Dastaan-e-Kathak 2025 captivated audiences with "The Dance of Silence," celebrating Indian classical storytelling, says SAKSHI PRIYA
Kathak is a conversation between the dancer and the audience, a story told through movement and expression. But this time, it was the pauses, the stillness and the quiet moments that spoke the loudest.
This year’s Dastaan-e-Kathak explored The Dance of Silence, an idea that might seem unusual for a form known for its intricate footwork and storytelling. But as the evening unfolded, it became clear that silence is not an absence, it carries weight, emotion and meaning. Every stillness, every moment when the ghungroos stopped, told its own story.
The evening opened with Kathak performances by Ravi Yadav, Aamrapali Bhandari, Gaurav Bhatti and Shivani Varma. Their movements held a quiet strength, their expressions drawing the audience into stories of longing, joy, and reflection. At times, the music faded completely, yet the message continued, felt rather than heard.
Pritam Das and Vinay Tiwari brought Bharatanatyam to the stage, their precise movements and powerful expressions adding depth to the performances. Alongside them, Marie Baker Lee and Great Banyan Art Gallery introduced visual installations, merging dance with contemporary art to create an experience that stayed in the mind.
The music was just as moving. The Esraj, played by Arshad Khan, filled the space with a soft, haunting melody, while Sina F Ghafari’s percussion added rhythm that alternated between intensity and quiet restraint. Though not intended as meditation, the music created a deep sense of stillness, drawing the audience into its flow.
One of the evening’s most striking moments came with INYEON, a poetic performance that combined dance, storytelling and fashion. Curated by Shivani Varma and conceptualised
by designer Urvashi Kaur, it brought a fresh perspective to the festival. Filmmaker Innee Singh and lighting designer Gyan Dev enhanced the effect, turning the stage into something that felt almost alive.
For Shivani Varma, this festival carries deep personal meaning. A disciple of Pt. Birju Maharaj and Guru Shovana Narayan, she has dedicated her life to Kathak, not just as an art form but as a way of preserving a rich cultural heritage. Through the Kathak Day Trust, she is working to ensure that his teachings continue to inspire new generations.
As the final performance ended and the last note faded, there was a moment of stillness before the applause began. It was as if the audience was holding onto that silence, not wanting to break its spell. And in that quiet, the dance remained.