2024 Annual Kathak Recital - PLAYBILL
1) Guru Brahma
To begin our evening of performances, we are honored to present a beautiful invocation “Guru Brahma". This piece is a heartfelt tribute to the gurus, recognizing their vital role in guiding and inspiring us
Performers: Archana, Brinda, Vandana, Bhawana, Debalina, Avantika, Prachi, Arpita, and Kavita as they present "Guru Brahma."
Music by Pandit Birju Maharaj
Choreographed by Cyenthia Vijayakumar
2) Maiyye More
Lord Krishna, as a little boy, is said to have had many mischievous adventures. He has a deep love for his mother, or Maiyya, but also has a deep weakness for her freshly churned butter. With the help of his village friends, he climbs the taller boys' shoulders to reach hanging butter pots to sneak a taste - but this time, he's been caught! Little Krishna sees how far his charm can get him when Maiyya has found the butter thief.
Performed by Arvika, Ria, Ayushi and Happy
Music by Pandit Birju Maharaj
Choreographed by Cyenthia Vijayakumar
3) Gazal and Sargam
Kathak, which originated in Northern India, carries the elegant legacy of the Mughal era. During this time, the dance form was refined and adorned with intricate gestures and expressions, blending with the artistic tastes of the Mughal courts.
This evening, we will take you to the courts of Mughal by presenting Gazal and Sargam
Performed by Shikha, Varsha, Afrin, Shaarvi, Tanvi and Rageshri
Music by Pandit Birju Maharaj
Choreographed by Cyenthia Vijayakumar
4) Raas Rachavat
“Raas Rachat Brij Mein”. This piece beautifully captures the essence of the traditional Raas dance, a dance form rooted in the folklore of the Brij region. This piece transports us to the land of Brij, this will showcase the Raas, a dance that is traditionally performed in honor of Lord Krishna and his playful, divine leela’s /Pastimes
Performed by Shivani, Serah, Ananya Ram, Vaidehi, Nandini, Ria, Pihu, Inika, Prachi, Ananya Joshi, Akshita, Naisha, Happy, Aaradhya and Ayushi
Music by Pandit Birju Maharaj
Choreographed by Cyenthia Vijayakumar
5) Tarana
Tarana is a type of composition in Hindustani classical vocal music in which certain words (e.g. "odani", "todani", "tadeem" and "yalali") based on Persian and Arabic phonemes are rendered at a medium (madhya laya) or fast (drut laya) rate. It was invented by Amir Khusro (1253-1325 CE)
Performed by Eno, Manju, Kruthika, Ujwala, Aarushi, Smariki, Swathika and Anju
Music by Pandit Birju Maharaj
Choreographed by Cyenthia Vijayakumar
6) Tumri
Thumri, known for its expressive and emotional themes, revolves around love, devotion, and separation. Here, the dancers convey deep emotions through abhinaya (storytelling). This performance will highlight the grace and artistry of the students as they bring these emotions to life through their dance."
Performed by Shikha, Varsha, Afrin, Shaarvi, Tanvi and Rageshri
Music by Pandit Birju Maharaj
Choreographed by Cyenthia Vijayakumar
7) Mohe Chodo Na
Varsha Prasad is a Kathak dancer, choreographer, and trainer based in Bangalore and Goa, India. As the Artistic Director of Kalaagram Art and Wellness Centre, she is dedicated to making Kathak accessible to diverse communities. Her work has earned her recognition both in India and internationally, with performances and workshops in the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Dubai, and Sri Lanka. In 2021, Varsha founded Kalaagram Dance Gurukul in Goa, furthering her mission to popularize Kathak. Her accolades include the Mumbai Dancing Flair award. Varsha's training module uniquely incorporates therapeutic dance and movement, Reiki healing, and meditation, reflecting her passion for holistic well-being. She is currently under the mentorship of Guru Sanjukta Sinha.
Mohe Chodo Na will be performed by Varsha Prasad. This beautifully portrays the mischief and charm of Krishna. This piece will take us on a journey through his playful escapades and the joyous moments of his divine lila.
Music and Choreography by Sanjukta Sinha
Performed by Varsha Prasad
8) Dhamaar
This is a Technical piece set in Dhamaar taal, a 14 beat rhythmic cycle. This taal is normally played on a drums-like percussion instrument called the Pakhawaj.
Music by Pandit Birju Maharaj
Choreography by Cyenthia Vijayakumar and Varsha Prasad
9) Workshop Performance – Sakal Ban
We are honored to have the internationally acclaimed Kathak artist Varsha Prasad, all the way from India, as a guest artist at Aarambh Kathak Dance School. Varsha, known for her expertise in abhinaya (storytelling through dance), graciously imparted her knowledge to our students. The workshop focused on the much sought-after song 'Sakal Ban' from the Netflix series Heera Mandi. Our students thoroughly enjoyed the experience, especially learning the nuances of abhinaya under her guidance."