Thursday, July 24, 2008

Mid-Summer Update

It's been a busy summer so far for the East-West School.
Pt. Charka and his family, accompanied by students Kavita Tajeshwar and Anisha Muni, enjoyed a short trip to California in June, and were honored to present a program for the 35th anniversary of the Yoga Society of San Francisco. Some highlights below, courtesy of Marcelo and Robert.


Kathak students had a special treat this June--the legendary Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj visited New York as part of his tour of the U.S, celebrating a lifetime in dance, and his 70th year. He was accompanied by the very talented Saswati Sen and Mahua Shankar. The image below is from a private event hosted by Tamarind Art.

Following this, Kavita Tajeshwar and Anisha Muni performed for Akhil Vishwa Hindi Samiti for their annual convention held in New York.

2008 marks the 50th anniversary of the Ananda Ashram in Monroe, NY. As part of the anniversary festivities, the East-West School has had the opportunity to present Kathak at the July 4th celebration as well as the annual Ramayana. Glimpses from the July 4th program below.


Ashni and Shivani Dave opened the presentation with an invocation, followed by a thumri and ghazal.



Anisha Muni presented technical items from the Kathak repertoire.




Pt. Charka offered a rare treat for the audience--a spontaneous experimental item.



Finally, a hearty congratulations to Ashni & Shivani Dave and their family on the occasion of their Rang Manch Pravesh on 7/26!
Upcoming Events:
7/28 - 8/1 Kathak Camp
8/16 Babaji's Birthday Celebration
8/23 Krishna Leela dance-drama