PLEASE NOTE
*Lecture/Demonstration: Friday June 14th 8pm*

*Abhinaya Masterclasses (ages 16+):*
*Saturday June 15th & Sunday June 16th from 11am to 2pm*
*all dance forms welcome*

*Lecture Demonstration:*
Understanding the relevance of the Gita Govinda through Dance in the 21st Century

The Gita Govinda of Jayadeva is considered the masterpiece of Hindustani Sahitya (literature) for the performing arts. For the first time since its inception in the 12th century, the entirety of the 24-chaptered saga has been musically composed, classically choreographed, and been made accessible to the world by Guru Dr. Pali Chandra.

In this captivating lecture demonstration, Dr. Chandra invites audiences into the enchanting world of her Gita Govinda project, where she seamlessly intertwines music and movement to convey the rich tapestry of emotions found within this masterpiece of Sanskrit literature. She breathes life into the characters’ mental states and unveils the modern relevance through her unique choreographies and movement vocabulary.

As the narrative unfolds, audiences witness the dynamic yet fluid transition of ragas, mirroring the shifting moods and sentiments within the same piece or track. Unconventional musical elements, such as the use of Dhrupad to illustrate the path of a single drop of rain. This nuanced approach not only adds depth to the storytelling but also creates a profound emotional resonance with the audience. For instance, the Dashavatar includes 10 Talas and 10 Ragas to represent each individual avatar. Moreover, the incorporation of Western instrumentation adds a contemporary flair to the traditional framework, appealing to modern sensibilities without compromising the essence of classical music.

Through demonstrations of carefully curated excerpts, audiences are transported to the most impactful moments of the story, where music and movement converge to create an immersive experience that transcends time and tradition.

Join Guru Dr. Pali Chandra on this mesmerizing journey as she unveils the secrets behind her transformative approach to storytelling through music and movement.

*Master Class:*

A Gita Govinda Masterclass where Guru Pali Chandra delves into her process of creating relevant and impactful dance pieces for the modern age.
The class will explore:
- how to understand and interpret imagery with emotions
- abhinaya techniques
- use of ‘sancharis’
- ‘Kathak Anga’ through the ‘Natyashastra’
- Creative exercises for participants to discover their own interpretations, expressed through their unique body language and psyche.
*Performance music will be provided.
**The masterclass will focus on expressions/storytelling and is open to all dance forms.

*Guru Pali Chandra Profile:*

Pali Chandra has played a crucial role in taking Kathak to a global audience. Her productions represent some of the most extraordinary tales, seamlessly transitioned into a palatable avatar for a modern audience. Known as the pioneer for digital dance education, she revamped the entire classical dance multiverse, revolutionizing the whole concept of a gurukul.

Some flowers are meant to bloom. Similarly, Guru Pali Chandra was simply meant to dance. It is deeply rooted in her essence, she admits. And ardent fans of her art shall be glad to know that she dedicated her entire life to this beautiful art form.

Trained by her gurus – late Guru Vikram Singhe, Pandit Ram Mohan Maharaj and Mrs. Kapila Raj of Lucknow and Delhi Gharanas, her expertise in dance education has been recognized around the world. Her performances, known for their grace, precision, and emotional depth, delve into complex themes that truly embody 'tradition in transition'. Pali Ji has a unique ability to connect with audiences and convey the essence of Kathak through her movement vocabulary. As an educator, Dr. Chandra has been a force for democratizing dance through an open sharing of knowledge. She truly believes that art belongs to all and imbibes the philosophy of “storytelling with a purpose” into her students in order for them to grow into “thinking dancers.”

Lecture Demonstration & Masterclass by Guru Pali Chandra

Lecture Demonstration & Masterclass by Guru Pali Chandra