Bhawan's summer school - Kathak

Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan, London, just concluded their Summer School camp (http://www.bhavan.net/). On 12th and 13th Aug 2006, they had their great finale where all the students got a chance to display their talent. The range of items included Karnatic Vocal, Sitar, Mridangam, Hindustani Vocal, Violin, Tabla, Bharatnatyam and above all Kathak. The great Pt. Birju Maharaj graced the occasion on 13th August. Saswati Sen was the visiting Summer School Kathak teacher who taught the students enrolled for the Summer School Kathak camp.
I am sorry I am writing mainly about Kathak here as my wife Noopoor had enrolled as the one of the students in the masters level, the other levels are beginners, intermediate and advanced.

I was impressed to see not only Indians and British born Indians taking part but even foreign nationals from Brazil and few other countries taking part. And boy were they good? you bet. The 'chautaal' they did on 12th was definitely the best I have seen, it was spellbinding to say the least. It was fast and everybody was in total sync. It's a shame I hadn't carried my camcorder for the 12th, but got a good clip on my digital camera. Good job Saswati didi please keep it up. Abhay Shankar Mishra is the resident kathak teacher for the Bhavans. Both Saswati and Abhay are disciples of Pt. Birju Maharaj.

Noopoor with Pt Birju Maharaj.

And with Saswati Sen.

With co-performers: Hannah and Nikky

With co-performers: Amy