Let’s Dance

From a six-year-old to a 50-year-old,the participants are varied and yet the goal is common – to celebrate eight years of the academy’s existence. Established in February 2003 by Guru Ketaki Kale,the academy has also recently been included in the ‘International Who’s Who of Dance’ by the International Dance Council that works under UNESCO. Smiling at the achievement and the untiring efforts of her students,Kale says,“This programme will showcase the students’ command over this form of expression. It will feature Bharatnatyam composed to Marathi and Sanskrit padas and abhangas,along with a unique choreography of all seven Indian classical styles together. Traditional folk styles – Garba of Gujarat,Jaagar-Gondhal of Maharashtra,Ghoomar of Rajasthan,Bengali folk,Bamboo dance of Mizoram,Kashmiri folk and Punjabi Gidda – will also turn the stage into a riot of colours and music.”

In a bid to give the audience a new experience,the students will also showcase semi-classical dances to the tunes of latest hits,as well as dances using different yogasanas. “As an additional treat,there will be dance styles of rock-n-roll,Russian Gypsy,Afro-jazz,a dance with a ramp show,a retro dance,and even American Jazz and hip-hop,” Kale reveals.

This show will demonstrate the versatility of the dancers and the intricacies of dance. “The reason why we encourage a mixture like this is because it removes closed thought processes and helps inculcate openness in the dancer,which is very important. We faced a lot of challenges,but in the end it was a great learning experience,” adds Kale. (Symphony will be held today at Bal Gandharva Rangmandir,at 5 pm )