Indian culture meets Roman history at the Embassy of India’s Rhythm of India Festival in Italy. World renowned Kathak Maestro Shovana Narayan and her troupe performed under the stars at the historic Basilica San Pietro in Vicolo on August 6. The basilica – home to Michelangelo’s masterpiece the statue of Moses – served as a fitting venue to showcase the classical Indian dance form.
The Rhythm of India Festival brought a variety of Indian performers for free dance programs in seven different Italian cities. The program was timed to coincide with the 14 day Latium World Folkloric Festival that takes place every summer in Italy.
Recipient of the Indian government’s prestigious Padma Shri award, Shovana Narayan is considered one of the preeminent Kathak performers in India. Her career has focused on promoting Kathak globally and training the next generation of dancers. Naryan’s international collaborations have featured everything from tap and flamenco artists to Buddhist monks. Remarkably, she balanced her passion for dance with a parallel career in the Indian civil service.
The Kathak performance was accompanied by traditional Indian music. Narayan provided English commentary explaining the history and folklore that inspired the troupe’s Kathak performance.
Kathak is a classical dance form popular in Northern India. The word is said to be derived from the Sankrit term for storyteller. Throughout the centuries it has been performed in Hindu temples as well as Mogul royal courts.
I have always enjoyed watching Kathak live or in popularized Bollywood movies (see one of my favorite videos here). A co-worker and I tried taking some classes while working in Delhi.
Unfortunately, even the beginner class was full of teenagers who had been practicing since a young age and with far more grace than either of us. We decided to stick to our day jobs after only one disastrous session 🙂
Thankfully, its becoming increasingly easier to watch professional performances around the world instead. The vibrant costumes looked amazing off stage as well.
Love your post. The outfits the dancers wore was beautiful!
Thanks! The dancers were incredibly gracious and friendly. Now I am looking for an excuse to dress up in a lengha 🙂
Wow, that was quite interesting. I don’t know why but didn’t think Rome would have this kind of events. It was so colorful!
It’s amazing how the strength and love of a musical performance can unite people together. I just watched the YouTube clip of Shovana Narayan in Rome after reading your piece and she’s absolutely amazing! Kathak literally translates to “tell a story” and she did just that through body language and choreography. I agree, def looks hard! I didn’t know about the Latium Folkloric Festival till now but it’s something I’d definitely be interested in. Thanks for sharing!