Deeply rooted in traditions, their imaginative improvisations and evocative expressions enlivened the characters on stage when two disciples of classical dance maestro Birju Maharaj performed to the tunes of ‘Ghan ghor ghanan ghanan’ at the community centre in BHEl, leaving everyone in the auditorium mesmerised. The occasion was the annual day of the Divine Dance Group, a training school for classical Kathak dance.
Speaking to The Pioneer, the founder of the school Madhvi Bhattacharya said, “Supported by the Kalshram of Pandit Birju Maharaj, the event was held to mark the annual day of the dance school. The students of Haridwar got a chance to learn from the artists who have tremendous experience on national and international stages.” Kathak dance must not be treated only as an additional art but a way for the personality development of the students, added Madhavi giving a word of guidance to the parents.
The kathak duet was performed in Raag Kirwani by the artists Sonali Roy and Nandini Sharma who are members of the Kalashram of Birju Maharaj. Sonali Roy was one of the participants among 1700 Kathak dancers at World Cultural Festival held recently in Delhi and was awarded National Scholarship from the ministry of culture and tourism by Government of India. Nandini Sharma told The Pioneer that by learning the nuances of the classical dance, one could increase the concentration of mind and it was a means to maintain good health too apart from getting opportunity to visit places all over the world. “My biggest moment was when I was given a chance to perform at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in 2012. And I always love to be with the youngsters who show interest in learning classical Indian art.”
Among the guests were CDO Sonika and secretary community centre Subhash Saini aside from teachers from different schools and theatre artists.