Charlotte Moraga for Performing Diaspora: Contemporary Traditional Kathak Dance

2009-05-29T00:06:02-07:00By |Categories: Charlotte Moraga, CounterPULSE, Performing Diaspora|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

What is kathak? Kathak is a unique dance form which incorporates rhythmic virtuosity, compelling storytelling, poetry, recitation, song, swift and subtle movement, and a rich philosophy whose roots extend thousands of years. In 1992, I enrolled in a Kathak class at SFSU with world-renowned master, Pandit Chitresh Das. Little did I know the vast ocean that lay before me. Enthralled by the immense depth and potential for self-expression, I continued to study in the traditional manner (guru shisya parampara), one