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 InSyncKathak's Prakriti: Kathak like lightning - fierce, fluid, unforgettable - Suparna Kumar Photos: Kyle Adler June 6, 2025 Stepping into the intimate Dance Mission Theater for Prakriti, presented by Anupama Srivastava and the InSyncKathak Dancers, it was immediately clear this was no ordinary performance. Staged on Mother's Day as part of the San Francisco International Arts Festival, Prakriti was a poignant and poetic tribute - not only to Mother Nature, but to the spirit of motherhood itself. The close-up setting allowed for an extraordinary connection, enabling the audience to fully appreciate every nuance of the dancers' artistry. As a celebration of both nurturing strength and unwavering resilience, it was a particularly fitting treat for the occasion, honoring the many forms maternal care takes in our lives and our world. Rooted in the rich classical tradition of Kathak, Prakriti ("Nature") was framed as a story about the precarious relationship between a compassionate yet authoritative mother and her most intelligent - yet often irresponsible - children: us. Narration between the pieces thoughtfully guided the audience through themes of creation, coexistence, change, and resilience. These threads were beautifully expressed in a sequence of choreographed pieces, each touching on different aspects of our complex bond with the Earth. The performance opened with Dhwani-Pratidhwani - Honoring Mother Earth, a powerful invocation that set the tone for the entire show. In Indian classical dance, it's customary to seek forgiveness from the Earth for stepping on her - an act of humility and reverence. This ritual transformed into performance through a stirring shloka dedicated to Bhudevi (Mother Earth), followed by a dazzling display of Kathak's hallmark footwork. Dancers delivered this "footwork only", crisp, complex rhythmic patterns with mathematical precision. Each segment of the show unfolded with precision and grace.  Om OM - The Cosmic Dance of Creation unfolded as a meditative journey from silence to motion, inspired by the primordial vibration of OM - the sound said to birth the universe. Rooted in the mythology of Shiva, this piece evoked the pulse of existence itself. Dancers began with their backs to the audience, a bold and introspective choice that echoed the mystery of beginnings. Slowly, movement emerged - from the stillness of the spine to the awakening of limbs - mirroring creation's first breath. Set in raag Bairagi and woven with rhythmic intricacies of uthaans, tihais, tukras, and paran, it was a stirring reminder that all life rises from quiet intention into cosmic rhythm.  Panchatatva Panchatatva - The Kaal Chakra of Creation, Destruction, and Recreation brought the five elements - sky, air, water, fire, and earth - to life through dynamic movement, striking lighting, and evocative visuals. Vivid background imagery - green hills, wind turbines, wildfires - paired with shifting lights helped transport the audience through scenes of harmony, chaos, and renewal. Drawing from real experiences of natural disasters in California, the dancers captured both the beauty and the might of nature. In the end, the piece gently reminded us that just as time can unravel, it can also mend - and we each have a role to play in keeping nature's balance intact.  Dishaantar Dishaantar - Embracing the Change towards Sustainability was a truly captivating and inspiring performance that masterfully wove together narrative and classical Kathak. The piece brilliantly demonstrated how Kathak, with its intricate blend of nritta (pure dance), nritya (expressive dance with meaning), and natya (drama or storytelling), can powerfully convey contemporary social issues. This particular production leaned beautifully into the natya aspect, offering a compelling narrative-driven experience. The emotional messaging was delivered with profound sincerity, and the abhinaya was truly heartfelt. It was clear that the performers embraced the challenge of communicating complex social issues through the rich vocabulary of classical dance with remarkable dedication. The seamless group dynamics and evocative gesture motifs further enriched the piece, creating a truly memorable and thought-provoking artistic journey.  Tarana The finale, Yaman Tarana - Harmony and Celebrations effectively culminated the evening's thematic and technical elements. One of the show's strongest Kathak moments occurred here, showcasing the group's impressive synchrony and dynamic stage formations. Concentric circles, diagonals, and cascading layers revealed a masterful command of ensemble choreography. The dancers performed with maturity, executing synchronized chakkars, footwork, and seamless transitions between formations. Their unified movements and intricate formations - circles, lines, and radiating spokes - created a compelling visual metaphor for collective strength and harmony. The show also held deep reverence for legacy. Dedicated to Kathak legend Dr. Shovana Narayan in honor of her 75th birthday, Prakriti drew heavily from her iconic choreographies. Although these works originated in Indian contexts, they were transposed through a Californian lens - transforming traditional themes into locally relevant narratives. As the narration beautifully put it, "They have become our stories." Throughout the show, the dancers displayed a strong foundation in Kathak technique: well-articulated footwork, confident spins, and a clear sense of rhythm. There is still space to deepen abhinaya subtlety perhaps, but these are signs of a group evolving and experimenting within a classical framework - not deviating from it. In Prakriti, Anupama Srivastava and the InSyncKathak Dancers have successfully created a production that honors the form while daring to speak to the present. It is heartening to see young dancers engage with classical Kathak not just as a tradition to preserve, but as a living, breathing language to express the pressing concerns of our time. In summary, with Prakriti, InSyncKathak Dance School delivered more than a performance - it offered a vision. A vision where classical dance becomes a language for both cultural continuity and environmental consciousness. True to its mission, InSyncKathak nurtures dancers who are not only technically skilled, but also deeply connected to the purpose and philosophy behind every movement. By turning Kathak into a vehicle for dialogue on sustainability and reverence for nature, Prakriti became a powerful reminder of dance as sacred ritual and social reflection. Prakriti is also a testament to Anupama Srivastava's artistry as both choreographer and teacher. Through InSyncKathak, she has built more than a dance school - she's created a space where classical movement becomes a call to consciousness. To move in sync with the Earth, she reminds us, is to honor both heritage and responsibility.  Suparna Kumar is a Silicon Valley software professional and trained Kathak dancer with over a decade of experience in the Jaipur and Lucknow gharanas, under Guru Hanuman Prasad and Guru Pramila Pandey. At sixteen, she received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (U.P. Chapter) for excellence in Kathak. She is also the creator of DanceBells, a dance wellness program that blends classical technique with mindful movement for holistic well-being. |
