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Kathak (North Indian) Dance Performance by Uma Dogra
September 9, 2006 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
A Kathak classical dance performance by Uma Dogra.
Uma Dogra is one of the best known classical dancers in India, specializing in the Kathak style of dance. Kathak dance became popular after the 15th century in India in both Hindu and Muslim circles and was well known in temples, royal courts, as well as private salons. There are several centers and “families” (gharana) of Kathak dance styles.
Uma Dogra is conversant with both the Lucknow and Jaipur styles of Kathak and has specialized in the Jaipur gharana. The Jaipur style is known for its spectacular rhythmic footwork and fast pace. Despite its focus on “pure dance,” this style also preserves an important part of the Kathak narrative tradition – the kavit-toda. This is poetry recited in a stylized chant, interspersed with rhythmic patterns of drum beats.
Uma Dogra trained under several well known Kathak dancers, most notably Pandit Birju Maharaj and Pandit Durgalal. She has a large school of Kathak dance in Mumbai and is the organizer of the annual Raindrops Dance Festival. She has performed in many forums around the world and has danced regularly in Kenya, Zambia, Australia, the Former Soviet Union, Korea, Holland, United Kingdom, United States and will be doing several workshops and performances in her short tour of the United States in September 2006.
Uma Dogra will be conducting master classes in Kathak dance for UF students in the week of September 5th. For further information, contact Vasudha Narayanan (vasu@ufl.edu).