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 Ananya Goswami's Kathak performance captivates Washington, D.C. - Anurag Chauhan e-mail: anuragchauhanoffice@gmail.com March 27, 2025 On March 16, 2025, the vibrant Holi celebrations at Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C., provided a fitting stage for Kathak artiste Ananya Goswami to present a performance rooted in Indian classical tradition. Organised by the Indian Embassy and Dupont Circle BID, the event brought together a diverse audience, offering a rare opportunity to experience Kathak in an international setting. Ananya, a disciple of the Late Pt. Birju Maharaj and Saswati Sen, has trained under several esteemed Kathak gurus. As the Founder and Artistic Director of Srishti - The Kathak Academy, Head of Dance at Udaan, and a faculty member at the University of Delaware's Department of Theatre and Dance, she continues to practice and share her art, keeping the essence of Kathak alive even beyond India's borders.  Her performance commenced with "Dharata haath mein abir gulal," a Holi Kavit that captures the playful and devotional essence of Radha and Krishna's celebrations. Through expressive abhinaya (storytelling) and well-articulated nritta (technical dance), she combined swift footwork, controlled chakkars, and nuanced facial expressions to bring the scene to life. Her ability to balance technical precision with emotive depth reflected years of disciplined training. Set to a composition by Pt. Divyang Vakil, Rushi Vakil, and Aniket Khandekar, her exploration of Taal Vasant, a rhythmic cycle created by Pt. Jaikishan Maharaj, allowed her to showcase intricate footwork and command over complex laya (tempo variations). The interplay between the tabla's cadence and her movements created a dynamic rhythm, though at moments, the transition between speed and grace could have been more fluid. Nonetheless, her connection with the audience remained strong, as each movement resonated with the celebratory atmosphere of the event.  The performance culminated in a Tarana set in raag Jog, composed by Bageshree Vaze. The inherent duality of raag Jog - a blend of playfulness and introspection - was well interpreted through Ananya's dance. Her ability to shift between sharp, precise footwork and fluid, lyrical movement demonstrated not only technical proficiency but also a strong understanding of musicality. What stood out most was the audience's response - an enthusiastic reception that highlighted the universal appeal of Kathak. At a time when classical art forms must continually find space in the modern world, Ananya Goswami's performance was a reminder that traditional dance can resonate far beyond its place of origin. Through her work, she continues to bring Kathak to new audiences, allowing it to be experienced and appreciated in a global setting.  Anurag Chauhan, an award-winning social worker and arts impresario, combines literature and philanthropy to inspire positive change. His impactful storytelling and cultural events enrich lives and communities. |
