CERRITOS,CA- “Kathak Kalpa,” a sold out show, with over 50 performers,was glamorously presented by The Shankara Dance Academy with Arti Manek as organizer, at the Whitney High School auditorium here, on May 26. The first half of the show had a special charm with the appearance of renowned artists from India, Abhay Shankar Misr and Kakoli Misra – senior disciples of legendary Padma Shri Pundit Birju Maharaj joined by...
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Arti Manek – disciple of Abhayji Misra and Abhinav Misra. Together they displayed Kathak artistry in its purest form. The artists were accompanied by live musicians Aditya Kayanpur from India on tabla, Pankaj Misra from India on Sarangi and Rupesh Kotecha from Los Angeles on Santoor.
The ancient art of Kathak came spectacularly to life. Watching such talents on the stage was a great experience. The second half of the show focussed on over 50 Shankara Dance Academy students of all ages ranging from about seven to 20, flawlessly performing over eleven separate items. The stage was vibrantly filled with colorful costumes, stage lighting and backdrops.
The parents of the students had tears of joy watching their own children performing.
Manek explained that she holds such Kathak events and recitals to keep the ancient classical art of Kathak in the forefront in the Los Angeles area and to put the youth of today on the stage to help build on their personal confidence and leadership skills. The Kathak Rang Manch Pravesh (graduation) certification has helped students’ resume when applying to universities and promotes the Indian classical art. Many of the Academy’s students have gone on to study at Ivy league colleges making her proud,Manek said.
The show ended with a prolonged standing ovation by the full house.
The ancient art of Kathak came spectacularly to life. Watching such talents on the stage was a great experience. The second half of the show focussed on over 50 Shankara Dance Academy students of all ages ranging from about seven to 20, flawlessly performing over eleven separate items. The stage was vibrantly filled with colorful costumes, stage lighting and backdrops.
The parents of the students had tears of joy watching their own children performing.
Manek explained that she holds such Kathak events and recitals to keep the ancient classical art of Kathak in the forefront in the Los Angeles area and to put the youth of today on the stage to help build on their personal confidence and leadership skills. The Kathak Rang Manch Pravesh (graduation) certification has helped students’ resume when applying to universities and promotes the Indian classical art. Many of the Academy’s students have gone on to study at Ivy league colleges making her proud,Manek said.
The show ended with a prolonged standing ovation by the full house.
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