This viewer has attended scores of non-Western dance performances over the course of 25 years, and can thus assert with confidence, that "Panchbhut: Elements of Nature" was one of the most effective at translating and interpreting Eastern philosophy for a Western and/or westernized audience that this viewer has ever witnessed. This has particular relevance to the Washington DC metropolitan area, and especially to Northern Virginia. People from every corner of the globe have made their homes in Northern Virginia - it is the future face of America.  Mainstream audiences in Northern Virginia, including young people, are already familiar with and appreciate Latino, Middle Eastern, Pacific Island, and African performing arts. However, South Asian and Far Eastern performing arts have not yet penetrated the mainstream to the same extent. This may be due in part to the complexity of these arts and the deeper level of knowledge required to understand and appreciate them. However it is easy to imagine that once they are understood, they will take audiences by storm. 

The Washington DC area has become known as a place where traditional performing arts are being sustained and even revived, even where they are no longer practiced or have been forced underground in their geographical sources. For example, both the Beijing Opera and the Cambodian royal court dancers are now based in the area. Some of these dance forms, such as flamenco and hula are almost as known and loved by local audiences as are the Western dances of ballet and tap. These dances are being nurtured and revitalized because the interest in them has resulted in a growth in the numbers of students, practitioners, and performance opportunities. This has happened in part because performance formats have been made accessible to mainstream audiences and because teaching methods have been adapted to Western lifestyles and learning styles.
   
"Panchbhut: Elements of Nature" makes a significant contribution to furthering interest in and appreciation of Kathak dance. One result will surely be a renewed interest in the dance form within the Indian community, as well as a new interest on the part of the broader community of Northern Virginia. This in turn will surely result both in keeping traditional Kathak vital and in vibrant new fusions and cross-fertilizations. And both of these will reflect and express, shape and enrich the unique and exciting cultural community that is Northern Virginia itself.

There are ongoing discussions surrounding the pros and cons of such adaptations and concessions to the 'modern' lifestyle and the 'modern' audience. There are also ongoing discussions surrounding the pros and cons of adherence to tradition versus innovation, as well as the rewards and risks of fusion.