Doha: Rhythmic Expressions, a Kathak dance performance by Rani Khanam and group, is being organised by the Embassy of India, Doha, in partnership with Katara Cultural Village and Qatar Museums, at Drama Theater (Hall No 16) at Katara Cultural Village on March 14 at 6:45pm; March 15 at Al Khor community at 6:30pm; and March 16 at ICC at 7pm, as part of the ‘India-Qatar Year of Culture 2019’.
Kathak is one of the eight classical dance forms of India – and is an amalgamation of three art forms-music, dance, and drama. The word ‘Katha’, is a Sanskrit word for ‘story’ and the Kathakars communicate stories through rhythmic foot movements, swift spins, hand gestures and facial expressions.
Rani Khanam has been honoured for her courageous and pioneering work in Kathak, and also for creating awareness and addressing critical issues of society such as equality & social justice for women, persons with disabilities and HIV/AIDS.
The performances include a stylized dance form ‘Andaz-e-Raqs’, highlighting the contribution of Persian culture, where the costumes play an intrinsic role in the kinetics of choreography; ‘Yamuna Namah’ will showcase the significance of the river Yamuna in India; ‘Shri Nand Nandan Nachat Sudhang’ is based on the story of Indian mythology; ‘Basant Hori’ showcases the essence of Spring season; ‘Tarana’ - a dance sequence to bring out the essence of melody & rhythm; and ‘Chaap Tilak Sab Cheeni’ is a soulful performance about eternal submission to the creator.
The musical concert will end with ‘Nritya Gati’ which presents intricate compositions, rapid movements, complex footwork and elegant facial expressions to communicate a sense of pure joy of rhythm. The Embassy of India, Doha has invited all to experience Kathak as a symbolic representation of the multidimensional nature of the dance.
