic productions including Durga, Chitra Jhankar, Nazrul nana Chande, Biswa Beena Robey, Bhanusingher Padavali, Geetanjali, East West Encounter, Nrityanajali, Joyodhwani, Amrapali, E ki Madhura Chanda, Swadesh, Mother, Celebrating Light, Dash Avatar, Celebrating Light, Varsha and Basant-Bahar.

She has given three recitals for the National Programme of Dance on Doordarshan. Her performances have also been telecast over various channels innumerable times both in India and abroad including USA, Germany, Hungary and the former USSR. Her interviews over the radio and the television in various parts of the world have spread the message of Kathak far and wide.

Besides being an excellent dancer Amita is also a brilliant student of English Literature and a Gold Medalist of the Calcutta University.

Her academic background has helped her to popularize her dance form through her prolific publications in major books and journals such as Bhakti in Indian Classical Dances (Bharatiya Bhasha Parishad), Desh Binodon 1987 (Special Issue on Dance), The Statesman Festival Number 1990, Special Independence Golden Jubilee Issue of Desh and Dance Specials of Nandan. Papers on major aspects of dance written by her have been published in various departmental Journals of Rabindra Bharati University and Gauhati University and in Rabindra Bharati University Convocation Volumes 2005 and 2006. Amita’s Kathak Mahotsav (monograph) was published by Kathak Kendra, New Delhi and she is a regular contributor to the dance sections of The Statesman, Aajkaal and Bartamaan and has written for The Hindustan Times, Sananda, Pratidin, Business Economics, Dainik Statesman, West Bengal and Paribartan. She is a regular columnist for Maashik Basumati with a special page – Prantik - assigned to her for each issue. She has written papers for innumerable journals of major Universities.

Her conference paper - The Resurgence of Indian Classical Dance in the Twentieth Century: Colonial Inheritance or Indigenous Self Fashioning? - presented at an international seminar of the Department of English, Calcutta University, has been published in the volume ‘Colonial and Post Colonial Perspectives: Context, Text, Intertext’. Edited by Krishna Sen & Tapati Gupta. (Published by Das Gupta and Co. Pvt. Ltd., Kolkata. 2007.) Her article Bhakti in Indian Dance features in the volume ‘Religion and Art’ edited by J.K.Sadani and published by Bharatiya Sahitya Samsad, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Kolkata. 2007.

Her contributions in cultural encyclopedias include ‘Some Indian Dance Forms: Kathaka, Bharata Natyam, Kuchipudi’ in Aesthetic Theories and Forms in Indian Tradition Vol. VI Part I (Ed.) Kapila Vatsayan & D.P.Chattopadhyaya - A Project of Indian Science, Philosophy and Culture, Centre for Studies in Civilization, New Delhi, 2009 and three sections: ‘Kathak Dance: Origin and Variations of Gharana’, ‘Technique of Kathak Dance’ and ‘Hasta Mudras in Indian Dance’ in Vol. VI Performing Arts in Indian Culture: Encyclopaedic Survey in Eight Volumes edited by Jaikishandas Sadani, Bharatiya Vidya Mandir, Jaipur & Kolkata, 2008.

Amita’s moving deliberations in seminars and conferences all over the world in academic conferences and other forums have helped to spread the message of her dance. The Tagore Festival at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, USA featured Amita as the Key-note Speaker (Tagore on Education) as well as the star performer (2004). The Peking University, Beijing, China invited her to perform on Tagore in their conference on “Understanding Tagore” (2010).

A dedicated teacher, Amita’s students include National and State Scholarship Awardees, University Gold Medalists and successful performers. Amita has been the research advisor of many research scholars including Fulbright scholars. As Artistic Director of Ananda Chandrika, an organization (with a Government Partnership) for research and productions on dance, Amita has choreographed and presented many innovative dance programs and documented many dance productions.

Amita has served as Judge and Member of the Jury in important national events such as National Kala Utsav organized by the NCERT, Ministry of Human Resource Development, in National competitions organized by the Ministry of Culture and Pdt. Birju Maharaj ji’s Kalashram and in state level competitions organized by the Ministries of Information & Culture and Sports & Youth Affairs, WB.

In an attempt to popularize and make available authentic training of Kathak all over the world, Amita has embarked on a program of teaching through the television and the web. She has been the Resource person for 36 episodes on Kathak covering the entire Bachelor of Performing Arts Foundation Course in Kathak as prescribed by the University Grants Commission and produced by the Educational Multi Media Research Centre, Kolkata, for the University Grants Commission - Consortium for Education Communication scheme. This project is still continuing with more episodes under preparation for the Bachelor of Performing Arts 2nd Year, 3rd Year and 4th Year Courses. These courses are available as CDs from the UGC-CEC office at Delhi and are telecast often on the Indian television Doordarshan National and UGC network and on the EMRC website. These programs have received citations in the 19TH UGC-CEC All India Educational Video Competition held at New Delhi in Oct-Nov 2007 in the categories Best Programme in E-content and Best Presenter / Anchor Person. Amita was awarded Lifetime Achievement Award by Prasar Bharti (Doordarshan) in November 2015. She has been the Head of the Department of Dance (2001-2003 & 2014) and the Dean of the Faculty Council of Undergraduate and Post Graduate Studies in Fine Arts (2006-2010) at Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata. Her associations with other major Universities as Resource Person, Expert, Visiting Fellow and Examiner include Visvabharati (Santiniketan), Indira Kala Sangit Vishwa Vidyalaya (Khairagarh), M.S.University (Baroda), Punjabi University (Patiala), Calcutta University, Banaras Hindua University, North Bengal University, Bhatkhande Music Institute Deemed University, Jadavpur University, Kalyani University, Tripura University, Bharatidasan University (Tiruchirapalli) and University of Burdwan. She has also given Lecture Demonstrations at various Universities in USA including the Universities of Arizona, Duke, Yale, Purdue, Ohio, Miami, Delaware, Fayetteville State, Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Tulsa and Central Florida. Amita has been teaching Online through the Massive Open Online Course titled Foundation Course in Kathak (June to December 2020, July to December 2021) and Junior Course in Kathak (January to June 2021) hosted on MHRD's SWAYAM portal with EMMRC, St. Xavier's College as the Regional Nodal Agency. These courses are supported by the Consortium for Education Communication (CEC) and the University Grants Commission (UGC). Amita was awarded the Shiksha Ratna Award for 2017 by the Government of West Bengal, Department of Education for her contribution to Higher Education and the Parul Shiksha Samman 2017 by the University of Calcutta. She was also awarded the Anupama Award 2017 for her contribution to Women's Empowerment by Turnstone Global.

She was invited by the Government of the United States to the prestigious American Dance Festival where she performed, taught in Master Classes and attended an Arts Management Course. Subsequently she has also contributed to her field as an organizer and manager. She was the Convener, Culture of the Bishwa Banga Millennium Festival and the Artistic Director of the Kathak Mahotsav 2000. She has also been the Coordinator for UGC Refresher Courses on Performing &Visual Arts at her University.

Amongst the innumerable awards and honours conferred on her, mention may be made of the titles of Singar Mani, Nritya Urvashi, Nritya Sagar, Nritya Jyoti and Nritya Bharati. She has been honoured at the North American Bengali Conference and the Mayor of Cincinnati, USA gave her the Keys to the City thereby making her an Honorary Citizen and also called that day, May 15, 1994, Amita Dutt Day. In November 2004 she received the Governor’s Commendation in recognition of her contribution to Art from Brad Henry, Governor of the State of Oklahoma, USA. On May 26, 2014, she was conferred the Uday Shankar Award – Lifetime Achievement Award for Dance - by the Government of West Bengal.

Always eager to serve society and the downtrodden, Amita has given innumerable performances for social service causes – both to create awareness and collect funds. She is an active member of the Rotary Club of Calcutta, having served in the capacities of Editor, Director and Chairperson. She is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow and is the wife of the Past District Governor of Rotary International, Dr. Amitava Mookerjee.

She is the Founder Director of the Performing Arts Therapy Centre at Rabindra Bharati University where research is conducted and training is given to serve the ailing and the impaired through dance, drama and music.

She has been the Chairman of the Special Cell for Women’s Issues at Rabindra Bharati University for five years and has taught on issues of Women’s Empowerment at various Universities and Institutes. She is the External Expert for Committees on “The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013” for several divisions of Indian Oil Corporation Limited and La Opala RG Ltd.

Scholar, choreographer, danseuse and professor, Amita’s main aim is to popularize her dance and she has never turned down an opportunity to spread the message of her art at home or abroad. She has given innumerable performances for academic institutions and conferences and social service causes.

Amita’s present passion is to establish the Bengal Gharana of Kathak. Over the last 150 years Kathak has become a part of the cultural heritage of Bengal. Innumerable performers, teachers and students of Kathak are spread all over the state. Amita wants to crystallize Bengal’s contribution to Kathak - which also features her Kathak creations - and lay the foundations of the Bengal Gharana of Kathak.

Vidha Lal - YouTube

Vidha Lal (@vidhalal) • Instagram photos and videos

Vidha LAL Kathak Exponent | Facebook

Show Highlights

(0:01:42) Sankalp: Promoting young dancers

(0:08:11) Aharyam: Jewelry for Kathak Dancers

(0:14:34) The wait for the Bismillah Khan Yuva Puruskar

(0:17:21) The importance of people vouching for you

(0:20:14) How the reach of youtube is bigger than other social media avenues

(0:21:57) Adapting to different audiences across the world

(0:25:50) What kind of organizers do you like to work with?

(0:28:53) Stories from backstage: The case of the missing ghungroo

(0:36:31) Pre Stage Rituals

(0:38:09) Who to rely on to get feedback from?

(0:40:49) The importance of being your own person

(0:44:14) Riyaz Rituals: Using an Agarbatti

(0:47:13) Guiness World Record

Bio

Vidha lal, a multi-faceted Kathak exponent is a disciple of renowned guru and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee guru Smt. Geetanjali Lal of Jaipur Gharana. Vidha holds a masters degree with distinction and gold medalist from Indira Kala sangeet Vishwavidalaya , Khairagarh, Chattisgarh. She has completed her diploma hons (11 years training), from the National Institute of Lathak, New Delhi in the year 2000 and also a merit scholarship holder of Kathak Kendra, New Delhi. She is a graduate from Lady Shri Ram College for Women, New Delhi. Vidha is an empanelled artist of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and ‘A’ graded artist from Delhi Doordarshan. She has Performed in many prestigious festivals in India and abroad including Khajuraho dance festival, Nishagandhi festival, Milap Fest Liverpool , Dance India Asiad Pacific Singapore, Sydney Dance Festival Australia.

Mansi Khosla’s dance journey began at the age of 4 in Nairobi, Kenya, when she started learning Bharatnatyam under the tutelage of Kamini Thakkar. She completed her training and arangetram in 1997. In 1998, Mansi became a student of Pali Ji Pali Chandra Kathak in London. Her journey is still continuing today, not just through her dance and relationships, but also through her 3 blessings, her daughters, who are also now, a part of this beautiful legacy

Episode Links

Show Highlights

(0:03:10) Dance as an expression

(0:09:48) Creating an environment of freedom

(0:12:57) Process of creation

(0:21:07) Being a dancer and a mother to dancers

(0:25:57) Returning after a sabbatical

(0:28:28) What was it like to be away from the stage?

(0:31:23) The importance of having the right support system

(0:35:20) Most memorable performance

(0:41:18) The humanity of dance

(0:45:10) Relationship with Pali Chandra ji

(0:53:17) Strengths and weaknesses of today's dancers

(0:59:24) Riyaz Rituals

Into music credit: Bansure Raga by Doug Maxwell

EPISODE LINKS

Cyenthia Vijayakumar (@cyenthia.kathak) • Instagram photos and videos

Cyenthia Vijayakumar - YouTube

BIO

Cyenthia Vijayakumar is a Kathak dancer from Milwaukee. She has undergone her training in Lucknow gharana from Guru Murari Sharan Gupta and Guru Hari and Chetna. She is currently undergoing her training under Guru Sujata Banerjee from London. She founded Aarambh Kathak Dance School in 2019 in Milwaukee to spread this art form to a diverse group of people in Milwaukee.

She believes that Riyaz/practice is a key to make progress in any kind of Indian Classical artform be it dance or music. Practice is a continuous process that should not stop at any point in time. Practice evolves you as a dancer and as an individual helping you move towards the path of perfection and progress. Anything can be achieved if a dancer has the right kind of guidance from a Guru and the right practice techniques. “Never ever give up on whatever you love to do! Good dancers are not born talented. They have been taught and trained and pursued practicing without giving up” is what she believes in.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

(0:01:51) Creative Process

(0:08:46) The importance of making movements your own

(0:13:13) Becoming the characters you portray

(0:17:49) Who do you go to for feedback?

(0:19:53) How do take the audience into account for performances

(0:27:14) Community support in Wisconsin

(0:34:37) Most memorable performance

(0:38:41) Teaching at Aarambh

(0:43:55) How do you teach differently from how you've been taught?

(0:46:39) the consequences of being strict

(0:49:29) Improving over time

(0:54:37) When is something considered good to showcase

(0:57:35) Teaching and Lecture Demonstrations

(1:03:21) When dancers from another style start learning Kathak

BIO

Prachee started learning Kathak with her Guru Asha Joglekar at the age of 6. She continued learning under her guru's tutelage for over 15 years, meanwhile attending workshops by Pandit Birju Mahrajji, Rajendra Gangani ji, Rohini Bhate ji and others in Mumbai and Pune areas. She won several competitions, and was also awarded the All India dance scholarship under 18 by the Govt. of India, Ministry of Culture. After a break of about 9 years, as Prachee pursued her IT career aspirations both in India and USA, Prachee continued to learn under the guidance of Guru Rita Mustaphi ji, in USA Minnesota. She is a company intern at Katha Dance Theater, and has performed in their internationally acclaimed dance drama, Karna - The Abandoned Hero (a blend of Kathak dance and Gospel music). Prachee is also a 2020 IndianRaga fellow

A passionate dancer, a loving mother of two young girls, and an ambitious IT professional, Prachee continues to perform, teach and learn Kathak in and around Columbus, Indiana.

EPISODE LINKS

Prachee Palekar (@pracheepalekar.kathak) • Instagram photos and videos

SHOW HiGHLIGHTS

(0:47:58) The meaning of being senior

(0:48:55) Kathak in the Midwest: future projections

(0:01:41) How a career in IT carries over to Kathak, and vice versa

(0:09:54) Recent performances in Indiana

(0:11:24) Kathak before and after motherhood

(0:15:48) Finding time for riyaz while managing parental responsibilities

(0:19:26) Dancing on rough cement floors

(0:20:41) How your kids respond to your dance

(0:22:43) What happens in the hours before a performance?

(0:23:19) Striving for perfection

(0:27:22) Returning to Kathak after motherhood

(0:33:24) What progression looks like when coming back after a break

(0:36:27) Work with katha Dance Theater

(0:40:43) Teaching older adults

(0:44:08) The Responsibility of teaching

Title Track Audio Credit: Doug Maxwell | Bansure Raga

Episode Links

Kalpana Subbarao – Dance is the language of her soul (wordpress.com)

Kalpana Subbarao - YouTube

Kalpana Subbarao (@kalpanasubbarao) • Instagram photos and videos

Bio

Kalpana Subbarao is an artist with over 20 years experience in Indian classical dance forms, Kathak and Bharatanatyam. As a 2018-2019 Artist in Residence for Dance Source Houston, she produced a collaborative show on Kathak-Flamenco with 7 other artists from Houston. In 2021, she extended this work with an original new piece titled Ritmo Zindagi that premiered at the Miller Outdoor Theater. She has been a solo artist at the Barnstorm Dance Festival. She is a certified Teaching Artist through Young Audiences of Houston/University of Houston. She studied Bharatanatyam in a traditional setting in India. A recipient of a 3-year scholarship from the Sangeet Nritya Academy, she holds the 1st rank in the Senior and Vidwat (Proficiency) exams. Currently, she practices Kathak and is a disciple of Pandit Sontosh Kumar Chatterjee for the past 9 years. She is a student of rhythm with Pandit Divyang Vakil for the past 2 years. In 2021, she completed a 15-day workshop on Navarasa Sadhana, a system of acting methodology for dancers, conducted by Guru G. Venu. She has performed in USA, India and Malaysia. She has conceptualized, co-created, co-choreographed and directed an evening-length production of Kathak-Flamenco, A Celebration of Cultures. As a choreographer, she showcased her work, Beloved, at the Mind The Gap show in 2017. She was the lead choreographer for Kathak in Silambam Houston Dance Company’s production, Kāvya: Poetry in Motion staged at Miller Outdoor Theater (2018) and MATCH (2017) in Houston. Kalpana teaches Kathak for Silambam Houston at their Pearland and Heights locations. She has a Master’s degree in Computer Science from University of Houston and has previously worked as an engineer.

Show Highlights

(0:02:30) Getting back on stage after a year

(0:04:26) Kathak in Houston

(0:06:06) Kathak Flamenco collaboration

(0:12:47) What do you look for in youur collaborators

(0:21:53) Being Friends outside of collaborations

(0:24:09) how taalvidya has changed the way you see dance

(0:25:45) Doing online classes pre-pandemic

(0:33:37) Transitioning from Bharatnatyam to Kathak

(0:37:21) How do you teach differently?

(0:48:59) Restarting after a long gap

(0:54:24) Future projects

Title Track Audio Credit: Doug Maxwell | Bansure Raga

BIO

I am a Kathak enthusiast. I started learning Kathak dance at a tender age in Banaras, U.P., India. I started my training under the tutelage of Dr. Purnima Pandey and continued with Smt. Manju Shukla at Banasthali Vidyapeeth Rajasthan. Both Dr. Pandey and Smt. Shukla are disciples of Sri Mohanrao Kalyanpurkar who was a disciple of Pandit Shambhu Maharaj.

Currently, I teach Kathak dance in Central New York. My students are of all ages, ranging from three to seventy years of age. I find teaching Kathak to be an ideal mechanism to instill confidence and a sense of purpose amongst my students.

EPISODE LINKS

https://www.instagram.com/anjanidanceacademy/

https://www.seemakathak.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnucbiE1kf9Lh0k9gH1FteQ

https://www.facebook.com/seemakathak

SHOW OUTLINE

(0:01:41) Building an audience for Kathak

(0:07:46) Cultivating an interest in Kathak for students interested in Bollywood dance

(0:11:45) Community Involvement

(0:16:21) How to connect with people

(0:20:30) The personality traits obtained from being a performer

(0:25:09) How do you teach differently from how you were taught?

(0:28:28) Encouranging students to practice?

(0:32:31) Benefits of the ISTD Syllabus for Kathak

(0:36:57) What are you learning these days?

(0:39:58) Memorable moments with Anjani Academy

(0:42:04) Dance and Spirituality

Title Track Audio Credit: Doug Maxwell | Bansure Raga

An experienced Human Resources professional and a dedicated Art Enthusiast, I am the Director, Gurukul Studios. I spearhead all the Projects at Gurukul. I bring to the table, strong corporate and business experience of aviation industry with companies like Cathay Pacific and Emirates.

At Gurukul, I have established distinct methodologies and fair business practices with a vision to be a culturally rooted yet progressive dance organisation! It is currently one of the leading Indian classical dance academy in the Middle East with branches in India and Switzerland.

I have made path-breaking forays into the Dubai Academia and taken Gurukul Art Outreach Programs to several academic and art forums. Gurukul Dubai, works closely with GEMS Modern Academy and other leading schools in the region. As a conscious decision of our Corporate Social Responsibility policy, we worked with specially abled students on SNF, Dubai and Al Noor.

Gurukul Dubai was established by Pali Chandra and me, in 2007. We provide quality and classical dance education to more than 350 students in Dubai, and have started operations in Zurich and Bangalore (India). We are true practitioners of Indian Classical Dance syllabus of ISTD, UK , and strongly believe, that internationally it is one of the the most compatible syllabi. We have been holding ISTD exams annually since 2012 and have enabled and supported approximately 74 in 2012, 91 in 2013, 128 in 2014, 127 in 2015,165 in 2016 and 205 in 2017. Whilst the numbers speak of the popularity and acceptance of the syllabus through us, we at Gurukul have ensured quality education and hence the results. We adhere to the syllabus guidelines for all levels from CEP to Grade 6, with a focus on ISTD safe dance practices.

Many workshops by visiting faculty have been organised by Gurukul to help maintain standards. Some of my successful projects include the 3 days Kathak Festival, Sufi Noor in 2009 and 2012, Five Elements, (2010) Navarasa (2013), Naach – 100 Years of Bollywood (2014), Taalmala (2016), Navinayika (2015), Lasya (2018), Parampara - an annual event of Gurukul wherein we take our students from all our centres to India - to learn from the maestros, to name just a few. My past assignments include those with the Emirates Group as Human Resource Specialist, Commercial Division, Dubai and Cathay Pacific Airways, Vancouver/Canada and Hong Kong.A people’s person at heart, a mentor and an executive decision maker, I worked hard to make Gurukul a well recognised centre for ISTD education and a place for dance lovers to connect with. I must confess that this could not have been done without the artistic guidance of Pali Chandra and my pro-active and committed facilitators and admin teams.! India and specially, the City of Bangalore, holds immense potential for dance education based on ISTD syllabus.

With the very first studio that opened last month (December 2017) in one of the most centrally located communities on Wood Street, off Brigade Road, I can clearly visualise reach of our programs with ISTD at its heart ! As a child I had learnt kathak dance for 7 years under the able guidance of Guru Vikram Singhe and am currently being trained under Pali Chandra for Vocational Course of ISTD.

Show Highlights

(0:02:04) The need for systematic dance Education

(0:03:16) Career Options in Dance

(0:07:12) Being good vs being the best

(0:08:39) What made you want to return to dance?

(0:10:17) Roles and Responsibilities in Gurukul

(0:15:09) Interviewing Teachers for Gurukul

(0:22:25) Onboarding process at Gurukul

(0:25:03) What do students need?

(0:27:15) When can you start using dance to express yourself?

(0:29:28) What do your students love about you?

(0:33:36) Building an audience in Dubai

(0:36:02) Persevering during the hard times

(0:38:21) Sponsorships

(0:40:03) Building relationships with sponsors

(0:45:09) Managing sponsorship expectations

(0:49:29) What do artists want?

(0:52:05) Leaving good feedback to artists

(0:56:58) Gurukul India

(1:01:09) Competition in Bangalore

(1:03:45) Culuture of dance in Bangalore

(1:04:12) Future of Gurukul

Title Track Audio Credit: Doug Maxwell | Bansure Raga

Rohit Parihar was initiated into Kathak dance at an early age by his Father and Guru Sampat Kumar Parihar of the Jaipur Gharana. Later began learning Kathak dance under the guidance of Guru Pandit. Rajendra Kr. Gangani

He's currently a lecturer in JG College of Performing Arts, and a visiting artist at Kadamb Centre for Music and Dance.

(0:02:05) Earliest memory of doing Kathak

(0:03:26) Being at Ease on Stage

(0:04:52) Building relationships with artists

(0:06:25) Keeping the audience engaged

(0:08:12) Pre-Stage Rituals

(0:11:15) The Intricacies of Sawaal Jawab

(0:13:14) Guruji ki Kripa

(0:18:00) Riyaz Rituals

(0:21:28) Generating Curiosity in Students

(0:23:13) Teaching practice

(0:25:46) How you teach differently from how you were taught

(0:30:48) The importance of padhant

(0:38:49) Work with Kadamb

(0:45:43) Changes in Stylization when working with others

(0:46:56) What's unique to Kadamb

(0:47:58) Where does uniqueness arise from?

(0:49:30) Work with Drishtikon

(0:51:49) Dancing with an injured toe

Title Track Audio Credit: Doug Maxwell | Bansure Raga

(0:01:35) Aparimita Production

(0:02:51) The importance of Powada in Maharashtra

(0:04:25) Providing Opportunities for Students

(0:05:55) Riyaz with Students

(0:07:53) Injury Prevention

(0:10:33) How does Maneesha Tai teach differently from how she was taught

(0:14:30) Hastasoundarya: What makes movements beautiful:

(0:20:58) Sangatkalar: The importance of accompanying artists

(0:25:07) Accompanying Artists in Maneesha Nrityala

(0:27:53) Teaching students the essentials of music and rhythm

(0:30:43) Process of creation

(0:32:06) Raag Maala

(0:35:40) DIfference in students since 1975

(0:38:52) changes in teaching over time

(0:42:56) The evolution of audiences

(0:47:34) When and how Tai's family members got into Kathak

(0:51:34) Overcoming Major life miltestones

(0:57:06) The importance of support systems for performing artists

(1:01:34) Memorable performances and anecdotes

(1:03:01) Doing 60 performances in two years before 60th birthday

(1:08:48) Performing with Kishan Maharaj ji

(1:14:23) Feelings about the future

Mrs. Maneesha Sathe, one of the senior Kathak exponents of India, has been trained initially with Pandit Balasaheb Gokhale in Pune and later with none other than Kathak Maestro Nataraj Pandit Gopi Krishna ji in Mumbai. For the last 45 years, she has been running Maneesha Nrityalaya Trust in Pune, an institute dedicated to the field of Kathak dance. She has performed Kathak in many conferences and dance festivals in different parts of India, including the most renowned Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav, Shaniwarwada Dance Festival, Khajuraho Dance Festival, Lucknow Dance Festival, Kamakhya Festival - Guwahati, Nehru Centre - Mumbai, Tata Theatre - Mumbai, Dancejathre Bangalore etc. She has also performed in many countries including USA, Japan, China, Bahrain, Sweden etc., individually and also with her troupe. Her choreographies in Classical and Contemporary Kathak dance form have been revered by one and all in dance festivals of high esteem.

She has won great renown for presenting Kathak along with Japanese Music. Maneesha Sathe and Mr. Yasuhito Takimoto- a Japanese musician and Taiko player- have given the most unforgettable fusion concerts over the last 25 years. “World Peace Art Festival”, “Divine Confluence” have been some of the recent programs presented through this international collaboration. Her collaborative choreographies are a wonderful blend of traditional Kathak, contemporary music and energetic Taiko playing. More than a hundred Indians, Chinese and Japanese artists have been a part of these events in India, Japan and China.

She has also choreographed for Marathi Films like “Sarkarnama” and “Vaarsa Lakshmicha” and others. She has been awarded the Best Dance Director’s awards (Maharashtra State award and Alpha TV award), while one has been record breaking hit in the history of Marathi Cinema. She is the recipient of many accolades like the Maharashtra State Cultural Award for the year 2006, Citadel Excellence award, Gaanvardhan’s Vijaya Bhalerao Puraskar, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s Shri Golwalkar Guruji Puraskar, Ajit Soman Smruti Puraskar, Shri Ashok Paranjape Puraskar, Pune Municipal Corporation's Shrimati Rohini Bhate Puraskar, to name just a few. Several of her students have been awarded scholarships and fellowships by CCRT and Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Govt. Of India. She is a guide for Ph.D. students in Pune University. Under her guidance, Mrs. Madhuri Apte has been awarded the first Ph.D in Kathak from Pune University. She is a visiting faculty and honorary Guru in institutions like the Centre for Performing Arts (Lalit Kala Kendra) - Pune University, Bharati Vidyapeeth School of Performing Arts Pune. She has recently curated and created an online course on Kathak for SWAYAM, the online education portal for Govt. of India. This unique syllabus-based course has been produced by EMMRC, Pune and Savitribai Phule Pune University.

Maneesha Tai is known to be a highly sympathetic and generous teacher. She has given many young dancers to the Indian Dance field, several of whom are now performers and teachers in their own respect and settled in various parts of India as well as abroad.

In 2018, Maneesha Tai presented a very unique production - Nritya Dhaara. It is a Kathak performance by four dancers of the Sathe family - Maneesha tai herself, her daughter Shambhavi Dandekar, her daughter-in-law Tejaswini and her granddaughter Sarveshwari. It is an extremely unique performance in the Kathak world and was performed in India and the USA.

Her perseverance and dedication to the art is reflected in the success in this field, and her growing family of disciples all over the globe. She has been instrumental in keeping our ancient heritage alive and inspiring several generations to take forward this legacy of classical art.

Title Track Audio Credit: Doug Maxwell | Bansure Raga

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=507433370

https://www.annjalishah.com/

Annjali has discovered and learned Kathak dance with Sandhya Desai, in Kadamb Dance Institute, in Ahmedabad, in India. She has then trained under Sharmila Sharma in Paris and in Switzerland during private classes and collective workshops. She has created and toured differents shows in Switzerland and in India (Le Duel - 2011 à 2014, Lotus -2015, Gulzaar – 2016, Muskaan – 2017 à 2019, Nautanki – 2018, Yatra – 2019, Namak – 2020, Chandini & Roshni

• 2021). She is currently working to create a new show Krishna Katha. She has also presented solos in different occasions related to India (Embassy of India - BE, Museum Rietberg – ZH). Since 2008, Annjali is sharing her knowledge and teaching dance. She teaches every week indian dance classes in Ton sur Ton, in Neuchâtel and in Kulturfabrik, in Biel. She also gives private classes and workshops.

(0:03:43) Making Notes for Students

(0:06:55) Teaching dance in Bern

(0:09:29) Identifying and connecting with dance

(0:10:46) preparation done before class

(0:13:34) Riyaz/Practice RItuals

(0:15:14) Donning multiple hats

(0:15:57) Support Systems/Grants in Switzerland

(0:16:46) Process of Grantwriting

(0:20:30) Building familiarity with the audience

(0:23:21) Current Projects

(0:26:31) Kathak Workshops

(0:32:14) Process of Choreography

(0:38:20) Showing up to dance vs "level" of dancing

(0:42:05) Training from Kadamb

(0:46:04) Learning from Sandhya Desai ji

(0:52:36) Drawing Sharmila Sharma ji

(0:57:07) What keeps you going?

Title Track Audio Credit: Doug Maxwell | Bansure Raga

I’m Meher Kriti Nigam, a Kathak artist and a final year student of engineering. I study Electronics and Communication with a specialization in Biomedical field. Apart from my technical education, I’ve also attended 2 diplomas, in Kathak and Hindustani Vocals. I’ve fortunate enough to get trained under Smt. Leena Malakar (Jaipur Gharana) and Guru Pandit Divyang Vakil ji. My journey with Kathak when I was just 3-years-old. Over the years I’ve performed at various events across the country, from Indywood Film Festival in Hyderabad to performing for MNCs like NIIT Technologies Ltd. I’ve also won a number of competitions at both school and college level. The world has been nice to me and in the past 2 years I’ve got the opportunity to hold fundraising dance workshops for NGOs. I’ve also been a dance instructor at various NGOs and taught their children for free. I wish to pursue Arts and Cultural Management for my masters. With the world progressing, I believe Art, Technology and Commerce are no longer separate fields. We can advance so much by attaining knowledge in all fields and create masterpieces.

Show Highlights (0:04:21) Working with Spicmacay

(0:09:28) Running a Kathak club in VIT University

(0:16:02) Auditioning process for the Dance Club

(0:19:10) Brinigng about uniformity in movements

(0:21:03) how a choregraphy comes together*-

(0:26:03) What audiences like?

(0:27:34) Performing in college fests/competitions

(0:29:43) how Meher started dancing?

(0:30:35) earliest memory

(0:32:32) Kathak Training Smt Leena Malakar ji

(0:34:43) Cultivating a habit of Riyaz

(0:40:25) What is Meher leanring in Kathak at the moment

(0:44:35) Taalvidya Classess

(0:49:19) Getting over fear

(0:51:24) Kathak on Reels

(0:53:37) Gender Expression in Kathak

(0:57:31) Future plans

Title Track Audio Credit: Doug Maxwell | Bansure Raga

Founder and director of Nrityam - The Kathak Studio and a founding member of the Layom Institute of Kathak, Nirajkumar Solanki is an MA in Kathak (Alankaar) and and his Gurus include Pt Rajendra Gangani ji, Bode Gurji, and Rahim Sheikh ji.

His major performances include Parush in Pune and Pryaas in Akola, Thane, and Pune. He's also a Senior Verbal Faculty and CRT (soft skills) trainer, equipped with a Master of Arts Degree in English Literature.

(0:01:16) Coming back to Kathak

(0:05:46) The logistics of returning to Kathak after a long break

(0:09:53) Keeping a prolonged interest in Riyaz

(0:12:53) Nrityam Kathak

(0:16:57) Different Teaching

(0:23:44) Finding time for Kathak for busy professionals

(0:28:58) Interest in English Language and Kathak

(0:34:44) Favorite Kathak books

(0:39:27) Tips for getting into reading

(0:42:50) The positve impact of reading

(0:44:07) The highs and lows of being a male dancer

(0:52:59) How to handle bullying

(0:56:24) Progressive Ideas in Kathak

(0:58:57) How does Kathak thrive in Pune?

(1:02:52) Most memorable performance

(1:07:02) The practicalities of making a full time career out of Kathak

(1:12:19) Costume selection and design

(1:16:53) Future Plans

Title Track Audio Credit: Doug Maxwell | Bansure Raga

(0:01:44) Performing at the Chekov Festival in Russia

(0:08:20) How productions are started?

(0:09:34) Choreographic investigation

(0:13:15) Developing a good sense of music

(0:15:11) The importance of writing things down

(0:20:30) The meaning of discipline

(0:24:45) Work with Spic Macay

(0:31:32) How working with Spic Macay has improved Gauri di's dance

(0:33:04) Dealing With Unruly Audiences

(0:36:15) The importance of playing sports for dance

(0:38:51) How Gauri di teaches differently?

(0:40:49) How to deal with Students Who are not practicing

(0:42:34) Bringing up the next generation of teachers

(0:43:35) When Students pick up mannerisms

(0:45:02) Gauri Diwakar Sanskriti Foundation

(0:49:53) Joy in Kathak

(0:53:23) Time Management in Dance

(0:59:34) Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar

(1:06:34) Performing in front of 10,000 people

Gauri Diwakar’s elegant, graceful moves, striking facial expressions, along with her powerful presence on the stage, leaves her audiences spellbound. In 2008 she was awarded 'Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar' by the Sangeet Natak Akademi- India’s national academy for music , dance and drama.

Her journey started from Jamshedpur where she learned under the watchful eyes of Ms Sumita Chowdhary. She further honed her skills under the tutelage of the renowned Gurus, Pandit Birju Maharaj and Shri Jai Kishan Maharaj at the national capital's Kathak Kendra. After graduating with distinction from Kathak Kendra, Gauri further perfected her skills under renowned exponent of Kathak, Ms Aditi Mangaldas.

Gauri is also passing on her skills by training young students under her own trust. " Gauri Diwakar Sanskriti Foundation- Sarvatra Nrityam " and thus helping to keep the age old tradition alive.

Title Track Audio Credit: Doug Maxwell | Bansure Raga

Smita Rawal Alves – Smita has been dancing for over 30 years, having toured across the US and Canada, with her primary training and Guru Smt. Anjani Ambegaokar. In recent years she continues to learn kathak under Vidushi Smt. Durga Arya ji and extensive taal vidya studies under Pandit Divyang Vakil ji. As much as she loves to dance and tour, after about a 5-6 year hiatus to raise her own children, Smita’s current aspiration is to share the beautiful tradition with others to emphasize the value and relevance of Indian Classical arts in society today. Since 2015, Smita runs her own Kathak school: Bhakti Bhav Dance, teaching classes to all ages of students across Orange County, CA. Kathak is the schools’ platform to nurture and encourage students to appreciate musicality, movement, rhythms, self-expression, discipline, and the richness of the cultural history which Kathak stems from. Smita especially loves seeing the students become more confident and self-sufficient dancers who can take what they learn and apply it in their own way and in their own expression. She hopes to help students and audiences alike, find joy through the experience of Kathak dance.

(0:03:16) Dance as an offering

(0:04:41) Who does the offering of Kathak go to?

(0:08:43) Bhakti Bhav Dance Academy

(0:12:53) Teaching kids with a busy schedule

(0:17:43) Retaining students after High School

(0:22:00) Starting Taalvidya

(0:26:04) The impact of taalvidya on Kathak

(0:30:04) Working with Guru Durga Arya ji

(0:38:23) Riyaaz Rituals

(0:42:56) Finding balance in Life

(0:44:16) What do Smita di's students like about them

(0:52:05) Work with Nakui Dev Mahajan and Mira the Royal Detective

(0:56:59) Future Projects

Title Track Audio Credit: Doug Maxwell | Bansure Raga

Show Highlights

(0:03:12) Tips for Hybrid Classes

(0:04:33) How art transforms the induvidual

(0:06:14) How Kathak infulences Antara di's life

(0:09:50) Goal Setting in Kathak for Beginners

(0:12:30) The importance of patience

(0:13:58) Anga Shudhdhhi

(0:16:42) Feedback loop between students and teachers

(0:19:08) How to End on Sum

(0:22:42) Rasa Theory

(0:25:32) How audience reactions are felt on stage?

(0:29:06) Managing Teaching and creative work

(0:33:55) Academies across the country

(0:34:45) Driving in Blizzards

(0:38:15) Standardization in Anga Kala Academy

(0:38:58) The issue of students leaving Kathak after high school

(0:43:59) The importance of allied subjects

(0:47:41) When and how to introduce allied subjects

(0:48:01) Creating your own compositions using Taalvidya

(0:50:16) Why the current generation needs Taalvidya

(0:54:44) Training and background

(0:58:29) Gurkul learning : Kathak immersion training

(1:00:09) Kathak in the midwest

(1:02:36) Tips on growing a Kathak Academy

(1:04:07) Outreach work and NGOs

(1:07:02) Angakala Dance Company

Antara Datta started learning Kathak at the tender age of five from Srimati Laxmi Bannerjee in Kolkata, India. She holds a double diploma in Kathak from the Bangiya Sangeet Parishad in Kolkata and the Prayag Sangeet Samiti in Allahabad, India. She received advanced training in the Lucknow gharana of Kathak from "Sringar Mani" Srimati Anuradha Nag (a senior disciple of Pandit Birju Maharaj and the artistic director of the Tarangini School of dance, San Jose, California).

To hone her skills further Antara Datta also receives training from Kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj and Vidushi Saswati Sen, during her annual trips to India at Kalashram, New Delhi. In addition, she regularly visits Mahagami (a dance Gurukul in Aurangabad, India) to receive intensive training from Guru Parwati Dutta. To gain better control of laya Antara receives taal vidya lessons from the legendary Guru ji Pandit Divvang Vakil. Antara is the artistic director of Anga Kala Kathak Academy, which has branches in the Pacific Northwest, North East and Central Ohio and also in Pittsburgh, PA. She held an adjunct faculty position of Kathak at the Cornish College of Arts in Seattle, Washington in Fall 2010 and then at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio in Winter, 2014 and also taught master classes at University of Akron, OH in February 2017.

Antara believes that learning Indian classical dance is a lifelong experience. She relentlessly strives for perfection. She has attended numerous workshop by the legendary Guru Pandit Birju Maharaj. To gain better control on laya she took laykari lessons from the tabla virtuoso Pandit Samir Chaterjee and currently undergoing training under Pandit Divyang Vakil. Antara Data has performed extensively in different parts of the USA, as well as India. The list includes solo and group performances in Cleveland (Ohio), Columbus (Ohio), Canton (Ohio),Pitsburgh (Pennsylvania), Seattle (Washington), Tacoma (Washington), Olympia (Washington), Chicago (Illinois), Grays Lake (Illinois) and Houston (Texas). She and her students have been regular performers at the Northwest Folk Life Festival in Seattle as well as the Asian Festival and the India Fest in Cleveland. In July 2012, she performed solo Kathak with live music at the Triguna Sen Auditorium in Kolkata, India. In 2016 she performed at the Madison Square Garden, New York, USA with Pandit Birju Maharaji's Company. In 2017, she performed at the International Dance Festival (Bharath Nriytasav) at Vishakhapatnam, India. In 2019 she performed at Kalpashree festival (Hyderabad, India), Bharat Sanskriti Utsab (Kolkata, India) and Naadam and Nrityalaya(New Delhi, India) Her innovative cho- reography has brought together seemingly unrelated dance-forms (such as Kathak and Tap Dance or Kathak and Flamenco), Kathak and Ballet in beautiful 'jugalbandi's, captivating audiences across cultures.

Title Track Audio Credit: Doug Maxwell | Bansure Raga

Twice Dora Award nominated Joanna de Souza received a Master’s Degree in kathak dance through Prayag Sangit Samiti, Allahabad, India. Her study, premised in deep respect for the tradition, began in 1978 under her guru, the late Pandit Chitresh Das. Joanna is celebrated internationally as a dancer, a choreographer, and is a much sought-after teacher. Named one of the "leading Indian classical dancers in Canada" - INDIA TODAY Magazine, she has represented Canada at festivals in Lahore, Pakistan, and Holguin, Cuba. In 2006, she toured Australia with Jeff Martin (The Tea Party) and Toronto Tabla Ensemble.

Joanna co-founded M-DO/KathakToronto, which since 1988 has been home to dance classes, master classes and workshops, at the highest artistic level. Her dance company Chhandam, has toured nationally and internationally with their innovative approach to kathak. In 2018, Chhandam, in collaboration with choreographer/dancer Misty Wensel, performed a five-city India tour of their contemporary work BARDO. Joanna was a musician and dancer with the acclaimed Toronto Tabla Ensemble from 1993-2010. She maintains a regular Toronto-based teaching schedule, and teaches across Canada, India, and the US. In 2015 she was recipient of Angikam’s Dr.Maya Rao Award, in recognition of her career-long body of innovative kathak choreography.

Show Highlights

(0:02:20) How did Kathak find you/?

(0:08:07) What is it about Kathak?

(0:10:07) How is the physicality of Kathak different?

(0:11:53) Balancing Chakkars on both sides

(0:13:01) The importance of stamina

(0:15:54) Pt Chitresh Das ji's Father Prohlad Das ji

(0:22:29) A day's worth of training

(0:25:06) The process of learning

(0:28:58) Length of depth of training

(0:35:19) Life in California

(0:42:38) MDO Toronto

(0:52:52) What draws people to you?

(0:55:03) How do you teach differently from your guru?

(1:02:17) Contemporary Work in Canada

(1:09:49) The versatility of Kathak

(1:11:58) Future of Kathak in Toronto

(1:16:18) Topping the Master's Kathak Exam

Show Highlights

(0:02:21) Driving force behind collaborations

(0:07:41) Performing Spontaneously on stage

(0:10:51) What happens behind the scenes during collaborations

(0:12:34) Work with Purbayan Chatterjee

(0:14:09) Level of readiness needed for collaboration

(0:16:24) The importance of listening to music

(0:18:51) Riyaaz rituals and nuances

(0:24:41) Using a mirror for riyaz

(0:26:31) The importance of finding the right apartment

(0:28:08) Behind the scenes: Mharo Pranam

(0:31:05) Dancing on rough surfaces

(0:31:41) The beginnings of Rujuta soman Cultural Academy

(0:38:43) Trends in previous decades

(0:41:18) When students go their own way

(1:00:56) Outreach work: Orphanages and NGOs

(1:08:09) Legacy and Impact

Rujuta Soman is one of the international leading Kathak dancers of India and founder of the Rujuta Soman Cultural Academy.

Rujuta was honed and polished under the tutelage of late Guru Pandita Dr. Rohini Bhate for over 20 years. She has completed her Master’s Degree in Kathak from Pune University. Born with an artistic flair, Rujuta has also explored the nuances of Taal and Laya under the guid?ance of Taalyogi Pt. Suresh Talwalkar. Recently she is learning intricacies of Jaipur Gharana of Kathak under the able guidance of Pt Rajendra Gangani . She is creative advisor at Rithwik Foundation for Perfprming Arts, and also curator at Ishaanya- Art & Culture Club of Creaticity, Pune. Her academy, RSCA , is a knowledge partner with MIT ADT University.

She is mentor at M.E.S. College of performing arts, is on panel of Guru at Lalit Kala Kendra, (Savitri Bai Phule University) and BVDU School of Performing Arts. She is also working as a visiting faculty at Flame University, Pune. She has been bestowed with many honors and titles like “Nritya Alankaar” by Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya and “Singaar Mani” by Sur Singar Samsad. In January 2018 , Rujuta has been awarded the “ Shree Nandini award" for outstanding contribution in the field of dance by the FIFTH NOTE ACADEMY ( a new vertical of Shakhri Begum Memorial Trust) at the hands of Mr. Praveen Kadle , Ustaad Rashid Khan and Prof. Mandavi Singh . She has been awarded with “Dr. Vijaya Bhalerao Kathak Nrutya Puraskar” by Ganawardhan Sanstha, Pune (2019). Last year, Rujuta presented ‘Rajhansa’ in Kathak with over 13 dancers on stage ( it had lavish sets, costumes and music) on a theme of environmental concerns interlaced with two dancers’ journey and jealousy, and this mega production won the 'Mrinalini Sarabhai Choreography Award at the Trivandrum Festival.'

Rujuta is empaneled with 'Established Category' of ICCR's (Indian Council For Cultural Relations, Ministry of External Affairs) reference panel of Artists. Under the aegis of the 'Rujuta Soman Cultural Academy', Rujuta and her dance troupe has delighted and enthralled dance enthusiasts all over India and the world at various prestigious platforms including China, France, United Kingdom and Germany. Through ICCR Rujuta has got an opportunity to travel and showcase Indian Culture through Indian classical dance Kathak along with her senior disciples to the seven European countries Switzerland, Ger?many, Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, Austria and Spain. The troupe had 17 performances and 2 workshops which were very well received.

Rujuta has performed in various prestigious music and dance festivals across India like 'Ganasaraswati Mahotsav' on one of the compositions by Ganasaraswati Kishori Amonkar, 'Khajuraho Festival', Swarateerth Festival', 'Kathak Mahotsav' by Kathak Kendra and many more. Additionally, she has collaborations with “ Saxophone melody and Kathak” with George Brooks, “Sufi and Kathak” with Suha Khan, “Kathak along with Rajasthani folk music” with the famous Mame Khan, "Flute and Kathak" with the great flautist Pt. Pravin Godkhindi. Rujuta was a part of the concept “Sangam” - a Confluence of Kathak, Sitar and Tabla featuring Purbayan Chatterjee , Ojas Adhiya and Rujuta herself. These performances were remarkably applauded and well-received. She has to her credit many productions like Rajahansa, Trishna, Krishna Sankeertan, Shivashakti Tatva, Bhairav Bhawataraka and many more which were highly appreciated on various presti?gious platforms.

FACETS

Rujuta has on her facets a video CD "Kathak Ranga"- A duet performance based on traditional Kathak repertoire produced and marketed by "Alurkar Music House" Pune. Rujuta also has the video CD of her production “Bhairav Bhavatarak” produced and marketed by R.S.C.A. Pune. Rujuta Soman Cultural Academy (RSCA) The Rujuta Soman Cultural Academy (RSCA) was founded and managed by Rujuta to provide one platform for her various teaching engagements. Here, she trains students of all ages from different cities and countries in pure classical Kathak - in gratitude to her Guru and to carry forward her work. RSCA aims to extend the boundaries of Indian traditional dance and create a new benchmark in the aesthetics of presentation by using state-of-the-art technology and innovative dance techniques. FILM CHOREOGRAPHY Rujuta has choreographed for the Marathi film 'Bayo' directed by Mr. Gajendra Ahire. She has also choreographed and performed in the Marathi film Mai-Baap also directed by Mr. Gajendra Ahire. Rujuta has also conceptualised and choreographed for some ad films. WORK REFERENCES

WEBSITE : www.rujutasoman.com

YOUTUBE : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW_ZX9AkWYFg0L7sGbNmPWw

SOLO PERFORMANCES : https://drive.google.com/open?id=1peKDJqWWk4LXa7rERrGy?HQ9EfhS3oRX

FACEBOOK PAGE : https://m.facebook.com/rujutasomanculturalacademy/

LATEST PRESS REVIEWS :

https://epaper.thestatesman.com/m5/2077227/ SECTION-2/21-03-2019#dual/2/1/

Title Track Audio Credit: Doug Maxwell | Bansure Raga

Guru Smt Radhika Sathe Master of Arts (Kathak), Khairagad University. Kathak Nritya Alankar (ABGMV) Master of Science (Electronics and Telecommunication)

Radhika has been a pioneer in the field of Kathak, for the last twenty flourishing years, under the tutelage of Late Shri Bode Guruji, Guru Smt Madhurita Sarang and currently Guru Shri Rajendra Gangani. She has travelled across the globe presenting her art form, right from UK, France, Reunion Islands to performing in some of the prestigious festivals within USA and Canada.

Having trained more than a few thousand students till date at kathak school titled, Kathak Nritya Mandir, and producing some of the excellent young dancers active today, KNM stands home to numerous National Award winners of this country in the field of kathak, along with numerous scholarship holders of the Cultural Ministry of the Government of India, having been granted the scholarship to train under Guru Smt Radhika Sathe.

Radhika Sathe also is a member of the ABGMV, one of the highly accredited institutions in the field of Indian Classical Art forms within India and abroad, and has been appointed to be a part of the judgement panels of many events and competitions across the nation. Guru Smt Radhika, as a well known name today, in the field of kathak, not just for her work as a teacher, but also for her charisma as a performer. Some of her most accredited dance productions include “Srirangayan” , “Shri Ram Rasrangayan” , “ Genesis” and her recently launched premiered solo production titled “Satva”.

(0:02:19) The Meaning of Taalim

(0:06:57) How to find the right Guru

(0:10:05) Teaching kids vs teaching adults

(0:12:39) how to guage progess/interests in students

(0:16:33) Oral vs written traditions

(0:24:35) Taal Lipi

(0:30:40) Trends from past decades

(0:40:31) Kathak in akola

(1:02:43) Stories from dance dramas

(1:11:04) The process of lifelong learning

Title Track Audio Credit: Doug Maxwell | Bansure Raga

Maneesha is the senior disciple of Late Guru Rohini Bhateji. She has taken intense training in the Lucknow – Jaipur Gharana, now known as 'Rohini' Gharana.She has done her Masters In Kathak from Savitribai Phule Pune University.She holds a diploma in Buddhist Physcology And Ethics from pune university pali department. Currently she is a Guru and a teaching faculty in the Lalit kala Kendra pune university. She is the founder and director of ‘Sukruti Kathak Dance Academy’ which has completed 32 years. Maneesha has a unique reportiere in presenting Buddhist literature through kathak dance. She has been the FIRST performer to present dance at the heritage sight of Bodhi temple at Bodhgaya, in 2016.She has also received special mention from His Holiness Dalai Lama and got the opportunity to perform in front of him and seek his blessings. Maneesha has choreographed and performed some unique compositions as poems of Harivanshrai bacchhan and performed in front of Amitabh Bacchhan and received mention in his blog too. She has also been fortunate to choreograph sequences and perform them for Lata mangeshkar.and Late Minister vilasrao deshmukh Choreographies & ballets impart an important place in today’s dance world. To sustain classical dance in the era of bollywood & reality shows, presentation plays a vital role. Performing classical reportoire in a beautifully choreographed sequence is an insight given to Maneesha by her guru Rohiniji . Maneesha has performed in all major festivals in India & performed & conducted workshops abroad. To name a few…. Sadaneera festival bhopal Konark Festival

Hampi Festival Mandu Festival Dhauli Festival Kaalidas festival Kalka binda festival She has also performed abroad in U.K. Germany, France, Singapore, Malaysia ,Vienna, Zurich Maneesha is an eloquent speaker and has given lectures in reknown colleges on dance and space, dance and photography, origin of kathak etc.she also does programmes of poetry recital with a few dancers and theatre actors. Maneesha has done several choreographies like” Maya darpan” “MAYINI”, “Pravash” “SHIVTANDAV” and also choreographed for a short film. She has been awarded the title of Outstanding performer by RCJC PUNE. IN December 2017 she was felicitated by the Orissa mandal trust and conferred by the Devdasi award for consistent performance in the field of kathak.

Show Highlights

(0:03:37) Favorite thing about Abhinaya

(0:04:50) Finding depth in abhinaya

(0:10:05) Developing an appreciation for Abhinaya

(0:16:40) Emoting Thumris at a young age

(0:23:49) Dealing with Jealousy

(0:24:58) Creative process

(0:28:03) Favorite Creation

(0:31:24) Effects of social media

(0:39:39) What is considered good feedback/engagement?

(0:44:18) Sukruti Kathak Academy

(0:49:41) When students open their own academies

(0:53:52) Ensuring uniformilty across different branches

(1:00:02) Most memorable performance

(1:04:19) Relationship with the word Guru

(1:07:50) Legacy

Title Track Audio Credit: Doug Maxwell | Bansure Raga

Afsar Khan started kathak at an early age under the tutelage of his father, Guru Mulla Jafar Khan (Kala Samarpan Awardee), of the Banaras Gharana. Afsar later joined Kathak Kendra New Delhi, under Guru Pt. Rajendra Kumar Gangani (Sangeet Natak Academy Awardee) of the Jaipur Gharana and completed his post diploma there. He has performed widely all across the world through ICCR, Teamworks, and Spic Macay. Afsar has choreographed kathak with other dance forms such as Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Flamenco and Tap dance. Notably, he choreographed for the Queen’s Baton Relay and the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in 2010. He was picked by ICCR to teach kathak in Mauritius at IGCIC. Afsar Khan has been a senior kathak tutor at the Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society since 2015 and has had many students excel under his guidance. He is well known around the world for his rapid footwork, fast chakkars, and clear padhant.

Show Highlights

(0:01:50) Padhant being a skillset

(0:08:05) The evolution of opportunities for male dancers

(0:12:43) 9 hour riyaz sessions

(0:20:09) The concept of Chilla

(0:35:40) Being called a guru

(0:42:21) Bearing the responsibility of spreading Kathak in singapore

(0:46:34) Insights of Kathak in singapore

(0:51:02) How Afsar ji teaches differently

(0:57:51) Exploring while staying true to yourself

(1:01:41) finding the right fit with organizers

(1:06:11) How to talk about Kathak in foreign countries

(1:11:09) Most memorable performances

(1:13:24) Dancing on broken glass

(1:18:51) Legacy

Title Track Audio Credit: Doug Maxwell | Bansure Raga

Sampada was initiated into Kathak at 6 yrs of age and is an alumni of Kala Academy, Goa. Having successfully completed the Parangat diploma in Kathak at Kala Academy, Sampada moved to Pune and came under the tutelage of renowned Kathak legend Late Pandita Dr. Rohini Bhate at Nrityabharati Kathak Dance Academy, Pune. Sampada has many solo and group performances to her credits such as performances in the dance festivals at Somnathpur and Halebid-Belur in Karnataka, Nakshatra Utsav, Goa, Nimhan dance festival- Madhya Pradesh, Articulate Festival Mysore, Sutra Festival, Sai Nrityotasav Bangalore, Shilparamam - Hyderabad, Goa Doordarshan, DD Chandana, Natya Tantra on Shankara TV to name a few. Sampada has co-choreographed a short film- Radha Bhakti Sudha in 2007 which received the Jury’s Special Mention Award at the New York Short Film Festival in 2008. She has been a panelist for the topic Guru-Shishya parampara on World Dance Day 2017 curated by eminent dance historian and scholar Prof. Ashish Mohan Khokar. Recently she has been on the jury’s panel for Kathak in Sammaan 2020 a worldwide talent hunt contest in Indian Classical Dance hosted by the Shankar Mahadevan Academy. Sampada settled in Bangalore in 2012 and established ‘RIDDHAM – Kathak School’ in Yelahanka New Town. She brings forth a beautiful synthesis in the Lucknow-Jaipur gharana of Kathak as established by her Guru ji, late Dr. Rohini Bhate.

Show Highlights (0:02:42) Getting Students in Bangaore

(0:05:48) What does Bangalore Like about Kathak

(0:09:51) Change in audience over time

(0:12:58) Doing a themed performance

(0:14:09) Difference between a Vandana and a Stuti

(0:15:13) What helped to get through the initial struggle period

(0:18:09) Riddham School of KAthak

(0:23:32) Abhinaya Darpan

(0:27:31) Guru Shishya Parampara

(0:32:39) Akhil Bhartiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Kathak Syllabus

(0:36:39) How to approach exams

(0:43:17) How to guage if a composition is performance ready

(0:47:17) Continuous improvement over compositions

(0:50:19) The importance of learning about previous generations and great Gurus

(0:52:27) Being called a guru

(0:54:47) Relationship with senior students

(0:59:07) Preparing students for competition

(1:04:42) What's different in performing for a competition

(1:07:15) Connection and relationships with Guru

(1:11:53) Legacy

Title Track Audio Credit: Doug Maxwell | Bansure Raga

Director, Kathak Kendra Allahabad, Kathak Nrityangana, and Pandit Birju Maharaj's shagird; Urmila Sharma ji is a Top grade Doordashan Artist, and began learning Kathak in 1971 under Pandit Ram Baboo Bhatt

(0:00:58) Urmila ji's Kathak journey (0:07:35) 500 bell ghungroos (0:07:58) Starting Riyaz at 4am (0:10:13) Encounter with a snake (0:25:19) Kathak main badlav (0:27:29) How Urmila Ji started teaching (0:30:02) Teaching Online (0:35:45) How often should students meet their teachers (0:44:28) Learning with Maharaj ji in Guru Shishya Parampara (0:51:40) Work on Thesis (1:06:48) Choosing the right organizers (1:10:04) Encouraging students to practice (1:19:07) Future of Kathak in Allahabad

Title Track Audio Credit: Doug Maxwell | Bansure Raga

Show Highlights

(0:06:13) Building Mindfullness into Kathak Practice (0:09:47) Transitioning from being a student to teaching (0:15:43) Relationship with the word Guru (0:19:59) The Jaipur Gharana for Swati di (0:27:26) Common misconceptions of the Jaipur Gharana (0:31:15) The relationship with a Bandish (0:34:11) The personality of a bandish (0:36:39) What it means to perform (0:39:30) Being your own teacher and your audience (0:41:43) The common pain points of kathakas (0:43:29) Most memorable performances

Swati Sinha is one of the foremost practitioners of Kathak today. Having learnt the nuances of the Jaipur style of Kathak from the great master Pt Rajendra Gangani at the Kathak Kendra New Delhi, she has committed herself to practicing and propagating the art form. She has performed widely all over the globe and her performances have always been appreciated. A bright and vivacious artiste she has gained praise from connoisseurs and critics alike. Sharp yet graceful movements combined with command over deft and intricate rhythm patterns, lithe footwork and subtle, poignant expressions, mark her style. The right blend of 'taalim' and' upaj' i.e. the practiced aspect and improvisational aspect, find a place in her recitals. An 'A' grade artist of Doordarshan she has performed in major cultural events such as Khajuraho Dance Festival; Soorya festival, Trivandrum; Konark festival; Kathak Mahotsava, Delhi; Delhi International Arts Festival; The Danube Carnival, Budapest to name a few. She has also toured China, South Africa and South Korea for performances sponsored by ICCR. Swati also gives Lecture Demonstrations in schools in rural areas besides the major cities for organisations such as IRCEN and SPIC-MACAY thereby contributing to creating an awareness about our culture in the far flung villages as well. Carrying the mantle of a tradition forward as a performer, choreographer and guru Is indeed a daunting task: but she does it all with elan. Her creative streak led her to explore various themes which she presented through her choreographic work, such as 'Anvarat', based on the cosmic cycle; 'Chand Pravah', based on the grammar defined in Natyashastra for the choreography festival in Delhi; 'Of love nature and devotion' based on the poetry of Guru Rabindranath Tagore for his 150th year celebration. She choreographed on the poetry of great Sufi saints such as Bulle Shah,Kabir and Shah Hussain for the ICCR tour to South Africa in 2012 and directed “SAMPRAVAH an amalgamation of four classical dance styles of SWATI SINHA performer choreographer guru India for the Sarang festival in South Korea. She has also performed duets with Flamenco. All her productions aim to keep the sanctity of the style intact. For her contribution to the field of Kathak she has been awarded the “Women Achievers Award” by the Women’s International Network and the “Glory Award” by the Jalota Welfare Foundation and the Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra Yuva Prativa Samman by Srjan, Bhubaneshwar. A complete artiste is the one who understands and accepts the responsibility of Carrying a tradition forward. She has established ‘Sampada’ where a perfect blend of the traditional, and institutionalised training style is followed. Knowledge of Yoga, Classical music and Literature along with study and understanding of cultures beyond our own, are provided to the students. A holistic approach is undertaken for creating not merely performers but artistes who can preserve and add new dimensions to Kathak. Swati is the founder Secretary of Ras Raj Foundation for the arts which aims to take our classical dance and music to the grass root level. Ras Raj Foundation works with the underprivileged section of the society and organises performances and lec-dems of the traditional art forms of India.

Title Track Audio Credit: Doug Maxwell | Bansure Raga

Notes Charlotte Moraga is a Kathak dancer, choreographer and educator. She is currently the artistic director of the Chitresh Das Institute. She began dancing at the age of nine, but it wasn’t until her serendipitous meeting with Pandit Chitresh Das that she found her calling. Four years after beginning her study with Pandit Chitresh Das she joined his company and was a principal dancer in his original works from 1996 to 2016. Some of those seminal productions include: Darbar, Pancha Jati, Subali Sugriwa, Sampurnam, India Jazz Progressions, Sita Haran, Yatra, and Shiva. In 2002 she had her Ganda Bandhan ceremony in Kolkata and performed her first 2 hour solo concert. Since then, she has toured as a solo artist throughout the US and India. She has performed in many prestigious venues and festivals around the world. The San Francisco Chronicle wrote of her performance at the International kathak festival at YBCA: “Thursday night's triumph belonged to Charlotte Moraga…She has technical virtuosity, but more importantly she has intention, and an intelligence that shapes every step.”

Also in 2002, she became the inaugural director of the Chitresh Das Youth Company. She is committed to developing and nurturing the next generation of kathak artists. She has created choreography for the CDYC for almost two decades. In 2018, in her Guru’s birthplace of Kolkata, India, Charlotte received the “Anugami” for her dedication to her Guru and his legacy.

In 2007, she received a Shensen Performing Arts Fellowship which helped her to create original work in collaborations with tap dancer, Chloe Arnold, in ‘Sangam’ at Das’ India Jazz Progressions. Her Performing Diaspora residency at CounterPulse in 2009 helped her to create original work based on a 12th century Sufi poem with saxophone artist Prasant Radhakrishnan. In 2018, her choreography to music composed by Ritesh Das, premiered at the War Memorial Opera House for the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival to critical acclaim, and in 2019, her work ‘Aranya Devi’ premiered at the S.F. Ethnic Dance Festival at Zellerbach Hall. She is currently collaborating with musician Alam Khan and scenic designer, Matthew Antaky in a new work, ‘Mantram’, set to premiere at ODC Theater October 15th, 16 and 17th, 2021.

The short film, ‘Agni’ directed by Alka Raghuram with music composed by Alam Khan was conceived and choreographed in 2020 by Moraga and recently won the award for the Best Mini Arts and Fashion Film at the iHollywood Film Festival, June 2021. In addition to training the next generation in the legacy of Pandit Chitresh Das, Moraga is committed to creating new work in kathak that resonates with the moment.

https://www.chitreshdasinstitute.org/

(0:08:14) Dancing down the steps (0:22:09) How Concepts become dance (0:38:23) The connection of nature and dance (0:45:36) going from ballet to kathak (0:54:53) When should a Kathaka go out of the box? (1:03:30) How Charlotte di teaches differently (1:09:31) How does Charlotte di prepare students

Title Track Audio Credit: Doug Maxwell | Bansure Raga

"To Dance is to Express!"- the mantra of Mansee's life. Mansee Singhi is a Columbus, Ohio based Indian classical dance performer, choreographer, and teacher.

She has been a member of the United Nations Dance Council since 2012 and more recently joined the Ohio Dance Board and the Ohio Teaching Artist Roster. Through the years, diverse influences have inspired her to immerse herself in pure dance, cross art form collaborations, and innovative partnerships. Mansee has been an active arts citizen in Columbus and nearby communities and has showcased and presented her work at The Ohio State University, Big River Dance Festival, BREADFestival, NACHMO-Columbus Chapter, Ohio Northern University, Hathaway Brown School, Columbus City Schools, Wexner Centre of Arts, and a variety of Indian cultural events.

Her life's mission as an artist is to create awareness and knowledge about Kathak, the creations from cross disciplinary collaborations and tell stories to audiences. Mansee continuously strives to explore and learn new art forms as personal research projects. Her vision is to elevate and encourage the innovative performances and collaborations to grow a wider audience for Indian classical dance and the intersections with diverse art styles.

Highlights : Talk on Collaboration: 00.01.32

Inspiration in Collaboration: 00.05.27

Insights on Collaboration:00.08.50 Knowing Boundaries:00.13.25 Awareness in artforms:00.20.33 Readiness for collaborations:00.29.07 Training:

Kathak & Folk 00.33.38 and folk:00.37.48

Intro to Ghoomar : 00.38.53

Balancing Kathak and Folk: 00.47.20

Training in Bhav: 00.50.56

New work:00.58.49 Organisers & Payments:00.59.38 Legacy:01.04.13

Title Track Audio Credit: Doug Maxwell | Bansure Raga

Rupanshi Kashyap - She is a Kathak disciple of Padmabhushan Kumudini Lakhia, and is training in the form since she was a minor. Alongside having performed widely, nationally & internationally as a part of the Kadamb performing group as a senior dancer, she has also been teaching at the Kadamb Centre for Dance, Ahmedabad for the last 10 years.

(0:08:28) Learning from Kumiben in the morning sessions (0:13:48) Making a group choreography stage worthy (0:26:05) Visitors to Kadamb (0:34:19) Creating inclusive workshops (0:38:08) Making dance your own (0:55:12) how are choreographies visualized (1:06:49) When to go to your teacher and when to figure it out yourself (1:17:31) The future of kathak

Title Track Audio Credit: Doug Maxwell | Bansure Raga

Show Highlights

(0:11:38) The concept of generations in Kathak

(0:13:05) How Rachna Di Teaches Differently

(0:21:50) How Gurus used to teach

(0:27:02) Starting Teaching

(0:32:23) Balancing being an active performer and teaching

(0:34:15) The responsibility of education

(0:40:07) Dance Critics

(0:46:04) Pride and South asian culture

(0:52:56) Compensation in the arts

(1:06:47) The concept of Endowments in the Arts

(1:25:41) The story of Rachna di and the Harmonium

Bio RACHNA NIVAS (@rachnanivas) is an artist, choreographer, educator, and activist in Indian classical dance, bringing a relevant voice to kathak. Deemed “charismatic” and “revelatory” by the San Francisco Chronicle and featured in 2021 by Dance Magazine, she is one of the most sought-after kathak artists and educators of her generation. A distinguished torchbearer of legendary master Pandit Chitresh Das’ treasured lineage .Rachna is a fierce and passionate performer, a technical powerhouse with masterful creativity and infectious charm. She is a founding artist and artistic director of Leela Dance Collective, a nationally-based women-led and artist-led collective, producing powerful works by forward-thinking trailblazers in kathak dance. Rachna’s original works include her collaboration SPEAK, which brings together leading women in kathak and tap, bridging Indian and African-American art and heritage along with co-creators Rina Mehta, Michelle Dorrance, and Dormeshia. Some notable SPEAK _tour stops have been Broad Stage in Los Angeles, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, Mumbai Royal Opera House in India, Maui Arts and Cultural Center and University of Hawaii. Rachna is also co-creator of the large scale dance ballad, _Son of the Wind, featuring 20 dancers and a live orchestra. Tour highlights include Ford Theater in Los Angeles, Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, and Bhramara Festival in Mumba, India. Her original solo work, Meera, was featured at the ODC Walking Distance Festival in San Francisco and at Salvatore Capezio Theater in New York City. Her original work Stir, choreographed for Leela Youth Dance Company, was featured at the WorldWideWomen’s Girls Festival. Her works have been funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, New Music USA, Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation, California Arts Council, and Zellerbach Family Foundation. Prior to work with Leela Dance Collective, Rachna was principal dancer with the Chitresh Das Dance Company for 15 years and received two nominations for an Isadora Duncan Dance Award while performing worldwide in productions such as Shiva, Sita Haran, Pancha Jati, Darbar, Shabd and many more. Some notable venues she performed at with CDDC, include Cal Performances at UC Berkeley, Roy and Edna Disney/Cal Arts Theater in Los Angeles, Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, Kohler Arts Center in Wisconsin, Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts in Arizona, National Center for Performing Arts in Mumbai, Birla Sabhagar in Kolkata, National Institute of Kathak Dance in New Delhi, and Shaniwarwada Festival in Pune, India. Rachna was also instrumental in building the Chhandam School of Kathak in San Francisco (founded by Pandit Chitresh Das in 1980). Pandit Das himself appointed Rachna to be Co-Director of the Chhandam School in 2009 (along with Seibi Lee). Rachna worked tirelessly under Pandit Das to institutionalize curriculum, build infrastructure, train teachers, direct school-wide dance dramas, and flourish the school into one of the world’s leading and most influential academies of North Indian classical dance. Her passion and commitment to her own journey of the art and to building pride of Indian classical art amongst the South Asian community led her to emerge as a powerful role model amongst the Indian diaspora. In particular, Rachna has exceptional talent in teaching and training youth, making the art relevant, inspiring, and empowering to girls. Rachna was the successor to Pandit Das as Co-Artistic Director of the Chhandam School and Artistic Director of the Chhandam Youth Dance Company (now the Leela Youth Dance Company), shepherding excellence, leadership, and creative discovery amongst teens. Rachna has also taught numerous kathak workshops, after-school programs, and outreach events/residencies to communities of all backgrounds, including at the San Francisco Asian Art Museum, Treme Center of New Orleans, Conservatory of Arts in Miami, Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, LA Tap Fest at Debbie Allen Dance Academy, National Center for Kathak Dance in New Delhi, and many more. Currently, Rachna is leading and directing Leela New York, the newest chapter of Leela Institute of Kathak, bringing the teachings of her lineage for the first time to the greater New York Metro area.

Title Track Audio Credit: Doug Maxwell | Bansure Raga

Few artists have the power to create an indelible impact on the minds of their audiences through their art form and one such name in the world of Kathak dance is Shambhavi Dandekar. Shambhavi Dandekar, as an accomplished Indian Classical Kathak master performer, has carved a niche for herself through her sheer talent, unique performances and unparalleled choreography, that has brought her recognition on the national as well as international platforms. As a young dancer, Shambhavi started her training under the able guidance of her own mother and renowned Guru Pandita Maneesha Sathe, a celebrated dancer and a teacher in her own right. Shambhavi then went on to receive intense training in ‘Laya and Tala’ or the aesthetics of Indian Rhythm from Table virtuoso 'Taalyogi' Pandit Suresh Talwalkar. Along with her top-notch traditional dance training, Shambhavi also has a strong academic background with a Bachelors in Commerce and two Masters degrees in Dance. Furthermore, she also holds Diplomas both in French and Sanskrit. She has performed in Japan, China, Middle East, Canada, Australia and Singapore; needless to mention many reputed venues and dance festivals in India and USA. She is a member of the International Dance Council of UNESCO. ‘Singaar Mani’, ‘Nritya Ratna’, ‘Bharatashree’, ‘Kala Teertha’ are some of the prestigious titles awarded to her in India. She is also a proud recipient of ‘P. L. Deshpande Youth Award’. She is a high grade artist of Indian National Television. Her performances and interviews have been telecast on TV channels of the USA, Australia, Japan, Singapore and India. Shambhavi’s rich heritage enables her to impart Kathak training in an authentic and traditional way. However, despite her traditional training, she has broken the bounds of the traditional repertoire and produced innovative masterpieces. Her story-telling in Kathak is unparalleled. Shambhavi began her teaching career in 1991, under the umbrella of her mother’s dance institute Maneesha Nrityalaya. She founded ‘Shambhavi’s International School of Kathak’ or SISK in 2010 with a vision to encourage the symbiosis of Kathak activities across the globe. Soon after, in 2012 she moved her base to San Francisco, California. SISK India is a prolific institute with 400 students. It has three locations in Pune which are managed by Tejaswini Sathe, Shambhavi’s ‘Guru Behen’ and sister-in-law, with the aid of 10 assistant teachers. SISK USA is based out of the San Francisco Bay area and is operated by Shambhavi herself. She trains adult students of various levels, aspiring to fulfill their dreams of pursuing Kathak. Furthermore, she invests the majority of her time in training advanced level students and teachers across the USA in mastering the art. Shambhavi’s years of experience, intellectual understanding and analysis of the art form, has helped her create stellar performers out of her dedicated students. Many of her students have emerged as Kathak professionals. SISK serves as an umbrella organization to a number of dance institutes founded and run by Shambhavi’s senior disciples in various parts of the world. SISK alumni are making their impact through various aspects of Kathak such as Dance Therapy, Dance Publication, Dance Training, Dance Journalism, Dance Accessories Retail, etc. She has initiated various Kathak related activities not only in the Bay Area but throughout North America. Initiatives such as Gurukul Kathak Retreat, Baithak series, Riyaz Challenge, Watch-n-Learn Series, biennial student recital ‘Darpan’, conducting Dance and music certification exams offered By Bharati Vidyapeeth University are to name a few. She also earned two fantastic reviews in the New York Times for her solo performances. In 2019 She worked as a panelist in the 41st San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival. During the pandemic, she has proved to be a constant source of knowledge to the young Kathak practitioners across the globe. Her online Masterclass series has received a mind blowing response and has been attended by over 500 Kathak students. In 2021, Shambhavi introduced the pathbreaking Distance Learning Program for adult beginners in Kathak under the auspices of SISK. In a matter of five months, 40 students from various cities of the USA, Canada, India, Middle East, U.K., Australia, Germany and Netherlands are learning Kathak through video lessons created by Shambhavi.

Show Highlights

(0:01:23) Distance Learning Program

(0:05:40) Giving feedback on video

(0:11:42) Doing kathak during pregnancy

(0:14:30) Communicating and adjusting expectations with Students

(0:17:23) Teaching Kathak to adults

(0:21:09) Workshops and Masterclass series

(0:30:24) Getting the most out of workshop lessons

(0:39:50) Staying Grounded after being well known

(0:49:05) Marathi literature adopted by Shambhavi tai

(0:53:37) The nuances of being from a gharana in present day

(1:00:48) Doing Riyaz with Students

(1:08:21) The importance of managing finances

Title Track Audio Credit: Doug Maxwell | Bansure Raga

Sonali Loomba completed her post graduate in Human Resource Management from India and worked at a corporate sector in Bangalore for over 6 years before she decided to quite and completely dedicate her self to kathak as full time performing artist. During her college years she started learning Kathak which was in 2006 under the guidance of Gurus (teachers) Hari and Chethana from Bangalore, India. She believes Indian Classical Dance is like an ocean which is limitless. The deeper you dive in the more beauty you see of the form. It can take up-to several years to even call oneself a master of this art form. She also visits India often to advance in her studies of Kathak under Gurus.. She moved to Utah,USA in 2017 from India and the first performance she gave was at the Krishna Temple in Salt lake city at one of their events and was really appreciated for bringing Kathak to Utah. She has also benefited largely from this form in terms of developing strong mental and physical health because of the complexities and the various body movements this dance form has to offer. Thus she started offering kathak classes to the community because an art form like this needs to be preserved and promoted, She went on to establish her dance school in Utah, Kaladharaa Dance School which focuses on imparting the nuances of this ancient form to others in the community as a way of passing it down to generations to come. As a performer, She has given numerous dance presentations as a soloist in India and USA. She has performed in leading dance festivals like Hampi Utsav (Hampi, India), Brahmotsav (Tirupathi, India), North American Festival of Colors ( Utah, USA and Vegas, USA) ,Living traditions ( Utah, USA) , World Folk fest ( Utah, USA), Utah Arts festival ( Utah, USA) to name a few. She has recently presented kathak at the 2019 TEDx Salt Lake City.

Publications: https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/dance/kathak-dancer-sonali-loomba-is- now-propagating-the-classical-form-in-the-us/article28328289.ece

https://www.udayavani.com/supplements/women/kathak-kalravaram-in-foreign-land

https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/music/sonali-loomba-going-beyond- cultural-barriers-with-kathak- 1502747430.html?fbclid=IwAR2u_YFQ8YTfZ5FmPWww38KmBoFEGTsjPqxvDcoiiYIevN5 ngtUTPwx4fmM

https://catalystmagazine.net/aarambh-an-enchanting-night-with-indian-classical- dance/?fbclid=IwAR0_EfP_qtDUrw_s7wDpsPxVku-WCUBoSYy0kJgqx9x- 7Y6VAmnIJOinG8I

http://lovedancemore.org/reviews/2019/8/24/sugar-space-presents-sample- tracks?fbclid=IwAR0HuOxFWzofFx0_iSvpRS0A7WY3iJM86-lnDtdJ-roZ2encCvIlc1cq4-k

Show Highlights

(0:03:12) How Teaching makes one a better performer

(0:10:48) Preparation for each class

(0:13:42) Making of a performer

(0:24:07) The importance of a guru

(0:36:12) How to decide if their guru is right for them?

(0:40:31) Dealing with students quitting

(0:48:56) Learning Hindustani Classical Music

(0:53:58) The need to learn Taalvidya

(1:00:45) TedX at Salt Lake City

(1:04:10) Most memorable performances

Title Track Audio Credit: Doug Maxwell | Bansure Raga

APURVA BENDRE is an elite Kathak Dancer and a splendid Choreographer. Currently pursuing her Alankar (Post-Graduation) in Kathak, Apurva has more than 23 years of on-stage performing experience. Known for her versatility, Apurva, a Mime artist & Harmonium player, is also a master of other dance forms such as Folk, Ballet and Contemporary. Being a celebrated Kathak dancer, she has been invited as a Judge for many competitions. Honored with immense appreciation all over India, she has performed for National Television on multiple occasions. After coming to USA in 2017, Apurva was invited to perform in various events in Columbus and Indianapolis.

Currently, Apurva is earning a Ph.D. in Health Economics from IU School of Liberal Arts.

Show Highlights

(0:06:14) Balancing PhD and Riyaaz

(0:17:51) Training in Mumbai

(0:22:30) Staying on the path

(0:23:56) Kathak Competitions

(0:28:52) Stories from live performances

(0:30:26) What to look for in collaborators

(0:35:23) The joy of performing in front of Guru

(0:37:23) Teaching Plans in the future

(0:40:00) Matka Gat

(0:42:15) Attracting a younger generation to Kathak

(0:44:23) Creating relatability in Kathak

(0:46:11) Starting out in Indiana

(0:50:46) Being a judge

(0:55:13) Choreographies for social media

(0:59:28) Camera Focused Choreography

(1:05:39) Choreographic Investigation

(1:12:20) The vaue of a support system

(1:19:42) Future plans

(1:25:33) advice to Kathakas coming to US

Title Track Audio Credit: Doug Maxwell | Bansure Raga

Star of upcoming US full length feature film "The Xenophobes" as Captain Shriya Ballah.

Education: Svetlana is professionally trained in Indian Classical Kathak Dance by her Guru Yekaterina Seliviorstova, a Russian graduate of the National Institute of Kathak Dance - Kathak Kendra (Delhi, India), where she received her training from Urmila Nagar (Jaipur Gharana of Kathak). Svetlana has completed her training in Kathak as a member and lead dancer of "Chakkar" School of Indian Classical Dance in Moscow. Russia. Svetlana holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (6-year Sangit Prabhakar) in Kathak Dance from Prayag Sangeet Samiti University of Indian Classical Music & Dance (Allahabad, India).

Svetlana has received trained in acting from the "New Collective LA" studio, a Hollywood-based branch of the "Susan Batson Studio" (New York City, USA) known for coaching many celebrities for their major films, such as Nicole Kidman, Tom Cruise, Juliette Binoche, Oprah Winfrey and Lady Gaga among others.

Career highlights: Svetlana's first major breakthrough was upon her appearance with an Indian Classical Dance to a Bollywood song at the Ukraine's Got Talent TV show in 2013, that has caught attention of wide audiences and eventually went viral on the internet with over 10 million views till date. Some of the other TV shows where Svetlana presented Kathak dance since then include: Russia's Got Talent, So You Think You Can Dance (Ukraine), Dance Plus (India) and many others. Svetlana is constantly touring the world with various TV show appearances, acts as a headliner for major Indian Dance festivals worldwide, conducts live dance shows and dance workshops. She also works as a dance teacher, choreographer, model and a creative lead for music and dance videos both in Kathak and Bollywood dance styles. Svetlana starred as a lead in several music videos including Zee Music Company's "Hanju - Tears of Happiness" by Vanit Bakshi and "Trilokam" by world fusion music band Indialucia. Svetlana recently appeared on the cover of the Indian Talent Magazine (October 2018), where she covers her journey as a performing artist. In 2018 Svetlana starred in a short documentary film "Why I Dance" covering her story of the real reasons why she chose to become an Indian Classical dancer. Svetlana has collaborated with various well known performing artists & dance companies in the Kathak & Bollywood dance industry, with whom she has co-lead, choreographed and performed: Kumar Sharma, Nakul Dev Mahajan, IndianRaga One of the recent highlights has been performing at the Opening ceremony of ISSF World Cup 2019 in Delhi, India together with Kumar Sharma and Kathak Rockers.

Show Highlights

(0:01:37) Move to LA

(0:03:49) Teaching Style

(0:07:18) Pros of Cons of having a Strict Teacher

(0:09:00) Style vs Technique

(0:12:57) The value of Explaining in Detail

(0:14:58) Making corrections online

(0:16:28) Balancing Friendliness and Leading Students

(0:18:12) Meeting Fans in Kathak Classes

(0:19:28) Encouraging Students to Practice

(0:21:43) The Psychology behind practicing 5 mins a day

(0:23:25) Excercises that help you get better at Kathak

(0:25:18) Riyaaz Rituals

(0:27:43) Training and Background

(0:34:49) Kathak in Russia

(0:40:03) Kathak Fusion

(0:45:48) Moving from Fusion to Pure Kathak

(0:48:06) Dealing with Criticism from the community

(0:51:57) Process of Choreography

(0:56:26) The importance of staying grounded

(0:59:06) Memorable Performances: Russia's Got Talent

(1:00:36) Working with Kumar Sharma

(1:06:05) Impact and Legacy

Suranya Siriwardana is a Sri Lankan, Australia based kathak dancer who has been learning kathak for the past 10 years under Guru Pali Chandra at Gurukul Studios International. She is currently undergoing training for her Vocational Advanced 1 exam. She has performed globally in Dubai, India, England, Switzerland and more. Having come from a different background Suranya's passionate about using dance as a way to communicate. She personifies this concept in her first choreography, 'Dancing in Silence'. With a fascination for Sign Language and her past knowledge in ASL, Suranya choreographed a piece for Advaita's Mo Funk portraying a young deaf and mute girl who embraces her disabilities through dance and strength from a divine power. Suranya continues to amalgamate her pre-existing ballet movement vocabulary and her kathak movement vocabulary to communicate societal obstacles and advocate for the disabled.

Show Highlights

(0:01:06) Experience of being a young dancer

(0:06:00) Balancing age and experience in dance

(0:10:46) Vocational in the Gurukul environment

(0:11:32) Working with Gurukul International

(0:14:53) Learning Kathak as a Sri Lankan

(0:16:37) Importance of observation in dance

(0:18:35) Exploring social messages with 'Dancing in Silence'

(0:23:31) Using Sri Lankan heritage within kathak

(0:26:02) Cultural Identity

(0:28:40) Focusing on Nritta

(0:30:13) Kathak in Australia

(0:34:43) Personal endeavours with kathak in Australia

(0:41:13) Journey with ballet

(0:46:07) Choreographic process

(0:49:28) How to decide movement placement within a choreography

(0:54:59) Future projects and legacy in kathak

Seibi Lee: Leela Dance Collective Founding Artist, Artistic Director

Seibi Lee is a consummate kathak artist known for her powerful mastery, refined musicality, and dramatic brilliance in character portrayal. Seibi is a distinguished disciple of the iconic kathak legend Pandit Chitresh Das. She is a founding artist at Leela Dance Collective and Dean at Leela San Francisco.

Seibi has toured worldwide earning accolades and deep respect for her artistry. She received an Isadora Duncan Dance Special Award as part of the performing ensemble in Das’s East As Center and received two subsequent nominations for performances in Pancha Jati and Shabd. As principal dancer of the Chitresh Das Dance Company, Seibi evolved a singular perspective and style through the development of virtuosic character roles in several of Das’s critically acclaimed works: the scheming maidservant Mantara in Ramayana, the dual roles of the tormented demon Marich and beloved tribal prince Hanuman in Sita Haran, the belligerent General in Darbar, and in Das’s final work, the electrifying Guru in Shiva. Her outstanding portrayal of Hanuman became the inspiration for the central character and creation of Leela Dance Collective’s Son of the Wind – the full-length dance drama bringing to life Hanuman’s rarely told heroic and valorous adventures from the epic Ramayana.

Son of the Wind premiered at the Green Center in Sonoma in 2017, was featured at ODC Theatre in San Francisco in 2018, and in 2019 presented at the prestigious Royal Opera House in Mumbai, India and the Ford Theater in Hollywood.

Seibi has a profound passion for the expansive philosophy, dynamic range, and sophisticated rhythmic mathematics integral to kathak and is dedicated to bringing this art form to the world. Highly regarded for her teaching, Seibi has mentored many generations of dancers and in 2016, she was recognized by The Alliance of California Traditional Arts as Master Artist. She has produced several featured shows including Pacific Pathways, Aarambh, and Harvest Moon Festival. Seibi continues to forge her own unique path within the artistic tradition and, with the support of both the Haas Foundation and a 2-year Artist in Residence with the Oakland Asian Cultural Center, conceived and choreographed the mesmerizing solo work Houyi and Chang’e, – the heart-rending tale of great heroism and of tragically star-crossed lovers.

“Seibi Lee in the double roles of Marich, the retired roué, and as Hanuman, minister to Sugreeva, the wronged prince of the Monkeys, was magnificent”

Rita Feliciano, Dance View

“As the Indian general, Seibi Lee drew a clear character arc from subject to betrayer to fool,

a remarkable achievement.”

Claudia Bauer, SFGate

""Son of the Wind", a spectacular retelling of Ramyana episodes centered on Hanuman...I was struck both by the production's sophisticated conception and by the professionalism of its execution by an all-female cast of seventeen dancers. With its technical brilliance, emotional power, and reverent yet creative reinterpretation of sacred epic, 'Son of the Wind', staged by american women of a variety of ethnic backgrounds, was a world-class transnational dance theater that celebrated Indian performance traditions even as it innovated within them and challenged cultural stereotypes."

Philip Lutgendorf, Ph.D, author "Hanuman's Tale"

Show Highlights

(0:13:23) Singing vs Tabla to prioritize for Kathakas

(0:16:17) Singing and Recitation for Kathak

(0:20:57) Kathak Yoga Inspiration

(0:26:05) Incorporating Kathak Yoga

(0:29:23) How teaching started

(0:32:31) Energy from students

(0:42:14) connection with Pt Chitresh Das ji

(0:47:12) Portrayal of Hanuman

(0:55:24) Son Of The Wind

(1:00:27) Mahiravana, Horcruxes and Hanuman

(1:01:46) Solo Work of Seibi Lee

(1:11:47) How Leela Came together

(1:15:36) Kathak as a Solo Art Form

(1:17:04) Impact and Legacy

Dr. Sarika Persaud (@doctor.samosa) is a student of Abha Bhatnagar Roy, and assists with teaching at Srijan Dance Center (NYC). She is a psychologist at Fordham University (Lincoln Center), and an adjunct professor at City University of New York - John Jay College. Sarika’s research and clinical work focuses on relationship, sex, and body image issues for the South Asian diaspora, youth suicide prevention, and mental healthcare for artists. Sarika identifies as a bisexual Indo-Caribbean woman, and was recently published in an anthology of South Asian LGBTQAI+ essays, “I Hope You’ll Still Love Me.” She has also published a collection of poetry, “Poems About a Song,” in addition to various academic publications on community-based interventions for South Asian diaspora groups in the International Journal of Psychology, School Psychology International, and in a forthcoming book published by the American Psychological Association, Division of South Asian-American Psychology.

https://www.instagram.com/kathaksamosa/

https://www.instagram.com/doctor.samosa/

https://www.instagram.com/srijandance/

Show Highlights

(0:02:00) Being Indo-Carribean

(0:11:31) Significance of Rangmanch

(0:13:36) What causes people to quit kathak

(0:14:40) Rangmanch

(0:16:13) music in indocarribean

(0:18:22) Mental Health Practice around dance

(0:20:04) Common issues faced by dancers

(0:22:09) From surface to deeper issues

(0:25:17) how is therapy different for dancers

(0:27:26) Red flags for dancers to watch out

(0:31:36) The concept of giving space

(0:34:36) How stopping things helps you shape your identity

(0:35:48) What to focus on when teaching children

(0:37:03) Ashtamangal Taal

(0:37:30) Foundations of kathak

(0:42:28) Separating Psychology from Life

(0:45:25) Srijan dance enter

(0:48:44) Relationship between Sarika di and Abha Bhatnagar ji

(0:53:32) How do dancers perceive choreographies

(0:56:58) Getting to love Riyaz

(1:00:50) Kathak Meetup NYC

(1:02:33) Love for Tagore

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

Shivani Badgi is a New Jersey/New York based dancer with 20 years of dance experience in Kathak, Lavani, and Bollywood. She began her training in dance at the age of five under Guru Padma Khanna at Indianica Academy. She furthered her dance education to learn Ballet, Jazz, and Contemporary at Joffrey Ballet School, Mason Gross School of Arts at Rutgers University, and Broadway Dance Center. She has had the opportunity to perform on reputable stages at Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center during the 50th Anniversary of Lincoln Center, at Warwick Castle and Island Gardens for the American Alliance of Performing Arts London Invitational, Theatre for the New City in NYC, Philadelphia Museum of Art, NBA Halftime Show, and Times Square at Diwali. Shivani is currently furthering her Kathak education with Guru Syed Sallauddin Pasha of Ability Unlimited. She currently teaches Kathak and Semi-Classical at her dance studio, The Gurukul Performing Arts in New Jersey.

E-MAIL: shivanibadgi@gmail.com WEBSITE: www.shivanibadgi.com YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/shivanibadgi

Show Highlights (0:04:17) Teaching bollywood with a kathak foundation

(0:07:04) Deciding what's right for students

(0:09:59) Pushback for doing bollywood

(0:12:04) Timeline of learning dances

(0:16:51) Favorite Dance form

(0:18:01) Learning multiple dance forms

(0:26:38) Soorpanakha Backstory

(0:35:41) Flat feet and Kathak

(0:38:09) Teaching Style

(0:41:59) Performing Career

(0:45:23) Performing at Times Square

(0:52:57) Making high quality videos

(0:54:34) Pandit Gopi Krishna Ji

(0:58:13) Dance Practice

Aditya Garud is a Kathak dancer learning under guidance of Guru Pt.Mayur Vaidya ji. He believes Dance is a way of expression and Kathak is language through which one can communicate with the audience. To him, dance is beyond just entertainment but something that can create a shift in the society. He is also a practising Dance Movement Therapy practioner, founder of Angikam which works for creating safe non-judgmental space and mental health awareness.

https://www.instagram.com/adityagarud.dance/ https://www.instagram.com/angikam_DMT/

Show Highlights (0:01:20) Mental Health in Kathak

(0:02:48) Why should people dance?

(0:04:12) Angikam

(0:05:54) Getting People Interested in Dance Movement Therapy

(0:09:42) How Aditya manages expectations

(0:11:23) Dealing with Pushback

(0:12:27) Mental Health and Community

(0:15:45) Keeping Kathak separate from Dance Movement Therapy

(0:18:32) Mind and Body Connection

(0:21:15) Raah

(0:23:59) Dancers in Raah

(0:33:49) Kathak Training and background

(0:36:41) Spiritual Experience

(0:43:54) Guru Purnima

(0:49:59) Reaching out to prominent guests

(0:53:25) Being "late" to start Kathak

(0:59:27) Male Kathak Dancer

(1:03:07) Favoritism

(1:04:29) Mayur Vaidya Art Temple

(1:06:07) Choosing a Career

(1:06:43) Gharanas

Anita is a Montreal based Kathak dancer and Hindustani vocalist. Her Kathak Guru is Smt. Urmila Sharma.

Anita has performed over 50 times in the past 2 years both nationally and internationally in India, sharing platforms with the top names in Kathak.

She runs a successful school through her home studio, where she teaches both Kathak and Indian classical voice, grooming new dancers for the stage.

Among numerous awards and career highlights, Anita notably placed first in the Sangeet Natak Akademi Kathak competition, and recently was selected to present and learn from Pandita Saswati Sen as part of the Sadhana Series organized by Pratibha Arts in Toronto.

As a choreographer, Anita has choreographed pure Kathak to western genres such as jazz, orchestra, and disco-funk. She has given lectures on Kathak for prestigious music schools in Montreal, including the Mcgill Schulich School of music. Currently, Anita is pursuing a mentorship under Kathak dancer, Tanveer Alam, and acquiring a new movement vocabulary.

(0:02:01) Kathak vs Eurocentric Art Forms

(0:05:38) Being a Kathak Ambassador

(0:07:31) Dealing with Ignorant Comments

(0:10:52) Kathak Fusion and Bollywood

(0:13:49) Derogatory Terms used for Kathakars in Uttar Pradesh

(0:17:17) Costumes in Kathak

(0:26:12) Overcoming being Blacklisted

(0:33:36) Accommodating Students who don't know Hindi

(0:34:38) Encouraging Students to Practice

(0:43:41) Lonliness and Kathak

(0:48:24) Dancing on a stage with nails and bricks

(0:52:19) Choreographic investigation

(1:00:50) Giving Lectures in Kathak

Labonee Mohanta, disciple of Kathak maestro Pandit Chitresh Das, began her training at the age of 8. She is a prominent solo artist, having performed Kathak solos to great acclaim in dance and music festivals throughout the United States, Canada, India, and Europe. Labonee has become renowned for dynamism in her dance, fiery footwork, graceful movement, and speedy pirouettes. Some of the prestigious places she has performed at include the Stars of Tomorrow Festival at West Bengal Dance Federation, SPICMACAY at Bengal Chamber of Commerce, Raginee Music Conference at Birla Academy, Chhayanaut Music & Dance Academy in Dhaka, and various other cultural associations in North America and India, as well as many universities and institutions in Europe.

Labonee was a principal dancer of the Chitresh Das Dance Company and toured extensively with Panditji’s award-winning productions. She served as center director and senior teacher at Panditji's institution for many years. Recently she has started her own dance school in California and conducts workshops in other parts of USA, Canada, Europe, and India. As a second generation Indian in America, she plays a significant role in preserving the cultural heritage of India in the East and spreading these values in the West.

http://www.labonee.com/

https://www.instagram.com/labonee_mohanta/

https://www.instagram.com/nikkitakathak/?hl=en

https://in.linkedin.com/in/nikita-banawalikar-39745b19a

https://www.facebook.com/nikitabanawalikar.kathak/

An ICCR empanelled artist,Nikita also holds an MBA in HR from Symbiosis.She has successfully completed her Masters in Performing arts with distinction from Bharati Vidyapeeth and has passed the All India UGC Net examination and is eligible for the post of Asst.Professor. She has done her Masters in Commerce from R.A Podar college.

A promising budding kathak artist,NIKITA was introduced to Indian Classical dance at the age of 4.She began her training initially in Bharatnatyam but developed interest in Kathak at the age of 9.She was under the tutelage Dr.Manjiri Deo and completed Visharad from Gandharva Mahavidhyalaya under her guidance.Later she was trained in Padma Bhushan Kumudini Lakhia jis Kadamb centre for dance,Ahmedabad . Her advance training was under Guru Shama Bhate in Pune. A CCRT young artist scholarship holder ,Nikita has been conferred with numerous prestigious awards.Menaka award by Mumbai University for 2 consecutive years,Akhil Bharatiya Prathibha Puraskar,Gopi Krishna Award,Pandit Vishnu Digambar Paluskar Award,Nritya Vilasini ,Nritya Sadhak to name a few. A gold medalist of All India National Youth Festival ,She has represented India twice at South Asian Universities International youth festival.

Nikita has presented her solo classical recital in many festivals India and abroad.She completed her successful tour of UK where she presented her recent production SAMARPAN at prestigious venues. She has also toured CHINA & Europe for her performance and workshops .She has given her performance for TEDX at the young age of 16.Her other noteworthy performances include:The music summit by kala Sangam Bombay,Delhi International arts festival, Durga festival,Kalaghoda arts festival,Kalakshetra Chennai,Karavali Utsav,Aura-Aurangabad at Mahagami,Navapallava Mumbai ,kinkini festival ,ICCR----BANGKOK, ,BRAHMA SADHANA SAMAROH.KISHOR SANGEET SAMMELAN,OCTAVE FESTIVAL ,AVEG’12 at NCPA and many more.

Nikita has assisted choreographer Remo D souza to choregraph Ghar more pardesiya from the movie kalank. She got an opportunity to collaborate and present her solo recital with great musicians Shankar Mahadevan and Hariharan ji.Nikita has assisted renowned chochoreographer Vaibhavi Merchant to choreograph for various projects. Nikita aims at carrying forward the rich cultural classical dance tradition throughout the world and preserve its true essence by the medium of her institute KALA VATIKAA in Mumbai .

My conversation with Vidya revolves around Kathag, Yoga, We would like to welcome Vidya Warrier, a Kathak dancer, teacher, and a film maker. She’s been learning dance since the age of five, received her degree in Kathak from Prayag University in Allahabad, and now seeks to use Dance as a medium to convey a powerful message. Her creativity spans from dance to videography and she currently runs a Youtube channel called The Dancing Warrier, where she seeks to marry her two biggest passions in life - Yoga and Dance.

In addition to training students of Noorani Dance, Farah’s teaching experience includes ODC School and Along King LINES Ballet in San Francisco, India Community Center in the Silicon Valley, and various academic and arts institutions throughout the U.S. in addition to being a guest choreographer for the World Dance Program at Alvin Ailey Extension in New York City. Farah was also a consulting choreographer for the theatrical adaptation of Monsoon Wedding, directed by Mira Nair, and the lead choreographer for I’ll Meet You There, a feature length film directed by Pakistani American filmmaker, Iram Parveen Bilal.

Since 2015, Farah has been consistently performing and teaching throughout Pakistan - engaging in meaningful exchanges with artists, organizations, students, and art-loving and desiring Pakistanis. Engagements in Pakistan include the International Faiz Festival, Islamabad Arts Fest, Indus Valley School of the Arts, and T2F (the Second Floor).

Find her on

https://www.sbdc-kathak.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sujatabanerjeedancecompany/

https://www.facebook.com/sbdcuk/

Show Highlights

(0:06:15) Focus on the process

(0:01:54) Kathak as a subject

(0:14:41) ISTD Syllabus Benefits

(0:19:39) ISTD and Kathak Gharanas

(0:22:27) Pedestal

(0:34:55) Type of Feedback

(0:42:29) Kathak in Kolkata

(0:51:00) Learning to Play the Piano

(0:53:38) Attitude of a dancer

(0:56:16) Sujata Banerjee Dance Company

(1:00:59) Thriving In the Deep End

(1:05:50) Dance Productions

Born in India, brought up in New York, Barkha is a kathak dancer, choreographer, educator and the Artistic Director of Barkha Dance Company. She has trained in kathak both in India and New Jersey for over two decades with renowned kathak maestros and has a Master’s in Performing Arts from Kalidasa Sanskrit University. A touring artist, Barkha has performed at dance festivals in India to the U.S. Barkha recently created an ensemble work called Mukta, A Woman Liberated, which was in residency at the Center for Flamenco Arts and has presented at numerous festivals in NYC. She has been nationally recognized for her work: she completed a choreographic fellowship with the N.J.P.A.C., received a 2020 Fellow with the N.J. Council on the Arts, and is Dance/USA Institute for Leadership mentee. Barkha was recently announced as a 2021 Forge Consultancy Fellow. Barkha teaches young and adult students from all over the United States. Acknowledging the lack of community for kathak dancers in NYC, Barkha co-founded a kathak meetup group. The meetup started in January 2020 as an inclusive space for kathak dancers to practice and discuss crucial topics to the art form.

Social Media Links

https://www.instagram.com/barkhadanceco/

https://www.instagram.com/barkha.kathak/

https://linktr.ee/barkha.kathak

https://www.instagram.com/naina_kathak/

https://www.nainakathak.com/

http://courtyarddancers.org/

Naina Roychowdhury Green started her exploration of Kathak in 1994 at eight years of age, as Dr. Pallabi Chakravorty’s first Kathak student while Dr. Chakravorty completed her PhD. Naina’s unique style of Kathak evokes a soft and subtle restraint combined with sharp lines and crisp footwork. Hailing from Philadelphia, PA, USA and now currently residing in Pittsburgh, PA, USA, she is a founding member and Head Faculty of the Pittsburgh branch of the Courtyard Dancers, founded in 2000, and has been a fixture in the Pittsburgh dance community since 2004. Naina has guest lectured at the University of Pittsburgh and collaborates with the local community both in performance and sparking important discourse. Naina has also been performed on international television and was featured in J.J. Tiziou’s photographic installation “How Philly Moves”. In Pittsburgh, Naina offers a rigorous Kathak curriculum for all levels in addition to leading a strong performance group she’s lucky to know.

Currently Naina is calling for contributors and is in the nascent phase of establishing an upcoming Kathak Festival Bells of Steel (a nod to the steel town of Pittsburgh) in the Western Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia region. She is deep in the weeds of grant writing and establishing local connections. Naina was recently invited as a guest panelist to discuss “Immigration and the Arts” by Kelly Strayhorn Theater.

Show Highlights

0:02:00 Impact of Gender Fluidity on Teaching

0:06:32 Differences Between Gharanas

0:07:57 Naina Green's style

0:09:39 Aspects of Teaching

0:15:27 Workshops Naina di likes

0:18:30 Current Explorations of the Jaipur Gharana

0:20:15 Sticking To Kathak

0:29:03 Dancing with limitations on legs

0:31:17 Courtyard Dancers

0:36:14 The responsibility of an artist

0:42:01 Being fearless and performing for oneself

0:44:32 Relationship with the audience

0:55:52 The Rocketbook

0:57:27 Impact and Legacy

Bio Richa Srivastava, Artistic Director, Arambh Kathak Pathshala, Mumbai & London, has done Masters in Kathak and currently taking her advanced training under Sushri Saswati Sen ji n Maharaj ji.. Richa started her Kathak training in her School under Smt Mukta Misra ji in Delhi and then under Smt. Shila Mehta ji in Mumbai... She has performed at some prestigious dance festivals in India, Baharain, Birmingham n London... to name a few- Kalaghoda Festival, Mumbai, Vasantotsav organised by Maharaj ji's Kalashram in Delhi, Rashtriya Kathak Sansthaan, Luckhnow, Kathak Sandhya at BHU, Varansi, kathak Solo at MAC Birmingham, Kathak Duet at Bahrain, and so on.. She is also awarded with some prestigious awards like National Nritya Shiromani, Nritya Mayuram and so on.

https://www.instagram.com/richadagg/ https://www.facebook.com/richa.dagg

Show Highlights

0:01:52 Gender Fluidity in Dance 0:05:51 Khula Naach 0:07:55 Khula Naach / Upaj 0:10:07 Realizations of Conditioning 0:10:57 Fighting Biases 0:13:10 Freedom in kathak 0:14:05 boundaries of kathak 0:16:02 Abhinaya 0:17:52 Acting in theater vs Abhinaya 0:22:33 Richa di's favorite story 0:25:50 Dialogues 0:31:46 Abinaya and age 0:35:13 Teaching hindi 0:40:50 Riyaaz 0:46:17 Richa di's Riyaaz Rituals 0:47:19 What is Richa di learning? 0:51:18 Blessings from Pt Birju Maharaj ji 0:55:21 Acoompanying Artisits 0:56:54 Social Media Tips 1:00:18 Sharing Kathak on Social Media 1:01:35 Critics/Trolls 1:04:09 Legacy

Nima is a 22 year old from Houston, TX who has been learning Kathak under her Guru Smt. Shiva Mathur for the past eleven years. Nima is the founder and owner of Kathak Bells Handmade Creations.

Nima’s passion for Kathak inspired her to open this business. She started by restringing broken ghungroos of her classmates. This eventually gave her the idea to start a company. With the blessing of her guru, she established Kathak Bells Handmade Creations in July 2020 and now ships handcrafted ghungroos throughout the United States and Canada.

Kathak Bells is an eco-friendly company. All packaging used is biodegradable or compostable. No plastic or styrofoam is used.

Links Website: www.kathakbells.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathakbells Instagram (main): https://www.instagram.com/nima.mistry_/ Instagram (business): https://www.instagram.com/kathakbells_handmadecreations/

Ariaki Dandawate, born and brought up in New Jersey, has been studying Kathak under the discipleship of Guru Pandita Archana Joglekar for over 15 years. Having been exposed to the nuances, beauty, and prestigious lineage of Kathak by her guru from a young age, Aria has spent the past several years seriously pursuing every aspect of the art form.    In 2014, Aria received her Visharad (Bachelors) degree from the SAMVED Exam Board, and in August of 2016 she presented her Rang Manch Pradarshan (solo performance). Her Visharad degree in Kathak has allowed her to study the essence of the Natya Shastra – a pillar of the arts – as well as become proficient in complex practical and theoretical applications of both Taal and Bhav Anga.   Aria has given solo performances at prestigious festivals such as Guru Wandana in Mumbai, Rabindra Natya Mandir in Mumbai, Geeva Heritage Festival in Kentucky, and Sangeet Mahotsav NY, to name a few. In the Tri-State area, Ariaki has performed at many events held by various cultural, artistic, and philanthropic organizations. In July of 2015, Ariaki was a Top 5 Finalist in Zee TV’s Dance India Dance North America competition held in Mumbai, India. Aria is a faculty member at Archana Arts, primarily training Diploma and Bachelors students at the academy and she has recently taken the responsibility of choreography and rehearsal assistantship at Archana Arts. Ariaki is a regular examiner under the SAMVED Exam board within NJ and Texas, Maryland, and Boston.   Apart from her rigorous training in Kathak, Ariaki graduated in May with a bachelors degree in Biotechnology and Computer Science, and is currently working as an Associate Computational Biologist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA.

Highlights 0:02:49 Training and Background 0:04:34 Masters in Kathak 0:06:25 SAMVED Board 0:08:53 Timeline for Bachelors and Masters 0:09:55 Sticking to Kathak 0:11:27 Approach to Kathak 0:18:03 Movements for each Taal 0:19:03 Formalizing thoughts 0:19:57 What needs to be done in kathak 0:21:43 Natya Dharmi vs Lok Dharmi 0:22:25 Stories Explored by Aria 0:23:53 Draupadi characteristics 0:25:51 Smt Archana Joglekar 0:29:27 Personal Connection with Archana ji 0:31:39 Aspects of Kathak Aria loves 0:33:56 Aria's teaching methodology 0:37:26 Being Strict 0:39:08 Dealing with students who don't practice 0:40:17 Performance Career 0:44:58 Coming back to kathak 0:46:20 Finding ways to dance 0:48:38 Difference between performing on TV vs On stage

Seetal Kaur combines her love for rhythm and music with swift movement and emotive expression as a Kathak dancer. Having trained in Bharatnatyam and vocal music from a young age, she started learning Kathak with Amina Khayyam in 2012 and toured nationally and internationally with the company's production of 'Yerma' from 2013-2015. For the past 6 years, Seetal has been focusing on developing her Kathak practice under Smt. Aditi Sen and has also been seeking guidance from Guru Pandit Rajendra Gangani for intensive periods in India, Switzerland and the UK. She has been involved in many creative and collaborative projects including 'Hanuman Tales' (Curve Theatre 2018-19), 'The Hen-nah Party' (Rich Mix London 2019), 'SHAKTI’ (South Asian Arts-UK, 2020) and was selected for the New York Kathak Festival 2020.

Highlights 0:03:35 The next steps 0:05:28 Musicians and Dancers Collaborations in the UK 0:07:18 The benefits of practicing with musicians 0:09:02 Training and background 0:13:24 Intenstive Workshops 0:16:27 South Asian Women in dance 0:19:43 Reactions and Reception to History 0:24:15 Radha Krishna Ched Char 0:30:50 Approach to perfomances 0:33:34 How to make a character and come alive 0:36:05 Enhancing practice through life experiences 0:38:59 Memorable performances and anectodes 0:42:19 Aspects of Kathak Seetal Finds Interesting 0:46:55 Teaching 0:50:01 Pt Chitresh Das 0:52:51 Style of Teaching 0:57:41 Encouraging the value of practicing

My conversation with Sunena has some deep insights into how she intertwines her love of kathak with mental health awareness. You can find her at Website: https://sunenagupta.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunenagupta/

YouTube: http://youtube.com/sunenagupta

Bio Sunena Gupta is a senior disciple of Guru Mulla Afsar Khan at the Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society. She has been training in kathak for over 15 years now. She received her diploma In 2016 and notably was the first student in Singapore to complete a Kathak Manch Pravesh (Arangetram).

Sunena is most well-known as the director of the ‘Umeed: Colors of Hope’ dance theatre production and ongoing mental health awareness campaign, which was launched in 2018 and has since delivered over 25 performances, workshops, and seminars across the globe.

Sunena now runs her own dance company, ‘SuRachna Dance Company‘ where she teaches beginner and intermediate children and adult classes.

Apart from being a dancer, Sunena works as a full-time Public Policy Analyst and is a mental health advocate. She is passionate about combining these aspects of her life with her dance career by encouraging other artists to use their platforms to convey social messages through traditional art, and continue to spread art as a form of mental wellbeing.

Show Highlights 0:03:23 Structure of performance 0:04:41 Pushback for advocacy 0:09:38 Impact of people's lives 0:12:44 Drawing Boundaries between advocacy and therapist 0:16:00 Getting Constructive Feed 0:19:10 Kathak Training in Singapore 0:22:33 Visharad 0:27:06 Long term plans 0:29:38 What Sunena wants to add to Teaching 0:30:57 Kathak style 0:32:25 Riyaaz and self care 0:35:57 Choreographer 0:37:35 Anectodes from performances 0:40:01 Partnering with Charities 0:44:06 Compensation 0:49:09 Message For Kathakars

Thoughts on the episode

My Conversation with Jin Won interweaves between Kathak and Tabla, especially how the two art forms complement each other. I love this episode because it was the first time I was asking questions about Tabla, which is challenging because I have never played or taken lessons in it.

Bio

Jin Won - Kathak Dancer Praised by the NY Times as "an exuberant dancer whose musicality transform[s] her dancing into something primal," dancer and percussionist Jin Won is a one-of-a-kind artist in the field of Indian performing arts who explores the sonic and visual possibilities of rhythm through dance and music. An accomplished Kathak dancer and tabla player of South Korean origin, she spent over 15 years in India training in Indian classical percussion and dance under Pandit Divyang Vakil and Shrimati Shubha Desai, respectively. As artistic director of Pradhanica Dance and (viusic Company, Jin has created, choreographed, and starred in various ensembles that have performed in esteemed venues across North America, as well as taught master classes and workshops in many arts institutes.

Highlights

0:01:51 The interplay of kathak and tabla 0:04:31 Balancing Riyaaz for both 0:06:31 Combining Tabla and kathak practice 0:12:42 Taal Vidya 0:16:15 abhinaya work 0:19:05 Steep Learning Curve of the tabla 0:21:07 Taal and Naad in Tabla 0:22:03 Ta Meditation 0:24:08 What makes tabla unique 0:25:55 Evolution in Tabla 0:27:32 Speed Isn't everything 0:28:20 Appreciating the subtleties in sound 0:37:15 Pradhanica Name origins 0:41:30 Boundaries when determining performances 0:48:42 Differences in dynamics in Kathak/Tabla classes 0:55:10 Students who take kathak and tabla lessons together 1:00:34 Style of dance and tabla 1:02:29 Legacy and Impact

My conversation with Shreyasee Nag is a fascincating look into the work it takes to establish Kathak in Spain, a country where knowing Spanish and assimilating with the culture is a must for mainstream acceptance. We learn the kind of effort it takes for Kathak artists to establish themselves in spaces where Flamenco/Ballet are considered the de facto dance forms.

Bio

Shreyasee Nag is a dance artist, director, founder of Nupura international Center of Dance and Music; Director, founder of Shreyasee Nag Dance Company, black book award winner by West Bengal government, part of Soul Pico companies, We women production and has traveled all over all across the world sharing her story.

Show Notes

0:03:04 Transition to Kathak 0:05:15 Difficulties of Kathak in Spain 0:08:09 Getting into a mainstream spaces 0:11:51 Flamenco and Kathak 0:16:25 Collaboration vs fusion 0:19:11 Holding your own ground 0:21:34 Reciting in Kathak 0:21:53 Dancer vs Practioner 0:23:41 Talks on Kathak 0:28:47 Kathak in Pakistan 0:32:43 Dealing with Pushback 0:38:44 Kathak in Europe 0:43:29 Monopoly 0:46:17 Being the Torchbearer of Kathak in spain 0:48:26 Teaching Practice 0:51:47 Teaching Phonetics 0:53:31 Teaching pronunciation 0:57:24 Uncertainty in Covid Time 0:58:41 Preparing Professional Dancers 1:02:05 Measure of Success

Thoughts on the Episode My conversation with Devesh ji was one I was super excited for and you can probably sense my nervousness in my tone! That being said, it is a great episode about being a male kathak dancer, balancing bollywood with kathak, Devesh ji's first solo performance and a whole host of other topics.

Bio Devesh Mirchandani is a Mumbai based choreographer and dance teacher. He has been training in Kathak for 13 years under the guidance of great gurus like Smt Shama Bhate ji, Padmashri Guru Pratap Pawar, and has taken workshops with Vidhushi Saswati Sen ji, and Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj ji.

He is a member of the Indian Film and Television Association Bollywood and part of the choreography team “Dance with Madhuri”.

His dance training includes Indian Folk Dances, Kathak and Contemporary – Bollywood dance.

As a teacher, he has been offering dance lessons in India for sixteen years whereas for the last three he has expanded his activities internationally – having travelled to countries like Russia, Spain, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Paris, Dubai for workshops and shows.

He has participated on dance reality shows (“Just Dance”, “Jhalak Dikla Ja”, “Dance India Dance”) and is highly appreciated by the Bollywood stars Sharukh Khan and Deepika Padukone.

Links to social https://youtube.com/c/NooriBak https://www.instagram.com/noori.bak

Show Highlights 0:03:33 Kathak/Dance to cope with depression 0:04:54 Training with First Guru 0:06:59 The central asian influence on Kathak 0:09:20 Staying with Nahid ji 0:12:33 Classes with Nahid ji 0:14:24 Starting from scratch 0:16:24 Rajasthani Dance 0:28:57 Sema, Whirling Dance 0:31:46 Beginning stages of Whirl 0:35:04 Kathak in Korea 0:37:22 Focus on the internal 0:40:11 Raas Academy 0:41:13 Noori Ji's teaching style 0:43:39 Performances 0:45:37 Princess Heo Hwang-ok 0:46:06 Story of the Indian princess to went to Korea 0:47:32 What aspects of Noori ji's dance are people drawn to? 0:48:35 O Re Piya video background 0:50:05 What Noori ji was going through when shooting the video 0:52:04 Future projects

Notes from Pramit My conversation with Dr Sarah Morelli is a fascinating look into how she became a Kathaka, Academic, and a student of Hindustani Music. Her book, "A Guru's Journey" detailing the life of Pt Chitresh Das is my favorite book on Kathak and I feel honored to be able to present this episode to all of you!

PS: Please note that the name of the book in the introduction is "A Guru's journey" and not "Tales of A modern Guru"

Bio

Sarah Morelli was blessed to train with two of the greatest artists of recent generations: renowned kathak master Pandit Chitresh Das and maestro Ali Akbar Khan, from whom she studied vocal music and the sarod, as well as their disciples Dr. George Ruckert, Gretchen Hayden, Steve Oda, and Pt. Rajeev Taranath. Her book, A Guru’s Journey: Pandit Chitresh Das and Indian Classical Dance in Diaspora (University of Illinois Press, 2019), is an ethnographic examination of Pandit Das’s artistic contributions and the development of kathak’s “California gharana.” Active as a kathak performer, scholar, and educator, Sarah is an Associate Professor at the University of Denver Lamont School of Music and a founding member of the Leela Dance Collective. Her kathak performances have included full solos and leading roles in productions in U.S. and India at venues such as Mumbai’s Royal Opera House, LA’s Ford Amphitheatre, and Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center. Sarah is founder and artistic director of Sureela, a kathak academy in Denver, CO that has recently joined sister schools in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York in creating the national institution the Leela Institute of Kathak.

Show Highlights: 0:02:26 How did Sarah Morelli Get into Kathak 0:14:52 Keeping up with Everything 0:18:14 Teaching Kathak to different ethnicities 0:21:49 Why did people stick to learning with Pt Chitresh Das ji 0:23:55 Personal Connection with Pt ji 0:25:17 Meaning of Intense Workshop 0:51:42 Dynamics of Leela Collective 1:02:25 Memorable Experiences in performing 1:10:20 What is Sarah ji's Style of Kathak 1:13:50 Work in Denver 1:17:34 Differences between now and then 1:25:17 Portrayal of Pt Chitresh Das ji 1:25:33 Make this book controversial

Thoughts on this Episode:

My conversation with Bina Jawwad is a fascinating insight into the history of Kathak in Pakistan from the perspective of a Kathakar who has the unique perspective of being involved in the art form before, during and after the 1977 military regime in Pakistan that had banned all dance forms.

Show Highlights:

0:01:42 Pakistan Pre 77 0:02:20 Auditioning for Maharaj Ghulam Hussain Kathak's class 0:03:51 No Inhibition or taboo 0:04:41 Open and Casual atmosphere 0:05:08 Equal Number of boys and girls 0:06:50 Initial days of the ban 0:08:21 Courage 0:15:36 Maharaj Ghulam Hussain Kathak 0:26:30 Ustad Behens and camraderie 0:42:22 Teaching to Little Kids : Anectode 0:58:00 Harsukh School 1:06:17 Legacy of Bina Jawwad

Bio:

Bina jawwad trained with Maharaj Ghulam Hussein Kathak after completing her BFA graphic design (1974) from department of fine Arts panjab university, became his assistant teacher , joined a private school to teach dance to students in the era of ban on all cultural activities during Martial Law (1977 to 1988) by dictator Zia Ul Haq. After the martial law was over, she choreographed many stage shows to re introduce the local culture and heritage to the people. Started learning classical vocal and met her teacher mirza Nasser Uddin, qawwal baccha guarana, 1995, started her training with him ( previously she was training with other vocal teachers ) , till the year he passed away ( 2014). Nowadays she teaches Kathak in schools and at home. Likes to remain out of public scene , unless it is to do with the promotion of the ethnic cultural traditions . She and her 3 daughters have a singing group called Harsakhiyan. Who sing for public events as well . They sing the local mystic poetry of saints . Runs a school for children of the neighborhood, who do not have educational facilities, which is based on cultural traditions called Harsukh.

Links to Social Media https://www.facebook.com/HarsukhSchool/ https://www.facebook.com/harsakhiyan https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkCSg4qYYt_X2FByc55xpsw

Abha Bansal is a dancer, choregropaher and educationist.She has been trained under guru Hlralal Haasal ji and Guru Kundanlal Gangani ji. She's been teaching dance at Nupur for 40 years Through her choreogrpahic works, she has addressed pertinent issues like female foeticide, adult education, women empowerment and save the girl child.

Timestamps 0:01:17 Journey 0:04:54 Teaching in Schools 0:06:12 Building Patrons of the art 0:08:29 Cultivating awareness to non practioners 0:09:52 Getting students started 0:12:55 Differnces between teaching in Nupur vs at a school 0:31:43 Things Abha Ji added to her teaching 0:38:41 Online Teaching Opportunities 0:40:45 Workshops done by Abha ji 0:45:48 How many years of training needed for an abhinaya workshop 0:47:15 Krishna Radha Ched Char 0:54:05 The art of storytelling 1:03:45 Abhinaya in the Present day and age 1:07:27 Reception to Abhinaya and Gat Bhav workshops 1:15:52 Concluding Remarks

Bio Mitali Sonar, a forever student of Kathak, received her M.A. in performing arts administration from NYU Steinhardt in 2020. Currently, she is the Marketing person for Navatman Inc., and also a Kathak teacher. Mitali received formal Kathak training under Rajendra Chaturvedi of the Gopi Krishna lineage of Kathak (Benaras Gharana) and completed her Visharad in 2016. She performed at various stages like Kala Ghoda, NCPA and Sur Shringar in her homecity, Mumbai, and most recently played the role of Kunti in the Navatman's dance theater version of the Mahabharata in New York City. She has been dedicated to the art form since the past 22 years and has been an active member of various New-York based events like  the New York Kathak Festival, Drive East & Kathak Meet-ups. She has previously worked with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater & NYU Skirball. She is passionate about bringing communities together through the medium of arts (and about coffee, photography and dogs!)

Links to social Instagram - @itsitsymitsy

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitalisonar/

Email - mitalisonar@gmail.com

YouTube - https://youtu.be/bIIQZlLkPmo

Timestamps 0:02:51 Dream Job 0:05:39 Performing Arts Degree 0:09:32 Working at Navatman 0:13:49 Marketing for Navatman 0:16:41 Instagram vs Fb 0:19:28 What does the youth like about Kathak? 0:25:06 How to go about Marketing 0:28:58 Budgets for Marketing and Ads 0:30:29 Kathak @Navatman 0:32:19 Uniformity in Teaching 0:36:34 Teaching Online 0:38:29 Teaching and Training in India 0:41:10 Benaras Gharana 0:41:55 Gopi Krishna Gharana 0:47:08 Navatman Podcast 0:53:02 NYKF Experience 0:56:51 Dreams for Navatman 0:59:04 Future events and Plans 1:01:08 Ending Comments

Links to website/social media :- https://www.facebook.com/tanveeralamdance/about/ https://www.tanveerdance.com/ https://www.instagram.com/tanveer_dance/ tanveer.alam.dance@gmail.com

Bio Tanveer Alam started his dance training in kathak, an Indian classical dance form, under Sudeshna Maulik. He continues to develop his craft under guru Sandhya Desai. Alam also trains in Taal Vidya — the knowledge of Hindustani classical music, with guru Pandit Divyang Vakil. He has also attended various workshops, and explored the different facets of kathak with masters such as Kumudini Lakhia, Pandit Birju Maharaj, and Nahid Siddiqui. Alam is also a 2019 graduate of The School of Toronto Dance Theatre’s Professional Training Program, Alam has performed in the works of Susie Burpee, Jennifer Dallas, Jasmyn Fyffe, Danny Grossman, Christopher House, Allen Kaeja, Ryan Lee, Sharon B. Moore, Julia Sasso, Ofilio Sinbadinho, and Darryl Tracy.  Alam has performed across North America as well as India, and has had the opportunity to dance in the works of various choreographers including Janak Khendry, Pandit Birju Maharaj, Rina Singha, Brandy Leary, Noémie Lafrance, and Sanjukta Sinha. An emerging choreographer, he has presented his own works at the Dance Ontario DanceWeekend 2019, New Blue Emerging Dance Festival, London Dance Festival, and MAI – Montréal, arts interculturels, to name a few. In 2019, Alam premiered _Éclosion, _a new solo, as a part of Tangente’s contemporary dance season in Montreal as well as _The Nine Brains of the Human Mind _at SummerWorks Festival 2019.  Alam is a recipient of the Lindy Green and Sam Chaiton Bursary, as well as the Winchester Prize Award. He has been supported by The Canada Council for the Arts, The Ontario Arts Council, as well as the Toronto Arts Council.

Timestamps 0:01:00 Being a diasporic artist 0:01:32 Example of different access to Knowledge 0:02:57 The importance of going back to India 0:03:37 Mentorship with Sanjukta Sinha 0:04:16 Experiences with SSDC 0:04:59 Performances with SSDC 0:05:44 Mariginalization of Kathak 0:06:32 Being the "Only One" 0:07:37 Legacy of Kathak in Canada 0:09:22 Talking about Kathak 0:11:30 Acknowledging the differences 0:13:48 Degree in contemporary dance 0:15:35 Practicing two dance forms 0:16:34 Doing Kathak during the degree 0:18:44 Factors to accept performance opportunities 0:19:48 Showcasing the community in truthful ways 0:21:42 Choreographic Investigation 0:23:00 How Tanveer Got Into Kathak 0:24:48 Sudeshna Maulik 0:25:19 Sandhya Desai 0:26:20 Internalized Practice 0:28:49 FOMO 0:30:27 Smt Kumidini Lakhia 0:31:08 Kumiben 0:32:30 Performing in front of Birju Maharaj 0:36:21 Ustad Nahid Siddiqui 0:37:16 Taal Vidya with Pandit Divyang Vakil 0:38:25 Behind the Scenes 0:40:06 When should you start Taal Vidya 0:40:49 Choreographies 0:42:23 Collaborating with other Dancers 0:42:59 Style of Kathak 0:43:47 Teaching practice 0:45:13 Future Projects 0:46:35 Concluding Remarks

Her most recent initiative - #spinpositivity was aimed at generating positivity and enthusiasm during these challenging times impacted by COVID-19. The initiative attracted dancers from the US to Australia echoing her #spinpositivity and posting short dances on Instagram Stories, thus creating a small movement. She donated the proceeds of her maiden online live performance titled ‘Rise Again’ through Playtoome, India’s first live online platform to the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund in aid of COVID-19 relief efforts.

Links to social media https://www.instagram.com/swarashri_kathak/

Timestamps

0:01:03 Normalization of Dance as a Career 0:05:31 Alternative courses for dancers 0:07:35 Online Degrees/Courses 0:09:24 ISTD Vocational Course 0:11:48 Unique aspects and future changes in Training 0:16:05 Pali Ji's Parampara Workshop 0:18:06 Making a living as an average dancer 0:21:21 Other Careers in Kathak 0:26:45 Mindset of a Kathakar 0:29:50 FOMO 0:32:42 Gurubehens 0:35:29 Induviduality in Gurukul Training 0:38:30 Raising Dance in Social and Medical Issues 0:40:34 Dance Movement Therapy 0:45:29 Carnatic Music in Kathak 0:50:01 Use of Carnatic Music in Kathak 0:51:51 Explorations in Carnatic Music 0:53:15 Spinpositivity 0:57:50 How does it feel to be known? 1:00:44 Feedback 1:03:49 Feedback that dancers should be wary of 1:06:28 Current and Future Projects

Bio Maithili Patel is an emerging Kathak dancer and choreographer who believes in storytelling with a purpose. She has been trained in Kathak for 17 years, has been under the tutelage of Guru Pali Chandra and the mentorship of Somna Tugnait for the past 10 years, and is learning Taal Vidya under Pandit Divyang Vakil. Maithili is currently pursuing a bachelor degree in biology and holds a Distinction in the ISTD Diploma in Vocational Kathak. She has performed at numerous events all over the world and attempts to spread social awareness using her art as a medium. Links to social media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maithili_kathak/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaithiliPatelKathak Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn9peOQmt_XG8p7CLS5kJ9Q

Show Notes 0:01:50 Quality of Movement 0:07:15 Encourage to Ask, "Why?" 0:09:22 Giving Kids Agency 0:13:37 Guru Behen and Significance 0:15:49 Vocational Course Gurukul 0:17:50 Competition 0:22:23 NYKF Draupadi Piece 0:23:47 What's no longer relevant 0:26:37 Guru Shishya 0:31:02 Moving out of Gurukul 0:36:29 Perform in from an Kathak 0:38:28 Keeping in touch with Pali ji 0:43:45 Changes in online lessons for Gurukul 0:46:19 Taal Vidya 0:49:53 Taal Vidya In Kathak 0:52:34 Kathak and Biology 0:56:29 The advantages of physical prowess 0:58:17 Dancers who have pushed the physical limits of Kathak 0:59:46 Injury Prevention and Management 1:01:32 What to do when injured 1:04:17 Performances

Bio Nighat ji has been a Kathakar for four decades training under my under great masters. Her main gurus include Ustad Nahid Siddiqui, Maharaj Ghulam Hussain Kathak, Pandit Durga Lal, and Guru Pali Chandra. She's also done intensive workshops with Uma Dogra ji, Srimati Saswati Sen, Srimati Kumudini Lakshia, and Pandit Buju Maharaj. Nighat Chaofhry is one of the primary exponents of Kathak in Pakistan and has made it her mission in life to grow the art there. Links to Social Media

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nighat_Chaudhry_(classical_dancer) https://www.facebook.com/nighatchaodhryofficial https://www.linkedin.com/in/nighat-chaodhry-2abb0021/?originalSubdomain=pk https://www.instagram.com/nighatchaodhryofficial/

Timestamps

0:00:56 History of Kathak in Pakistan 0:01:17 Perception of Kathak in Pakistan 0:02:48 Ban of Dance by the British 0:05:12 Early Pioneers 0:07:11 Impacts of cinema on Kathak 0:10:20 Effect of Youtube 0:10:37 Effect of dance ban: Early days in Pakistan 0:11:47 No Objection Certificate 0:13:08 Starting Kathak in Pakistan 0:14:17 Realisation that Dance was banned in Pakistan 0:16:24 Revolution and Poetry 0:16:57 Threats and Phone Calls 0:18:09 Socially Charged performances: Kursi and Purdah 0:20:36 End of Martial Law, Benazir Bhutto 0:22:36 initial reception 0:25:32 Okay, burn it! 0:26:06 House Attacked 0:30:12 confronting 0:33:12 Being confronted in Dubai 0:34:46 Studying about central asian and persian influence on Kathak 0:35:58 Influences on Kathak from other cultures 0:37:19 Kathak as the National Dance of Pakistan 0:37:49 What's unique about kathak in Pakistan 0:40:13 Dhamaal 0:42:32 The importance of vibration and Energy 0:46:08 Spreading a message 0:48:15 Audience Reception 0:55:30 CCOP: Cultural Custodians of Pakistan 0:55:48 Nighat Chaudhry Foundation 0:57:13 Teaching Practice 1:00:51 What to look for in a guru 1:07:54 Maharaj Ghulam Hussain Kathak 1:10:47 Thehrav 1:19:19 Future of Kathak in Pakistan 1:20:54 The importance of having a syllabus 1:24:48 Lahore Gharana 1:25:41 Acceptance of the Lahore Gharana

Eshani Sathe is a kathak performer, trained under Pt. Rajendra Gangani and Guru. Smt Radhika Sathe for 15+ years . She holds the position of Head of Administration & Curation at Kathak Nritya Mandir, an Institution working for the education and promotion for Kathak, last five years. Eshani is a recipient of numerous national awards including the Ministry of Culture Award of Scholarship to Young Artists ( 2013) , Mewad Mani Award ( Govt. Of Rajasthan ) amongst many others. Eshani’s expertise in promotion of her art form over digital media, with companies like Indian Raga , along with her own virtual productions, has garnered millions of views, across numerous social media platforms today . Her strength lies in rigorous traditional training in the Guru Shishya Parampara of Kathak, matched with her academical education in science, that has led to her popularity on-stage, as well as the virtual media .

Links to Social Media https://www.instagram.com/eshanisathe.kathak/ https://www.youtube.com/user/raven55able https://www.facebook.com/eshanisathekathak

Show Notes 0:01:03 Teaching the younger generation 0:03:09 What does the younger generation like about Kathak 0:05:15 Absorbing Kathak growing up 0:05:25 Early days and Training 0:07:55 Favorite books 0:11:40 Evolution of the guru shishya parampara 0:13:56 Pt Rajendra Gangani 0:15:36 Guru shishya Parampara now 0:16:58 Eshani's Teaching Practice 0:19:22 Eshani's Brand of kathak 0:21:27 KNM: Kathak Nritya Mandir 0:23:00 Jaipur Gharana 0:25:04 Miconceptions 0:27:06 Female kathak dancers in Jaipur 0:28:25 Bulding a following on social media 0:31:59 Eshani's fav piece that didn't get enough views 0:34:29 Expectation Management on Social Media 0:37:35 Collaborations and Fusion work 0:41:17 The importance of Live music 0:43:38 How Eshani and KNM recognizes the guests 0:44:49 Use of Shakti without attribution 0:45:53 Taking care of someone on stage 0:49:46 Evaluating Collaborations 0:52:01 Preferences for Performances 0:54:28 Not being Camera Conscious 0:56:59 Preferred Abhinaya Pieces 0:58:38 What people are talking about in Kathak 1:01:08 Riyaaz Rituals 1:03:28 Encouraging students to Practice 1:06:09 Eshani asks me a few questions! 1:09:54 Future Projects

Anindita is the first Indian Classical Dancer to be chosen as Secretary, Wisconsin Dance Council Board and actively participating in propagating the dance education in the state.

Anindita is a disciple of doyens of Jaipur and Lucknow schools of Kathak, Pandit Rajendra Gangani and Pandit Jai Kishan Maharaj.

Her dance is a blend of both the schools of Kathak.

She has performed in major festivals of India, Germany and USA including Delhi International Arts Festival, Jayadev Samaroh, Devdasi International Dance Festival, International Dance and Music Festival Cuttack, Kultur Nacht, Bremen Durga Puja, Logging and Heritage Festival, Rhythms of the world, Nritya Samarpana, BAGC Chicago to name a few.

She is also a North American Indian Raga Fellow. Anindita has been covered by major national dailies of USA and India including Times of India, the Hindu, Indian Express, the Statesman, HT, Dainik Jagran, Amar Ujala, Nav Bharat Times, Asian Age, Telegraph, Chicago Tribune, GreenBay Channel 5, Eagle Herald and so on.

Timestamps: 0:00:41 How to Make it in Kathak 0:01:39 Marketing Oneself in Kathak 0:03:38 Example of working with an interviewer 0:06:01 Tips on offering feedback to journalists 0:07:04 Relevant education degrees for Kathak 0:08:25 Awareness of Kathak in Wisconsin 0:10:40 Marketing Kathak to Rural America 0:14:02 Future of Kathak in Wisconsin 0:15:20 Urging Kathakars to Step out of comfort 0:17:18 Current Issues in Making Kathak Mainstream 0:19:00 Brand Promotion 0:20:09 New York Kathak Festival 0:22:17 Experience performing at the NYKF 0:24:08 Performing in front of Maharaj ji 0:25:30 Behind the scenes of Anindita Di's Performance 0:27:38 How was the performance received? 0:28:55 Performing in a big auditorium when facial expresssions cannot be seen. 0:30:44 Performances over the years 0:32:38 Indian Raga 0:34:24 What do performers like from their audiences/organizer/city? 0:37:27 How Anindita Neogy started charging for your art 0:38:42 Talking to Organizers 0:40:46 Excercise for Kathak 0:43:29 Diet 0:45:44 Injury Prevention 0:49:12 Teaching Pracitce 0:50:12 Challenges faced in Teaching Kathak Here 0:52:44 Adapting to Pandemic 0:54:00 Positive Reinforcement 0:59:03 Activism through Kathak 1:02:43 Body Shaming 1:09:02 Confronting your guru about body shaming 1:11:02 How parents deal with issues 1:13:17 Finding the right Guru 1:16:17 Future Projects 1:18:41 Legacy and Impact of Anindita Neogy

Insta : payel_kathak.36 Fb page : @payel.kathak639

Payel Das is the lead faculty member at Gurukul Dubai, an organization led by Guru Pali Chandra, who is the artistic director, and it's based in Dubai. Over there she trains and harnesses the skills of hundreds of students and aligns them to the art form with great dedication.

Besides learning in Kolkata and Lucknow from prestigious institutes, she has a master's degree holder in Kathak. from Banaras Hindu University and a well-established recognized performer. She has earned the blessings ,love and respect of her gurus.Shrimat Saswati Mukherjee, Professor Ranjana Srivastava and Dr Vidhi Nagar. and is presently mentored by Guru Pali Chandra

Show Notes

0:00:29 Intro

0:02:11 How Payel Das Got into Kathak

0:02:50 Going to Lucknow and BHU

0:04:22 Learning from Pali Ji

0:04:31 Promotion

0:14:59 Enforcing Discipline

0:15:42 Connections

0:19:12 First Workshop with Pt Birju Maharaj

0:24:34 Getting Noticed

0:28:54 Performances in India/Dubai Pt 1

0:31:50 Dancing in front of the camera

0:32:25 Perception of the audience to dance

0:33:22 Pali Ji's contribution

0:34:20 Adapting to the Pandemic

0:34:51 Bringing people together

0:35:31 Teaching Methodology

0:35:55 Safe Dancing Methods

0:36:54 Innovation and Creation

0:38:45 Example of Teaching Hastak

0:44:35 Upcoming projects

Twitter is @thatdanceboii (yes 2 i's)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adityasharma17/

Email: adityasharma.dance@gmail.com

YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcx2iEFl3ej-WKdarPlAKYQ

Bio

Aditya Sharma began his dancing career at the age of 4. He is a versatile dancer, trained in Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Contemporary and Ballet disciplines and Bollywood, Hip Hop and Jazz with years of experience under the professional guidance of various dance faculties of the art. He is an active performer and has performed in various locations in India and Internationally. Initially trained under the guidance of late Smt. Arpita Rao, Aditya presently focuses on kathak and has trained in the Lucknow and Jaipur Gharana vocabulary. He now trains as a student of Samarpan Association for Culture and Education (SpACE) under Smt. Anjana Gupta's tutelage. He has launched his own performance unit in Bangalore India called Yatra Dance Productions which currently specialises in the Indian Classical Dance form of Bharatanatyam with is premier showcase 25th January 2019, Yatra – The Journey of a Dancer. The show explored the avenues of classical dancer’s mind with a view to answer the everlasting question of why dancers have become what they are today in an intimate performance experience. Aditya has also been a part of Shiamak Davar's Institute of Performing Arts in Bangalore, India since 2012 and performed both nationally and Internationally with the troupe for various shows and corporate events at locations including Bangalore, Mumbai, Bangkok to name a few.

Show Notes 0:04:55 Dealing with Bullying

0:06:30 Advice for Male Dancers

0:08:03 Snide Remarks

0:09:35 Training and Lineage

0:10:40 Transition between Gharanas

0:12:10 SpACE Academy, Bangalore

0:13:08 Anjana Tai's teaching style

0:14:30 The value of Riyaaz

0:16:07 Riyaaz Rituals

0:19:46 Teaching

0:20:45 Transition to Teaching

0:21:50 Workshops

0:41:27 Learning about costumes

0:43:34 Makeup

0:45:45 Eyeliner Tips

0:47:31 Marketing in Kathak

0:48:48 Social media in Kathak

0:49:42 which platform to choose

0:52:43 Spiritual Readiness

0:54:30 Conclusion

Links to Social Media and Website https://www.instagram.com/tarikanath/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/shivanginiclasses https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbBdQuYTEj0 https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarika-nath/

Tarika Nath is a 23-year old dancer from Houston, Texas. She is a financial planner by day is an assistant instructor to her own mother and Guru, Smt. Shiva Mathur for the past 17 years. Smt. Shiva Mathur founded her own school for Kathak, dholak, and tabla 20 years ago called the Shivangini Academy of Perfoming Arts. Known for her unique style of teaching with an emphasis on bhaav nritya, she has trained over 300 students in the Houston area. In addition to learning with her mother, Tarika frequently travels to India to train with the esteemed Padma Vibhushan Pt. Birju Maharaj and Vidushi Saswati Sen to further her knowledge and dedication in Kathak.

In this episode, Tarika ji talks about Dancing privilege, the importance of warmups and physical therapy and the importance of being kind to yourself when it comes to Riyaz. She was also gracious enough to edit her own epsiode and I am immensely grateful to her for being one of my first guests.

Timestamps 0:00:46 Story of Meeting 0:01:34 Warmups and Jumping jacks 0:03:15 Taking breaks in Riyaaz 0:04:11 Pandemic Effects on Riyaaz 0:04:58 Effects of Social Media on Riyaaz practice 0:06:13 Dealing with mental stress  0:08:09 Giving the power to yourself 0:09:15 Contemplation  0:11:00 Physical Barriers 0:11:13 Effects of Femoral Antiversoin 0:15:28 Overcoming Physical Conditions 0:18:03 Influences 0:20:04 Differences in Training 0:22:17 Language, religious barriers 0:23:41 The Kathak Meetup 0:26:42 NYKF Performance 0:28:57 End of Rupak and Dhamar 0:30:52 Dancing in front of Kathakars 0:33:36 Shivangani Academy of Performing Arts 0:37:34 Smt Shiva Mathur (Tarika's Mother) 0:41:48 Dancing Privilege 0:59:35 The value of patience

Alaina Roy has been a Kathakar for 14 years and has performed all over the world. Based out of the UK and Pakistan, she has performed all over the world and she focuses on spreading the art form in Pakistan.

Timestamps 0:01:10 Kathak is Not Like any other art form 0:02:55 Kathak is an expression 0:04:56 Kathak Misconceptions 0:07:32 Creating awareness in Pakistan 0:10:00 Accessibility of Kathak 0:10:20 Community outreach in Pakistan (T2F ) 0:11:25 Social Media 0:11:25 Increasing engagement through video content 0:12:32 DesiDotCo 0:14:48 Training and Background 0:17:31 Performing with an Injured Foot 0:19:11 The importance of Warming up 0:21:16 Teaching Methodology 0:23:15 Encouraging Riyaaz in Students 0:26:14 Mood Board 0:27:36 Mood and Movement Vocabulary 0:33:14 O2 arena 0:35:47 Rang manch pravesh 0:36:30 Marketing in Kathak 0:36:30 Social Media for marketing in Kathak 0:37:08 Dubai, UAE 0:37:49 How to increase the value of your artform 0:39:58 The length of Kathak Performances 0:41:49 Collaborations with Darvesh 0:44:12 Giving Musicians their credit 0:44:52 Accompanying artists

https://www.amazon.com/Kathak-Dance-Storytellers-Rachna-Ramya/dp/9386906880/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&qid=1604778992&refinements=p_27%3ARachna+Ramya&s=books&sr=1-1&text=Rachna+Ramya

Timestamps 00:55 Beginnings and Early Days 03:10 Early Days of Sumbhaav 19:47 Markers of Progress 24:14 The need for a book in Kathak 26:25 Favorite Sections of the book 27:57 Writing about the History of Kathak 28:49 The other Indian Classical Dances 30:42 Connecticut and Rachna ji 33:04 12 day program for Kathak Education 33:48 Social Issues through Kathak 35:05 Ted Harshey Dance Marathon 36:11 Responsibilities as Dance Marathon Coordinator 37:57 Progress of Kathak in USA since 1988 38:42 Future Hopes for Kathak in the US 44:35 Future Projects 48:35 A day in the Life of Rachna ji

Show Notes and Timestamps

18:12 Doing Fieldwork as a Shy person 20:30 Being True to your convictions 24:20 Courtyard Dancers 25:12 Beginning of courtyard 33:00 Culture of the courtyard dancers 44: Riyaaz and the Twilight zone 46:34 Kathak and Dance History 49:40 Line 52:18: Kathak as A syncretic dance form 52:30 Can you "define" Kathak? 54:44 The multiplicity of voices in Kathak 55:55 Sufi Kathak, Hindu Kathak, Contemporary Kathak 56:21 Why are you doing a "foreign" dance? The othering of Kathak 59:00 Subhashgram 1:05:00 Unsung Arrival with courtyard dancers, and subhashgram 1:06:00 The feeling on seeing them 1:08:00 Future Projects 1:11:00 Legacy

Links:- https://rafiabon.wixsite.com/rafiabon https://www.instagram.com/rafiabon/

Timestamps 16:00 Gharanas 22:25 Kavit 24:15 Pandit Rajendra Gangani ji 32 : Pandit Birju Maharaj ji teaching style 35: Kathak kendra environment 38: Conversations between Sharmila ji and Pt Birju Maharaj 43: Humble Beginnings in France 47:30 Teaching Kathak abroad 52:30 Promoting Kathak in France 55:00 Book on Songs 56:30 Competition with other dance forms 1:03:00: Tatkaar with Ustad Zakir Hussain 1:05:00 Sharmila Sharma Ji's Vision For Kathak 1:07:00 School Systems 1:08:30 Teaching Style 1:14:00 Solo Performances 1:15:45 Performing in India vs Abroad

Links https://www.instagram.com/sharmilasharmakathak/ http://sharmilasharma.com/