Tasherit Sturm Dahal performs in Meghdoot, the Cloud Messenger, a dance drama presented by IDEA on June 18th at 7:30 P.M. at Thomas Jefferson Theater, 125 S. Old Glebe Road in Arlington, Virginia. Tickets are available online (General admission: $10, Students/Seniors: $5).
News
Annual IIS Performance coming June 12
Join us for the Annual India International School performance on June 12 at the Jewish Community Center in Fairfax, Virginia. Students from Kathak Level I and II will be presenting their items between 5 and 7 P.M. in the main auditorium. Admission is free.
U.S. Marine Corps Performance
Nepal Dance School was honored to be asked to present a program of Himalayan Dance and Lore at the Quantico Marine Corps Base in April as part of the celebration of diversity in Asian culture. NDS was awarded with a certificate of appreciation stating, “Your presence and performance here today has offered both insight and… Continue reading U.S. Marine Corps Performance
NDS Participates in Kites of Asia at the National Air & Space Museum
Join Nepal Dance School on March 19th from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum for a full day event celebrating India and Nepal. Highlights include Bollywood, Buddhist, classical Indian Kathak, and Nepali folk dance performances and workshops throughout the day. NDS is also sponsoring a traditional musical instrument… Continue reading NDS Participates in Kites of Asia at the National Air & Space Museum
Where did the capital of Nepal get its name?
The name “Kathmandu” originated from two words, kath – meaning wood – and mando – or mandap, meaning house – as most of the buildings were constructed from wood, and then beautifully ornamented. The capital was still called “Kantipur” up until the seventeenth century. No one can overstate the religious, cultural, and traditional importance of… Continue reading Where did the capital of Nepal get its name?
Winter News Early 2010
NDS has kicked off a new series of Bollywood dance classes at Audrey Moore ReCenter designed to accommodate busy teens and adults. You can register directly with the Center at 703-321-7081. We are also offering Bollywood at the India International School on Saturday mornings from 11:30 to 12:30. For those who just want a taste… Continue reading Winter News Early 2010
What is tatkar?
Tatkar is footwork. The patterns and styles vary greatly and emphasis is placed on producing a sound from the feet as well as from the ghungharoos (bells). Most Kathak performances feature tatkar, which highlights a dancer’s technical skill, stamina, and artistry. Often, a dancer will sing a series of bols, or syllabic sounds, in a… Continue reading What is tatkar?
What is a hasta mudra?
There are two types of hasta mudras, or hand signs, in Kathak dance. Asanyukt mudras use one hand; sanyukt mudras use both hands. The most commonly recognized asanyukt mudra is pataka, which keeps all of the fingers of the right hand straight, with the thumb touching the first finger. A pataka can be used to… Continue reading What is a hasta mudra?
Where did Bollywood dance originate?
The origins of Bollywood lie in Urdu theater and street plays known as nautanki. Many of the basic steps, of which there are over seven hundred, are derived from classical Indian dance. Bollywood is a highly aerobic style of modern dance that has gained popularity primarily due to the explosion of Bollywood films across the… Continue reading Where did Bollywood dance originate?
What is a chakkar?
A chakkar is a fast spin. It requires good balance control, proper position, stamina, and speed to be correctly executed. Young dancers begin to practice chakkars at an early age, starting with a nine-count circle, then moving down in counts until they have perfected the circle of one. Experienced artists have been known to perform… Continue reading What is a chakkar?