Kathak magic is here in Dubai

Kathak feels like magic on stage: the magic of steps and spins, music and rhythmic movements, story and expressions and an artistic fusion of colours. Kathak has it all and the audience falls under the spell of this story telling.

Kathak is one among the eight Indian classical dance forms. Unlike other Indian classical dance forms, it has a long history of adopting from various international dances through the period of its development. Persian dance forms and Spanish Flamenco have influenced Kathak and the Mughal rule in India also left its mark on it, especially with attire and whirling movements.

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Kathak lovers in Dubai will have an opportunity to enjoy the magic of this form tomorrow. Resonance, a group of performing arts enthusiasts, is organising Riturang (colours of seasons), under the patronage of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, at the Culture and Scientific Auditorium in Dubai. And the performers are none other than the 'Kathak couple' Abhimanyu Lal and Vidha Lal (pictured).

The couple has been exploring the possibility of experimenting more and more in Kathak and the result is the mesmerising performances they have given in many parts of the world. Abhimanyu Lal, son and disciple of renowned guru Geetanjali Lal, is recognised as one of the most accomplished Kathak dancers and has been exploring the potential of choreographing a routine with Rajasthani and Spanish Flamenco dancers. He last performed in Dubai at the Indian Republic Day celebrations in 2013.

Vidha was just another brilliant disciple of Geetanjali Lal before her shared passion for Kathak with Abhimanyu turned into a love story. They got married despite strong opposition from Vidha's family.

For Vidha Lal, who achieved a Guinness World Record for most number of spins in one minute (103 spins in 2011), Kathak is exremely important.

“Think beyond passion and take it to the level of madness and then you will find time for your true calling,” Vidha said regarding how she manages a family life alongside her career.

For Riturang, the duo is supported by dance repertory artists from AV Dance Company Kathak Resonance, including Avinav Mukherjee, Vikasini Kannan, Varsha Dasgupta, Era Dogra and Sakshi Vaid. Rajesh Pandey is the vocalist with Salim Kumar on Sitar and Zuheb Khan on Tabla.

Catch the show at 7pm on May 15 at The Culture and Scientific Association Auditorium Dubai. Entry is free.