Kathak,one of the eight classical dance forms of North India, is known for its fast, powerful footwork and spectacular spins, called chakras. And Pandit Chitresh Das is a master in the art.
What is Dynamic Feet — Dynamic Rhythm all about ?
It is an evening of traditional Indian art froms.I will be exploring different kinds of percussion, tabla, pakawaj,South Indian mridungam and ghatam, in different rhythms. It will be mostly upaj, heavily improvised.
When did your love for kathak begin?
I was born and brought up in one of the oldest dance institutions in Calcutta.My parents established Nritya Bharati in 1942.My father created one of the first revolutionary dance dramas, The New Dawn.I was raised in all forms of dance and music in the fine arts. My mother introduced me to all different forms of art.After I was introduced to my Guruji, as I grew up, and as my training progressed, I began to feel and enjoy what I could do with my body, my feet, and my mind.
How does it feel to be known as the fastest feet in rhythm?
Whether I am fast or not is not important. ‘Fastest feet’ is a relevant term.Because I was trained with such heavy practice,reyaz mehnat ke sath, I can do certain things which some others cannot.Practice forces one to go deep within and explore oneself — through speed, power, rhythm, and spirituality.
Could you please explain the concept of ‘innovation within tradition’?
I have been developing such an innovation within tradition I call Kathak Yoga.It has nothing to do with postures. It is about breathing, developing stamina, footwork, singing, dancing and playing tabla. The idea is — meditation in motion.
What are your future projects?
One is a documentary being produced by Center for Asian American Media.Also, The Asian Arts Museum in San Francisco is doing an instillation called Maharaja. Besides, I am going to choreograph a new dance drama based on the period of Wahid Ali Shah.
What is your message for young dancers?
Don’t take short cuts.There is no short cut to fame.If you are thinking that if you are famous you will get a concert it never works that way.You should keep practicing and learning under the tutelage of a real guru.
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