HORIZONS- Kathak by Shambhavi Vaze

Kathak is one of the eight forms of Indian classical dances, originated from northern India. This dance form traces its origins to the nomadic bards of ancient northern India, known as Kathaks, or storytellers. These bards, performing in village squares and temple courtyards, mostly specialized in recounting mythological and moral tales from the scriptures, and embellished their recitals with hand gestures and facial expressions.

It was quintessential theatre, using instrumental and vocal music along with stylized gestures, to enliven the stories. Its form today contains traces of temple and ritual dances, and the influence of the bhakti movement. From the 16th century onwards it absorbed certain features of Persian dance and Central Asian dance which were imported by the royal courts of the Mughal era. (Source: Wikipedia)

Today I got a chance to witness Kathak in its glory by famous Kathak Dancer Mrs Shambhavi Vaze. She performed as part of a cultural programme held at a conference in IUCAA. Her performance along with her dancing troupe stole the heart of the audiences and kept us mesmerized for around 2 hours. We tried not to blink our eyes as we feared that we would miss a step. Her most brilliant performance was the jugalbandi with the percussionist.

Shambhavi Vaze has had her training in Kathak dance from her mother and renowned Kathak Guru Mrs. Maneesha Sathe.

She has also had extensive training in Laya-Taal and it’s aesthetics from Taalyogi Pandit Suresh Talwalkar. She is trained in Hindustani vocal music by Guru Mrs. Mangala Vaidya.

A recipient of National Scholarship for Dance by Ministry of Human Resources, she has also been honored with Singaar Mani award. As a soloist, she has widely performed in all the major cities and dance festivals of India, and abroad.

For more photos please follow the link below.

http://picasaweb.google.com/mhamu3/KathakShambhaviVaze?feat=directlink