This article appeared in the April 23, 2003 Cambridge Chronicle.

Ancient traditions for new masters

By Susie Davidson

CORRESPONDENT

The Chhandam Institute of Kathak Dance (Chhandika), which recently established non-profit status, has been conducting workshops, outreach events, and performances over the past year. Their Annual Student Show, to be held this Sunday from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Fitzgerald School Auditorium, 70 Rindge Ave. (near Mass. Ave.), will feature the fruits of this grand effort. The first fundraiser and large event for the 11-year-old dance company, based in Central Square, will feature performers from the Boston area who range from young children to adults and are enrolled in Chhandika’s Sunday morning Dance Complex classes.

Chhandika is a local affiliate of the Chhandam School, based in California. Kathak dance, which is the most popular form of live dance in North India, takes its name from the ancient tradition of the kathaka, or storyteller, who was often a wandering bard and minstrel. While individual interpretations of the largely solo performance art can vary, each artist typically reaches out to audience members through recitation and descriptive commentary. Often, the mathematics involved in the rhythmic patterns are explained as well.

“Kathak is a highly sophisticated classical performing art requiring extensive knowledge and practice of dance, drama, music, and rhythm,” said Anjali Nath, Chhandika events manager, instructor and performer. She described the art form as a special mix of South Asian traditions and philosophies and Muslim aesthetics. “This coming together of two cultures is particular to Kathak, and especially relevant in today’s world political climate,” she continued, noting that Kathak dance utilizes not only all manner of facial expression, “but also intricate footwork, refined gestures, elegant stances, swift spins, and rhythmic intensity.”

At the event, information about Chhandika, classes and locations will be displayed in the lobby. an informal reception from 2:30-3:30 p.m. will follow the performance and feature Indian snacks and a chance to mingle with students and teachers.

Chhandika, an organization of dancers, artists, musicians, and scholars, seeks to preserve Kathak’s rich tradition. From ancient origins to contemporary internationally-produced performances, its aspects of storytelling, theatre, rhythm and movement, as well as personal growth and cultural awareness in its participants, are perpetuated through Chhandika’s classes and events, workshops and outreach activiries.

Internationally acclaimed Kathak dancer Pandit Chitresh Das, who trained, Gretchen Hayden, in Calcutta, was the inspiration for her founding of Chhandika. A principle member of the Chhandam Chitresh Das Dance Company, based in San Fransisco, she taught there for 15 years until establishing an educational base in Boston in 1992. Following Chhandika’s founding in 1996, she has taught at venues including the Dance Complex, Tufts University and Wellesley College. To date, she has taught over 150 students and given a dozen local performances; over the past decade, she has established affiliations and collaborations with local artists, dancers and musicians as well.

Sunday’s aspiring Kathak masters, led by Hayden, will be accompanied by Stephen Cellucci on the two-drum set called tabla, who facilitates at the Dance Complex classes as well. Playing sarod, a stringed instrument, as well as harmonium, will be George Ruckert, an MIT professor of music who is well-regarded within the classical Indian musical community.

“This is a great opportunity for Chhandika to gain exposure in the Cambridge community, highlighting what we are doing in this community and others, especially since we are currently based in Cambridge,” said Nath. At the performance, the community can learn about the school, Kathak dance, and on the whole, experience something truly unique.

Chhandika (Chhandam Institute of Kathak Dance) presents its annual Kathak Student Show on Sunday, April 27 from 1-2:30 p.m. For tickets, contact Bandita Joarder at 617-407-3286 or dita@alum.mit.edu. Tickets, also available at the door beginning at 12:30 pm., are $10 general admission, $8 students, or $25 for a donation. A $100 “Friend of Chhandika" donation includes preferential seating, a Chhandika T-shirt, recognition on their web site and two tickets to the Fall 2003 Kathak Dance concert. For information, please call 617-429-2378, email chhandika@comcast.net or visit www.chhandika.org.