Featured Kathak Performances and Productions
From intimate solo recitals to grand theatrical productions, here is a glimpse of the energy, technique, and narrative depth my company brings to the stage.
This is a glimpse into a pure Kathak solo performance in Teentaal. The energy exchange with a live orchestra and the audience is what makes each show magical. Here, I am exploring the rhythmic intricacies and chakkars that are central to this beautiful art form.
The stage is a space for dialogue. This moment is from 'Raag Raagini', my duet production with the brilliant Bharatanatyam artist Parshwanath Upadhye. It shows how two distinct classical styles can converse and create something new together.
The power of a collective is immense. This is my dance company performing a synchronized paran choreography. The sound of dozens of ghungroos moving as one creates an electrifying atmosphere that you can only experience in a live group performance.
Kathak provides a beautiful canvas for exploring Sufi philosophy. This is a clip from our production 'Tu Jhoom', where we use the flowing movements and spins of Kathak to interpret the poetry's message of spiritual surrender and joy.
A performance is a conversation, especially with my wonderful musicians. This candid moment from the Abhiratna Awards shows the 'sawal-jawab' or question-answer session between my abhinaya and the soulful vocals and instruments of the live orchestra.
The real work happens long before the stage lights turn on. This is a rehearsal with the phenomenal tabla artist Ojas Adhiya, working on a complex rhythmic cycle. This is where we challenge each other, improvise, and build the foundation of a performance.
Abhinaya, or the art of expression, is the soul of Kathak. In this piece, I perform a bhajan about Yashoda and Krishna while blindfolded, relying entirely on muscle memory and inner feeling to convey the story. It is a deep dive into trust and devotion.
Taking Kathak to different spaces is always a joy. Here we are performing a Sufi piece for the NCPA@ThePark series, an outdoor event sponsored by Westside. It shows how we adapt our performances for diverse settings, from formal auditoriums to open-air stages.
About Featured
What you see here is the result of years of 'riyaaz' with my musicians. Whether it is a solo recital or a group production, the magic happens in the 'sawal-jawab'—that spontaneous rhythmic conversation between my footwork and the tabla. It is not just about the steps, but how we listen and respond to each other in the moment.
My approach to Kathak is rooted in the belief that every performance is a live dialogue. When I perform a solo recital, the repertoire often centers on Nritta, or pure technical footwork, where the focus is entirely on the precision of chakkars and the rhythm of the ghungroos. For these performances, I work closely with a live orchestra, ensuring the sitar and tabla players are as much a part of the choreography as I am.
For large-scale events and corporate productions, my troupe and I shift gears to create grand visual experiences. We design these with a focus on symmetry and collective energy. Whether it is a thematic production like 'Ek Anant' or a Sufi-inspired piece, we tailor the storytelling to the audience and the venue. We are comfortable performing in diverse spaces, from the intimate setting of a traditional auditorium to open-air amphitheaters for cultural festivals.
Logistically, I prioritize preparation. A successful Kathak performance requires specific technical support. A proper wooden stage is non-negotiable for the acoustics of the footwork, and a professional sound check is vital to balance the live instruments with the rhythmic patterns. I handle the logistics for my ensemble, including musicians and dancers, to ensure the production runs seamlessly regardless of the scale. My goal is to present Kathak not just as a performance, but as a shared experience that brings art to life.
Pooja Pant
I have spent my life dedicated to the practice of Kathak, learning from my Guru, Smt Rajashree Shirke. I am at my most comfortable when I am dancing, and I love sharing that joy whether I am performing solo or leading my troupe in a grand production.
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