New York City, New York May 24, 2023 (Issuewire.com) - The New York Kathak Festival is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated return, taking place from June 2nd to June 4th, 2023. As the city's only festival dedicated to kathak, this event promises to captivate audiences with a rich showcase of diversity within this ancient Indian dance form.

Kathak dates back 5000 years and traces its roots to storytelling in India.  The three day festival includes workshops and lecture demonstrations led by masters of Indian dance, discussions, and concerts. The festival features an impressive lineup of emerging and established artists from around the world, including Pandit Rajendra Gangani from New Delhi, Vidushi Shama Bhate and her disciple Ameera Patankar from Pune, and Shri Prashant Shah, from New York. With the goal of showcasing the diversity and dynamic range of kathak, the artist lineup includes Isabelle Anna from Paris, Seetal Kaur from England, and Shefali Jain from Massachusetts, amongst several others. The NYKF will also feature a performance by Svetlana Tulasi, a Russian artist known for infusing kathak into popular Bollywood music. From soul-stirring solos to electrifying group performances, the stage will come alive with rhythmic footwork, graceful spins, and emotive storytelling that define kathak.

In addition to performances, the New York Kathak Festival 2023 offers a unique opportunity for dance students to deepen their knowledge and skills through a series of workshops and discussions. Led by distinguished artists, the workshops, taught in the traditional gurukul style of learning, will provide participants with insights into the nuances and techniques of kathak, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of this ancient art form.

Pandit Rajendra Gangani, guru at Kathak Kendra, India's leading institute for kathak, is renowned for his technical mastery over rhythm and will be teaching workshops at the NYKF. Shri Prashant Shah, a vibrant New York based choreographer will also be leading workshops, and sharing his unique point of view around choreography. Vidushi Shama Bhate, a highly tenured and respected artist with 50 years of experience in kathak will lead a lecture demonstration on choreography. Participants will have the rare chance to hone their skills and learn directly from these distinguished artists.

"We are delighted to bring back the New York Kathak Festival, showcasing the richness and vibrancy of kathak dance," said the festival's organizers. "This year's festival promises to be an immersive experience, celebrating both tradition and innovation within kathak. We invite everyone, from dance enthusiasts to curious newcomers, to join us and witness the magic of kathak, the dance of the storyteller."

The New York Kathak Festival's concerts will take place at Peter Norton Symphony Space and the workshops will be hosted at Ballet Hispánico. Tickets and more info at kathakfestival.org/.