Kathak danseuse casts spell

Chandigarh, March 11, 2011
An impressive and innovative kathak classical dance recital by USA-based danseuse and medical professional Dr Jaysi was a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. The programme organised by Pracheen Kala Kendra at the Randhawa Auditorium marked the 162nd “Baithak Musical Soiree”.

Jaysi commenced the recital with her favourite dance item “Lamps on Lilypads,” replete with the elements of Hindustani music, poetry partly in English and story-telling, which proved to be a contemporary inter-cultural experience in kathak dance. Instead of borrowing the usual theme from mythology, she depicted a socially relevant thematic content, originally reflecting Jaysi’s personal protest against the US invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan, Gujarat riots and the persistent communal strife in India and everywhere. — OC

Source: The Tribune, Chandigarh, India