Bhopal: New Kathak experiments making dance more lively, says danseuse Upasana Upadhyay

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): New experiments in Kathak are making the classical dance form more lively, says danseuse Upasana Upadhyay. She was speaking on ‘Kathak Mein Prayog’ on Sunday. It was part of the third online session of the interaction, ‘Ustad-e-Bayan,’ organised by Kalanidika Nritya Natya Sanstha, Bhopal.

Upadhyay said that, earlier, colours were used to depict Holi scenes in Kathak performances. But now, lights are used instead. She further said that, earlier, there were different names of ‘gats’ in Kathak, including Thenga Gat, Bengali Ghunghat and so forth. Dancers of the new generation, however, do not even know the names of these ‘gats’.

Besides the names, she also shared its movements. She discussed 15,000 thumaris, composed by Bindadin Maharaj, originator of the Lucknow Gharana. She also spoke about an experiment in the attire of dancers.

Upadhyay belongs to the third generation of Raigadh King Maharaja Chakradhar Singh. She has been imparting dance education in Bhatkhande Music College, Jabalpur, for the past 22 years. She has performed in various national and international concerts.