Kathak - Glimpses of Pt Chitresh Das' intricate choreography

The Chitresh Das Dance Company is one of the world's leading Kathak dance companies, performing throughout the U.S., India and internationally.
The company is comprised of dancers whose abilities exemplify Pandit Chitresh Das' emphasis on the technical, graceful and dramatic aspects of Kathak dance. Principal Company members have become established artists in their own right, performing internationally to great acclaim. With a repertoire ranging from the exploration of the rhythms of North and South India (Pancha Jati), stories and moving images of the lavish courts of India (Darbar) to the pure dance energy of Tarana, the critically acclaimed Chitresh Das Dance Company continues to captivate audiences on their international tours. Through the choreographic vision of Pandit Chitresh Das comes work that is evocative and powerful, bringing both the richness of ancient India and a fiery, contemporary sensibility.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• kathak
• choreography
• dynamic
• company
• traditional
• contemporary
• performing
• arts
• India
• art
• classical

[ichecku93]

Wow! Chitresh Das Ji is my idol, but I'm in Lucknow Gharana not Banaras. It's cool to see how the simplest foot work kicks in at 0:50 with Takita Dhikita Ghina. Of course I'm only a fourth year student and a teenage girl, but I really hope that one day I can dance like Deepti Gupta did in the third piece. She was so agile and quick and graceful, I was practically hypnotized! I mean anyone can do 14 chakkars like she did (if I counted correctly) but not as gracefully. It was great!

[chhandam]

@ichecku93 Thanks for your comments. Where do you study? Just an FYI - Pandit Das is actually of the Lucknow Gharana. Also, Deepti Gupta does not study with Pandit Das. I believe you are referring to Charlotte Moraga in the 3rd piece called "Layakari" in the green costumes.

[kushjani01]

I love how this goes from contemporary feeling, to the feeling of the court. I love chaitee, because it feels like a court with all of the dancers and is so rich. The other dances have a very different feeling--great variety in artistry.

[ADMJCXNK97fan]

the costume actually is VERY important because the traditional dress highlights the dance.....which would be like a long pajami kurta except more flexible around the waist & yes the dupatta......otherwise it looks ridiculous

[bahar1107]

Does anyone know any dance classes for Kathak in or near central london

[ichecku93]

@chhandam Are you sure? I always thought Chitresh Das was of Benares. As for Deepti Gupta, I was mistaken about that. Thanks!

[ichecku93]

@buddhalaughing you tell him! Actually, you have a very good point, women don't need a dupatta to dance.

[RockinRani]

@MsAvatar2011 I'm sorry you see my voicing my opinion as defensive or somehow rude. My point was not about whether people can wear a beautiful costume or not, it was more about your emphasis on the importance of costume, where you said that the costume was as important as the dance itself. I don't expect you to agree with me, it's just that from my perspective those priorities seem off.

[RockinRani]

@MsAvatar2011 Just because it doesn't fit what you like as a costume it's unprofessional? Is all fashion design bad because you don't like it? Come on, be a little more open minded! Besides, costume is important, but it is a far SECOND to the quality of the dance. Anyone can put a beautiful costume, but to be a good dancer requires a great guru, talent, skill, blood, sweat and tears. Show me great dance in a bad costume any day! I can handle that, sorry if you can't.