Shimla: Classical dance show titled "Celestial Rhythms" held showcasing rich cultural heritage

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], September 22 : With an effort to promote the rich heritage of classical dance, often overshadowed by the allure of Bollywood and Western dance forms, a classical dance evening titled "Celestial Rhythms" was held over the weekend at Shimla's iconic Gaiety Theatre.
Organised by a local Kathak academy in collaboration with the state government's Department of Language, Art, and Culture, the event showcased dancers ranging in age from four to 55 years.
The performers and participants were enthusiastic about being part of this cultural celebration. Manisha Kapoor, one of the participants, emphasised the deep-rooted significance of Kathak.
"This word 'Kathak is derived from 'Katha' (story). It's not just for Hindus; it's a dance form that connects Hindus and Muslims. We want to convey that while we may be adopting Western culture, we must not forget our own traditions. As married women, we've had the chance to fulfil childhood dreams of performing in front of the camera. The youth are also engaging in it, and it feels incredible to live this dream," she said.
She added that teaching children about classical dance would help preserve tradition, especially in an era dominated by the internet and modern distractions.
Eight-year-old Ananya, another performer, expressed her joy at being part of the event. "I have performed Kathak, and I believe we should focus more on teaching this dance form in Shimla. We need to remember our traditions and move away from being glued to our phones," Manisha Kapoor saidsaid.
The organisers also spoke about the importance of balancing traditional and modern dance forms.
"There's no harm in learning Bollywood or Western dances, but it's equally crucial to know our classical forms, which serve as a direct connection to the divine. These forms instill discipline and focus in students," said Poonam Sharma who has been teaching Kathak in Shimla for 34 years.
She further emphasised the need to provide platforms for classical dancers to thrive amidst the rising popularity of modern dance. "While Western culture is gaining attention, it's important to promote classical dance to keep our heritage alive. Although this is a challenging task, we must continue to encourage children to learn and appreciate classical dance forms," she added.
The evening saw over 75 students from the YWCA Kathak Dance Academy and local women, as well as local women, performing pure classical dances. Participants ranged from 4 to 55 years old, underscoring the event's inclusive spirit.
"We must organise more such programmes to encourage the next generation. Classical arts like Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and others have divine roots, and we should make greater efforts to promote them. While these dance forms flourish abroad, they don't receive the same recognition in India. This must change if we are to preserve and celebrate our rich cultural heritage," Poonam Sharma added.