On November 19th in Boston, Chhandika presents a milestone event, "Shakti," to celebrate Chhandika's 15-year anniversary and the 5-year anniversary of its Youth Ensemble.  Shakti is Chhandika's first-ever production that solely features members of this intensively trained ensemble.   This next generation of kathak dancers carries forward the legacy of Pandit Chitresh Das.  He was a staunch advocate for integrity and innovation within his art and for feminine power, which manifests in their inspired performances. This concert will showcase the vibrancy and relevance of the various elements of kathak, and incorporate the mathematical, musical, and choreographic innovations of Pandit Das.  

 

Conceived and arranged by Youth Ensemble co-directors, Shefali Jain and Anjali Nath, Shakti will feature group, duet, and solo performances to highlight the versatility of the dance and the dancers.  It is a visual and rhythmic feast — a unique and highly dynamic amalgamation of captivating plays on rhythm, expressive gesture, swirling motion, storytelling, and fiery footwork.  

The traditional Kathak solo firms the basis of Shakti. The evening begins with an invocation of the Hindu Trinity followed by Thāt, a highly stylized expression of strong technique with contrasting subtlety and grace, and a new work inspired by Pandit Das' innovative Kathak Yoga technique.  The story of Govardhan Hill comes to life, when young Krishna saves the villagers of Vrindavan from the floods and wrath of Lord Indra.  The evening ends on a high note with one of Pandit Das' signature pieces. 

This performance is especially meaningful as a reflection of three generations of kathak artistry that stemmed from the lifelong dedication and hard work of Pandit Das, who was a tireless advocate for his art.  Gretchen Hayden is Pandit Das' senior-most disciple and torchbearer of his legacy. Over the past two decades, Ms. Hayden, Chhandika's Founder and Artistic Director, has worked lovingly to create a thriving kathak community and has contributed greatly to the fabric of the Indian classical arts across New England and beyond.  She has ignited appreciation of and passion for kathak, not only among the hundreds of students she has taught through the years, but also within the greater dance and arts community. 

 

Choreographers Anjali Nath and Shefali Jain are professional kathak artists in their own right.  Their initial training began with Hayden, followed by many years of extensive training with with Pandit Das. The quality of their dance, teaching, and performances is reflective of this rigorous training process, and of the guru-shishya parampara. They continue to work diligently to elevate the standards of the art and create platforms for the next generations of kathak artists.