Dance: Kathak Tales – a tradition flows from temple to courtyard

Kathak Tales: A Tradition Flows from Temple to Courtyard ,traces the remarkable journey of Kathak, one of India's foremost classical dance traditions. Originating from the storytelling practices of the Kathakas in temples, where tales from mythology and devotion were narrated through expressive movement, music, and rhythm, Kathak evolved over centuries into a sophisticated performing art.The production explores this transformation from sacred spaces to royal courts and cultural salons, highlighting the changing aesthetics, patronage, and repertoire of the dance form. Through nritta (pure dance), nritya (expressional dance), and storytelling, it reflects the seamless blend of spirituality, artistry, and cultural exchange By weaving together episodes from mythology, devotional poetry, courtly elegance, and rhythmic virtuosity, It is a journey through time, revealing how the art of storytelling flowed from temple sanctums to royal courtyards and ultimately to the modern stage.

Nayanika Chowdhury Ghosh,a dancer per excellence,with an inimitable style in the Classical dance Kathak is an accomplished dancer,teacher and choreographer of recent time. Disciple of PadmaviBhushan Pt. Birju Maharaj In these illustrious years Nayanika has achieved Junior Fellowship, Senior National scholarship,Young artist CCRT scholarship of Ministry of Culture, Govt of India and received the title “ADWITIYA” ,” SHRINGARMANI”,Inspiring Woman Achievers Award,Begum Rokea Award by Saudha,UK “NRiTYA-VISHARAD” by Pracheen Kala Kendra(Chandigarh) “NRITYA-SHIROMANI”, RAAG-RANJANI SHREE, etc . She is Established category of empanelled artist of ICCR & A grade artiste of Doordarshan National. Nayanika has performed solo in many major festivals in India like Khajuraho Dance Festival,Kathak Mahotsava by Kathak-Kendra,PratibhaUtsav by Kathak-kendr,TajMahotsava ,Dover-Lane Dance Festival , Sankat Mochan Festival to name a few.And travelled almost 18 countries ,including Russia, Germany, South Africa, Malaysia & Australia. Nayanika is the founder-director of Ninaad Foundation where she aims to nurture and promote Indian Classical Dance and music ,having centres in Delhi- NCR & Kolkata.