Embracing India's classical dance heritage

To celebrate the World Dance Day, Padmashri Guru Shovana Narayan's Asavari Centre for Kathak is holding its Annual Day Programme titled 'Rhythm and Joy' on May 6, 2019 at the CSOI Auditorium (Civil Services Officers' Institute Auditorium), Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, 6:30 pm onward. The evening, besides showcasing the talents of young dancers ranging from the near professional to the budding ones, also has the mission of increasing awareness of the importance of nurturing our rich 2500 years old classical dance heritage among the youth and the general public.

Over the years (since 1979), Asavari has seen several young dancers taking wings and dotting the classical scene as full-fledged accomplished soloists, such as Shivani Varma, Kartika Singh, Mrinalini, Madhura Phatak etc. Some have even opened their own centres of teaching Kathak in various parts of the globe – Fremont, USA, Lithuania, London, Moscow, Melbourne to name a few. Some of the disciples of the Centre have become award winning film makers and acclaimed film actors such as Beenu Rajpoot and Shriya Sharan respectively.

What Guru Shovana Narayan through her Asavari has always believed in, is to nurture and groom the disciples not only to become very good artistes with multi-disciplinary approach but also into becoming good human beings imbued with aesthetics in art and in behaviour.