Kathak show in Bhutan

20 August: Renowned Kathak dancer, Aditi Mangaldas, and her troupe of dancers and musicians enthralled a small public audience in Thimphu on Sunday.

Complemented by the rapid rhythmic beat of tablas or Indian hand drums, Mangaldas and her troupe choreographed complicated hand and footwork to take her audience on a journey that covered themes ranging from love to exploring the mysterious concept of time.

Kathak is form of northern Indian classical dance that narrates stories, explained Mangaldas. The story telling dance originated in the Moghul empire, when the Muslim imperial power occupied the Indian subcontinent from the 16th to 19th century.

As a result, “it’s the only classical dance style in India that integrates both Hindu and Muslim cultures,” said Mangaldas. But she has also integrated contemporary styles to the ancient dance.

For instance, in a dance called “Is Time Parallel?”, the dancers are dressed not in Indian costumes but western styled dresses.

Asked about such kind of cultural fusion, Mangaldas said, “It’s not about borrowing from the West, it’s about exchanging.” The root style of the dance remains the same. Audience member, Muruli, an Indian expatriate in Bhutan, said it was his first time watching a modernised version of the Kathak. “It was fantastic, the end to a perfect weekend,” he said, in reference to celebrations of the 63rd Indian independence day.

“Absolutely wonderful, we were very honoured to perform and meet members of the Royal Family and other dignitaries,” said Mangaldas on her stay in Bhutan.

Mangaldas and her troupe performed at the Indian embassy on Saturday.

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