AFTER a memorable experience with the Odissi workshop and performance by Sujata Mohapatra, the Celebrate Dance series is organising a professional three-day workshop (starting May 21) in Kathak by one of India’s most respected kathak exponents Pandit Rajendra Gangani.
Pt Rajendra stands out for his style; making use of his excellent blend of manly grace and delicacy, he depicts the devotional aspects that characterize the Jaipur gharana.
An accomplished musician, composer of tunes, he also has a rare mastery over the tabla, harmonium and pakhawaj.
Among the numerous awards and accolades he has won, are the Sangeet Raj, Shastriya Natya Shiromani, and the prestigious Sangeet Natya Akademy Award.
The workshop is open to all dancers and will focus on Surdas pad, thumri and nritta.
Surdas is one of the most celebrated poets of the bhakti era and since he was a Krishna bhakt his poetry forms an integral part of the kathak repertoire. The students shall be taught Nachat sudhang shri nad nan, a pad that glorifies Krishna’s dance.
Thumri is a north Indian classical style of singing, which can be explained as the amorous songs of Radha and Krishna.
The nritta or technique aspect of kathak comprises of intricate rhythmic patterns in the form of tihais (footwork) and todas (movements, footwork and pirrouttes woven together) and parans (patterns borrowed from the pakhawaj or mridanga).
The workshop will be held at Shambhavi Dance Theatre, Kengeri Sattelite Town. The workshop will conclude with a performance by Pt Rajendra on May 23, 6.30pm.
For details call 9886687559, 9945226337 or log on to www.
schoolofkuchipudi.com/celebrateDance2010.htm
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