Art transcends boundaries, they say. And indeed, in a true attempt of cultural assimilation Kadamb School of Dance and Music is taking Indian classical dance to Pakistan. Kadamb is invited to perform by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR), Government of India at Islamabad.
Kadamb’s 11 senior artistes are to perform in a dance ensemble having four choreographies especially planned by renowned kathak dancer and choreographer Padma Bhushan Kumudini Lakhia. Lakhia said, “Kadamb is honoured to have been invited to represent India. We are to recreate the classical patterns of kathak form and have not planned to incorporate modern fusions into this performance.”
At this austerely classical performance, noted senior kathak dancers Vaishali Trivedi, Prashant Shah and Sanjukta Sinha, who have won global acclaim, will perform.
“The artistes will dress in colourful Anarkali costumes for the performance. We are excited and are looking forward to perform in Islamabad,” said Lakhia.
Lakhia, a pioneer in contemporary kathak dance and also the choreographer of the Bollywood movie, ‘Umrao Jaan’, is credited with adding contemporary storylines into kathak repertoire. She is particularly known for her multi-person choreographies. Some of her most famous choreographies include Dhabkar (Pulse), Yugal (The Duet), and Atah Kim (Where Now?), which she performed at the annual Kathak Mahotsav in Delhi in 1980.
