An ode to a Kathak guru

Udgaar, a branch of Nrityabharati Kathak Dance Academy, Pune has organised a concert, titled Dagar Chalat which translates into walking alongwith tradition. The event celebrates the genius of Guru Pandita D Rohini Bhate.

The event will feature solo Kathak dance recitals by disciples from various gharanas depicting their illustrious Gurus. Acclaimed dancers Asawaree Patankar, disciple of Pandita Rohini Bhate, Swati Sinha, disciple of Pandit Rajendra Gangani (Jaipur Gharana), and Vishal Krishna (disciple of Pandit Mohan Krishna, Pandit Gopikrishna's brother, Benares Gharana) will perform at the event.

Asawaree Patankaru00a0

Udgaar is an institution that has been around for six decades in Maharashtra and is renowned for its dance academy. It follows the principles laid down by Guru Bhate and aims to promote Indian Classical music and dance, specially the dance form of Kathak.

Asawaree Patankar, who will be performing at the event, said that the event is special as she will pay tribute to her seniors and her guru through this event. "There will be three solo performances by dancers trained in three different Gharanas," she adds.

Vishal Krishna

Patankar points out that the tradition of Gurus and classical dance is reducing. "People don't understand the traditional importance of dance. There is no love left for this type of dance," she states.

Patankar has choreographed a composition titled Chaitanya, which focuses on mental illness and society as the core subject.

She has worked on aspects of choreography and lyrical composition for the ballet Bhairava Bhavataarak and has choreographed, scripted and performed in the ballet Darpan - Pehchaan Stree Astitiva Ki.

On: January 6, 5.30 pm onwards;
At: MES Auditorium, Bal Shikshan Mandir Campus, Mayur Colony, Kothrud.u00a0