"Kathak Parampara" at the Theater for the New City

The East-West School of Dance, NY, in association with the Trinayan Collective & Kinding Sindaw’s Dancing Across Borders & will be presenting “Kathak Parampara” as part of Stirring Rhythms: Merging Ancient Dance Rituals with the Contemporary Human Experience, 5 nights of Asian dance and music.
Under the able guidance of Pandit Satya Narayana Charka, the East-West School of Dance will explore Kathak’s history—from the Hindu temples where it began, to the courts of Mughal kings, where it was nurtured, taught, and given a Persian touch—eventually becoming a mixture of both Hindu and Muslim cultures. In this age of war and unrest, Kathak dance with all its depth and beauty, reveals how art is able to bring love and unity to the world. The program will take place on Saturday, May 17th, at 3pm at the Theater for the New City.

Drums Along the Hudson 2008

Come out this weekend for Lotus Music & Dance's Drums Along the Hudson!

Date/Time: Saturday. May 3rd, 11:00 - 6:00 PM

Location: Inwood Hill Park, 218th Street, Manhattan

Admission is FREE!

Pandit Charka will be co-presenting "Along the Caravan Route" with noted Flamenco and Middle Eastern artistes at 4pm on the Main Stage.

Also, watch this space for pictures/videos from recent programs to be uploaded soon!

Upcoming Ramnavami Performance

The EWSOD Queens Center will be celebrating Ramnavami with a unique cultural program at 6pm on Sunday, April 20th in the Hindu Temple of Flushing's Saraswati Hall.

The main attraction of the evening is a scene from the dance drama, the Children's Ramayana, performed entirely by the youngest students of the EWSOD. The students will be presenting The Wedding of Sita. In this chapter of the Ramayana, King Janak plans a swayamvar for his daughter Sita. Those who can lift and string the mighty bow of Lord Shiva will be considered. Finally the young prince Ram succeeds in winning Sita's hand. However things are complicated when Parashuram comes to challenge Ram.

Following this glimpse into the story of the Ramayana, the intermediate and senior students of the East-West School will present colorful and dynamic dances from the Kathak repertoire. Ranging from the most graceful and expressive abhinaya compositions describing the love of Radha and Krishna to the nritta (pure dance) pieces exemplifying the swift circles, sharp lines and fast footwork of Kathak technique, the students will demonstrate the wide and varied appeal that Kathak dance offers.