ReSound, presented by the critically acclaimed LA-based Leela Dance Collective will feature a free pop-up kathak dance performance in addition to workshops to educate and inspire audiences of all ages. The public is invited to experience this traditional North Indian classical dance artform this weekend in Downtown Culver City.
Sunday, Sept 26, will start with workshops available for only $10 at the Diaz Studio of Dance, and a performance will be presented at the end of the afternoon in the downtown plaza.
A children’s workshop, The Indian Avatars, from 3 to 4 pm will introduce everyone to kathak, the classical dance of North India. Kids learn coordination, movement rhythm, music and dramatic expression as they delve into the rich world of Indian mythology. For kids, ages 5 and up, at the Diaz Studio of Dance, 3816 Culver Center.
From 4 to 5 pm, adults will be on the floor for Movement, Music & Meditation, with the beauty and dynamism of kathak. Workshop participants are introduced to the technique, movement, music and poetry of the art form woven together into an experience that is meditation in motion.
Topping the festival at 5:30 pm, there will be a performance in the downtown plaza at 9500 Culver Blvd. for all to enjoy.
“After more than a year of living in fear and isolation, we are thrilled to see our neighborhoods and communities start to come back to life. To do our part, we are quite literally dancing with joy – on street corners and promenades and at community parks and outdoor malls across Los Angeles and San Francisco,” exclaims Rina Mehta, senior disciple of kathak legend Pandit Chitresh Das and co-founder of the critically acclaimed Leela Dance Collective.
Mehta’s work is grounded in the belief that kathak dance can be a powerful tool for empowerment and social change.
One of kathak’s most notable characteristics is the fast, percussive footwork dancers perform by striking their bare feet on the floor using various techniques. In addition, it is known for swift pirouettes, a dynamic movement vocabulary, exhilarating music, and compelling character portrayal. Kathak is typically performed with North Indian classical Hindustani music, which provides an exhilarating soundscape and a very collaborative environment for the artists. Dancers wear a string of 150-200 bells around each ankle to ornament their footwork and movements, and to highlight the rhythmic sophistication of the artform.
Through its performances and educational programming, Leela Dance Collective brings the joy of kathak dance to audiences and communities worldwide.
Throughout Los Angeles, other venues will also having dancing in the streets; free performances will take place at such iconic locations as Santa Monica’s 3rd St Promenade, DTLA’s Grand Park, Pasadena’s Memorial Park, Woodland Hills’ The Village at Topanga, and the Oak Canyon Community Park showcasing kathak dance at its best.
Susan Gordon
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