This weekend I was able to attend the traditional indian dance class again. The specific form of Indian dance taught is the kathak style, practiced throughout northern India, including west Bengal. And the word kathak means “to tell a story.”
This week, all the students had exams. From talking with the girls from Sonar Tori I understand they happen once a year. Everyone dressed up, there was live music and it had the feel of a performance as the older girls helped the younger girls with their make up and everyone marked through their dances at the last minute. All the students performed dances they’ve been practicing for weeks and there was an oral exam portion as well on the history, terminology, rhythms and choreography of this form of dance. Spoke with the Sonar Tori girls afterwards and I could see how relieved they were to be done:)
Suchanta, the teacher was very kind and made us feel very welcome. He was speaking about the class he teaches as well. How it always begins with meditation. Because dance is about more than the physical. Dancing is connecting the mind, the body and the soul and expressing this connection.
I loved the way he described it and agree wholeheartedly. And I loved getting a chance to see him dance as well.