ROOTED by the UNIVERSE
We are shaped by love, strengthened by community, and connected through the universal bonds that define us. (Click on images for the videos)
Guru Shishya
This piece highlights the long standing teacher-pupil relationship, showing the classroom basics of taatkar (footwork), hasthakas (arm movements), and chakras (spins) with live instruments before transitioning to Alisha’s first performance with her Guru.
Vishnu Stoti
This piece highlights Lord Vishnu, the preserver in the Hindu triumvirate, known for his strength, charm, and occasional vanity. It is performed in the rare pattern of Dhamaar Taal (a 14-beat cycle) and is considered one of the most difficult technical pieces in Kathak. Alisha performs alongside her Kathak classmates.
Chaaturaang
This dance highlights the many artistic talents of Lord Krishna—his flute, drumming, and graceful movement—while honoring his role as the god of protection and love. Through expressive choreography and advanced tukras, the piece conveys deep devotion and admiration for Krishna.
Shiva
This powerful Shiva Tandav showcases the fierce and divine energy of Lord Shiva, the God of Dance and Destruction, through intricate Kathak rhythms and vivid storytelling. The piece captures Shiva’s many forms, from serene meditation to dynamic dance. Composed by Guru Divyang Vakil.
ALISHA'S RANGMANCH PRAVESH
The Rangmanch Pravesh is an auspicious occasion where a student disciple showcases her mastery of the fundamentals of the art form. It is the formal solo debut performance of a student after years of rigorous training and discipline under a guru!
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Kathak Dance is one of the 8 classical dance forms from India and the only one from the North. Kathak is unique when compared to other dance forms in that there has been constant evolution throughout the history of India, since 400 BCE.
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Throughout the program you will experience the theme of ROOTS - deep significance of our origin story—the cultural, familial, community and spiritual foundations that ground us. Through every step and gesture, we honor the traditions we inherit and reflect on how our beginnings continue to guide who we become. Just as strong roots anchor and nourish a tree, our roots give us the strength and clarity to grow into who we are meant to be. These roots are not just where we come from—they are the very essence of who we are.
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The show is divided into three parts; each representing the culture, the universal connections, all which help us ground us in our identity. Now please enjoy the various artistic expressions of these elements below.
ROOTED by CULTURE
Culture, stories, and traditions are the roots that ground us and shape who we are, weaving values, meaning into who we become.
(Click on pictures for video)
Ganesha Vandana
This piece uses kavits (poems) and tukras (technical pieces) to showcase Ganesha’s characteristics and the technical side of Kathak. It is an ode that marks a new endeavor in life.
Ganesh Paran
This piece is a unique depiction of Lord Ganesha through a Paran, showcasing his strength and warrior-like qualities through expressive movement. It highlights key moments from his story—his elephant head, heroic acts, and his vahan, the mouse Mushak—set to a 12-beat cycle called Chautaal, unlike the more common 16-beat rhythm Teentaal.
Dareja
This piece explores the revered love story of Radha and Krishna—Krishna, a wise yet playful god known for his mischief, and Radha, a selfless devotee recognized as a goddess for her pure love. Their bond, filled with teasing and affection, reflects a divine connection rooted in deep devotion and spiritual unity.
Thumri
This semi-classical Thumri, sung by Shreya Ghoshal and composed by the legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj, blends folk-inspired storytelling with intricate Kathak technique. The piece portrays Radha’s grace and playfulness as she fetches water, playfully teased by Krishna, capturing the charm and depth of their divine relationship.
Self Choreography
Samjhawan, Humma Humma, Titli
Guru Sheila Ji requires every dancer to choreograph their own dance to demonstrate their fundamental understanding of Kathak technique and music theory, as well as their ability to create their own pieces as artists.
ROOTED by the UNIVERSE
We are shaped by love, strengthened by community, and connected through the universal bonds that define us. (Click on images for the videos)
Guru Shishya
This piece highlights the long standing teacher-pupil relationship, showing the classroom basics of taatkar (footwork), hasthakas (arm movements), and chakras (spins) with live instruments before transitioning to Alisha’s first performance with her Guru.
Vishnu Stoti
This piece highlights Lord Vishnu, the preserver in the Hindu triumvirate, known for his strength, charm, and occasional vanity. It is performed in the rare pattern of Dhamaar Taal (a 14-beat cycle) and is considered one of the most difficult technical pieces in Kathak. Alisha performs alongside her Kathak classmates.
Chaaturaang
This dance highlights the many artistic talents of Lord Krishna—his flute, drumming, and graceful movement—while honoring his role as the god of protection and love. Through expressive choreography and advanced tukras, the piece conveys deep devotion and admiration for Krishna.
Shiva
This powerful Shiva Tandav showcases the fierce and divine energy of Lord Shiva, the God of Dance and Destruction, through intricate Kathak rhythms and vivid storytelling. The piece captures Shiva’s many forms, from serene meditation to dynamic dance. Composed by Guru Divyang Vakil.
ROOTED by IDENTITY
Our experiences and our journey drive our roots deeper, building inner strength and forging a powerful path toward self-discovery and identity.
(click pictures for video)
Mujra
Salaam e Ishq, Dil Ka Kya Kare Saheb, Kaahe Chhed
This piece explores the evolution of Kathak during the Mughal era, highlighting Nawab Wajid Ali Shah’s influence in shaping the Lucknow gharana, where Hindu storytelling merged with intricate footwork and poetic Muslim traditions. This performance reflects on themes of love, longing, and playful devotion, honoring both cultural history and artistic expression.
Jugalbandi
Morni Banke, Sauda Khara Khara
This next piece is a Jugalbandi, meaning “entwined twins,” showcasing a dynamic duet between two dance styles. Alisha joins her brother, a passionate Bhangra dancer, in a joyful collaboration that blends Kathak tradition with vibrant Punjabi energy—celebrating both sibling bond and artistic growth.
Woman Empowerment
Alisha’s journey in dance reflects the foundation of her life, nurtured by culture, tradition, community, family, and the mentors who have guided her with wisdom and love. Inspired especially by her grandmothers, mother, and Sheila Ji, she has grown into a strong, kind, and grounded young woman.
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For her Raangmanch Pravesh, Alisha chose to conclude with a contemporary piece centered on female strength and empowerment. Under Sheila Ji’s guidance, she embraced the opportunity to create something personal and meaningful, honoring the feminine energy that has shaped and inspired her.
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The work begins with a Telugu composition, a tribute to her cultural heritage, then moves into the celestial grace of a queen, followed by a hymn to the goddess Durga—an invocation of courage, resilience, and protection. It culminates in the Tarana, a composition unique to Kathak that emphasizes rhythm, improvisation, and artistic freedom. Often compared to jazz scat singing, the Tarana uses nonsensical syllables to carry melody and pace. Traditionally reserved for advanced dancers, it is performed toward the end of training as a symbol of both mastery and liberation.
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Alisha selected this particular Tarana, choreographed by Sheila Ji, because it reflects the essence of Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, music, and the arts. Independent and self-motivated, Saraswati embodies inner strength and intellectual freedom, serving as a fitting inspiration for the conclusion of this journey.
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It is only natural that Alisha brings her Raangmanch Pravesh to a close by embodying this powerful symbol of feminine individuality and creative expression, weaving together her heritage, her mentors’ guidance, and her own evolving voice as an artist.