"You can see the hard work and training"
Explore some contemporary performances that push the boundaries of Kathak dance.
The dynamic progress and timeless appeal of Kathak are exhibited in these arresting exhibitions of skill and invention.
From Melbourne to the British Museum, dancers take audiences on a voyage of rhythm, expression, and cultural discovery.
The narrative and rhythmic elements of this form, an Indian traditional dance style, go deep.
Over the years, it has been performed in temples and royal courts.
But, this has changed, embracing new forms and interpretations while absorbing influences from other cultures.
Kathak dancers of today preserve the rich history of their art form while bringing new ideas, themes, and choreography to it.
The variety of performances we’ll examine demonstrates this blending of tradition and creativity.
Kathak Rockers – Calm Down
Embark on a mesmerising journey with Rema’s viral track ‘Calm Down’, a stunning creation by Kathak Rockers.
Choreographed by the talented Kumar Sharma, this fusion masterpiece seamlessly blends hip hop funk with vivid movements.
Led by Kumar Sharma himself and featuring a stellar cast of performers including Anmol Sood, Rahul Sharma, and Meghna Thakur, the dance exudes grace, energy, and sheer brilliance.
Set to enchanting vocals, the performance is a testament to the dynamism of Indian dance.
With tabla and mix by Jayant Patnaik and captivating costumes designed by Khushboo Gupta, every aspect of this production is incredibly good.
With over 780,000 YouTube views, the performance is daring yet trendsetting.
Studio J Dance
Nestled in the vibrant city of Melbourne, Australia, Studio J Dance stands as a beacon of Indian dance excellence.
Since its inception in 2016 by the visionary Jaya Karan, the studio has been a hub for enthusiasts of various Indian dance styles, ranging from classical to fusion, semi-classical, and Bollywood.
Bolstered by a team of 12 dedicated teachers, Studio J offers specialised classes daily, catering to a diverse array of students.
With a collective teaching experience spanning well over 1000 adult students, Studio J has garnered acclaim for its immersive workshops and mesmerising performances that have graced stages across Australia.
Under the expert choreography of Ida Ghatge, a talented ensemble of dancers come together to weave magic to the tune of ‘Taal Se Taal’ here.
With intricate footwork, fluid gestures and captivating expressions, this performance has surpassed 16 million YouTube views.
It’s perfectly artistic whilst embodying the modern perceptions of dancing.
Tanmoyee Chakraborty
Here, Tanmoyee Chakraborty, a distinguished Kathak dancer, mesmerised the audience with her performance of the Nritya Paksha, choreographed to the intricate beats of the Dhamaar Taal, a 14-matra rhythm.
Commencing with an entry music piece, her dance unfolded with grace and precision.
The classical dance form is deeply rooted in storytelling, with dancers like Tanmoyee skillfully narrating tales through their expressive movements.
Tanmoyee, an accomplished Kathak performer and teacher, holds prestigious titles including NrityaSree from the International Stage of Performing Arts.
She is recognised as an empanelled artist by the ICCR and a National Scholarship Holder from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
Akademi
In an illustrious collaboration with Akademi & The Motion Dance Collective, a captivating performance unfolded within the hallowed halls of the British Museum.
With an enraptured audience of over 1000 attendees, the spectacle was a breathtaking exploration of movement and expression, conceived in homage to the Museum’s illustrious South Asia collection.
Charged with the task of infusing these ancient artefacts with the vitality they were crafted to embody, the performance breathed new life into the objects, bridging the gap between past and present.
Guided by the visionary leadership of Consultant Director Divya Kasturi, a talented ensemble of dancers graced the stage, as well as representatives from the Upahaar School of Dance.
Enthralled by the video, Devon Lawton commented on YouTube:
“It was absolutely beautiful.
“You can see the hard work and training in the precision of the movements, the elegance and grace.
“I love how the clothes compliment and add to the dance, emphasising the flourishes of the dancers, and the way the accessories add to the music, everything perfectly in rhythm.”
The 40th-anniversary celebration of Akademi was masterfully produced by Nina Head.
Kathak Rockers – Taki Taki
Get ready to groove to the electrifying beats of the anthem ‘Taki Taki’ by once again, the Kathak Rockers.
Choreographed by Kumar Sharma, every element of this production radiates passion and precision.
Filmed by the talented Jeevan Malhi, with special thanks to Raghav Narula and the Grandz Locations team, the video transports viewers into a world of rhythm and movement.
Set to the infectious beats of DJ Snake’s track, this fusion masterpiece has garnered an impressive 2+ million YouTube views.
With its vibrant energy and dynamic choreography, the Kathak Rockers epitomise the spirit of Kathak.
They manage to hold on to historic grooves whilst infusing their inspirations, from jazz to hip hop.
They leave audiences yearning for more.
These dances remind us of the ageless beauty and infinite inventiveness of this age-old art dance.
Kathak’s elegance, rhythm, and expressive force continue to enthral audiences throughout the world.
It’s clear that whilst this style has been around for hundreds of years, it has not lost its appeal.
Dancers are now stretching the bounds of custom and taking in fresh inspirations.
Whether it’s done on a stage, in a studio, or within a museum, Kathak breaks down barriers and communicates via the global language of dance.
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