Vandana Bhagra, 21 Sep, 24, Shimla
Vidushi Sameer Kaushal’s Chatur Ang Classical Dance Mesmerizes Viewers
“YWCA Artists Captivate the Audience with Classical Dance Performances”
A mesmerizing classical dance evening, ‘Celestial Rhythms’, organized by Kala Sangam Shimla, at the historic Gaiety Theatre was inaugurated by Sejal Kaushal, Secretary of the Pracheen Kala Kendra. The performances by the artists from YWCA captivated the audience, with students presenting fascinating performances in various classical rhythms like Rudra Taal, Jhaptal, and Teen Taal. Be it amateur young performers or seasoned dancers, they showcased true dedication and talent. Kathak is one of the eight classical dance forms of India, known for its graceful movements, intricate footwork and expressive storytelling through dance. Originating from the northern regions, it has roots in both Hindu and Mughal traditions, blending spirituality and courtly entertainment. Kathak uses rhythmic foot patterns, spins, and facial expressions to convey stories from epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Its importance in India lies in its preservation of cultural heritage, promoting artistic expression, and fostering a connection to Indian mythology and history. Kathak continues to be a revered art form, symbolizing India’s rich artistic legacy.
One of the highlights of the evening was the Chatur Ang classical dance performance by Vidushi Sameer Kaushal and her students, which garnered immense appreciation from the spectators. The premises was packed with art enthusiasts, and every performance received thunderous applause, encouraging the performers.
Poonam Sharma, the president of Kala Sangam Dance Academy, shared her passion for the classical arts. She mentioned that she has been teaching classical dance for the past 35 years and regularly organizes such events to keep the tradition alive. She assured the audience that she will continue to strive for the promotion of classical arts in the future. The events curated by Ms Sharma also focus on promoting Kathak amoung young aspiring artists to further give them wings by providing a bigger platform with such dance recitals.
In her concluding remarks, Vidushi Sameer Kaushal imparted invaluable insights into the intricacies of classical dance to the participating artists, encouraging them to hone their skills further. The evening celebrated the beauty of classical dance forms and provided a platform for students to showcase their talents while highlighting the importance of preserving and promoting Indian classical dance traditions for future generations.
