Archive for March 2008
A feast for thought from an exponent of Kathak!!
I had a really good time yesterday as i had an opportunity to watch and relish one of the rarest dance shows i have ever seen!!Smt Rani Karna , a great Kathak dancer and teacher performed a lecture demonstration on Kathak in our college.This was a program organised by SPIC MACAY (Society for Promoting Indian Classical Music And Culture Amongst Youth) along with cultural club of TCE.
Miss Somini Devanath , the chief disciple of Smt Rani Karna accompanied her.Thery started out with an introduction to Kathak, its history , how it originated and became popular. They demonstrated taals in Kathak, and how they make subtle expressions and dance movements based on the raga (and lehar).Being an average Indian ignorant of the cultural maserpieces like this dance form, I was able to figure out the art form behind this dance and I would say it gave me a clear picture about Kathak.They talked on the significance of the dress , their spins so on so forth.
They demonstrated al these by dancing simultaneously describing the taals.They presented dance for Shiv vandhana – Prising lord Shiva, as it was Shivrathri night.
The favourite subject in Kathak is Krishna.Looks like no Kathak item will be complete without a Krishna-Gopika item.So there was an invocation to krishna, describing his charisma as a heart throb and as a warrior holding the chakra. Then there was a dance performance on Holi being celebrated in Brindavan by Krishna and Gopis.All these were master pieces , I enjoyed them utmost though i have not watched Kathak much before this!! Their demonstration helped us to grasp the concept that was performed and to understand the nuances.It was totally a visual treat and food for thought !!! SPIC MACAY is doing a commendable job in creating an awareness about the Indian Cultural master pieces amongst youth.Hats off and thanks for such wonderful programs !!!
