Kathak is one of the eight classical forms of Indian dance. It is comprised of powerful movement and technique, using percussive footwork and rhythms rooted in the Indian classical music system, juxtaposed with subtlety and grace. Inherent in kathak is storytelling through mime and expression, drawing on the rich culture and stories of ancient India.

Students will experience an introduction to the various aspects of kathak in a format that contextualizes the music, movement, etiquette, and history that surrounds the dance form even in modern day.

Participants need to be ages 16 or older, should come dressed in comfortable clothing that will allow them to move freely, and be prepared to dance barefoot.

About the Instructor

Farah Yasmeen Shaikh is an international kathak artist, and Founder/Artistic Director of Noorani Dance. Known for her powerful and evocative storytelling, technical precision, delicacy, and grace, Farah brings a clairvoyant voice to the contemporary stage, whilst simultaneously maintaining the deep roots and traditional aspects of kathak.

Performing her own traditional and innovative works, most notably, The Twentieth Wife based on the novel by author Indu Sundaresan, Farah is currently touring her follow-up to this project, The Forgotten Empress, focused on the life of Mughal Empress Noor Jahan, with support from the New England Foundation for the Arts. Working extensively in Pakistan, Farah performs and teaches regularly at prestigious venues and institutions throughout the country.

The Forgotten Empress is a recipient of the New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project Touring Award, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Major support for Performing Arts programs comes from Nancy C. Allen, Ellen Gritz and Milton Rosenau, the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance, and the Anchorage Foundation. Generous funding also provided by AARP, The Clayton Fund, Miller Theatre Advisory Board, New England Foundation for the Arts. Additional support provided by the Wortham Foundation, the Texas Commission on the Arts, and through contributions from the Friends of Asia Society, a premier group of individuals and organizations committed to bringing exceptional programming and exhibitions to Asia Society Texas Center. This program is presented in partnership with EnActe Arts.

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