Local Dance Company Finds a Dramatic Way to Celebrate the Seasons
Katha Dance Theatre of Crystal will show off all six seasons of India in a performance this weekend. The show is called “The Seasons” and is inspired by poetry written 17 centuries ago.
Rita Mustaphi of Crystal has a warm presence and a passion for dance. For 30 years, she’s taught dancers a classical dance of northern India through the nonprofit she founded, Katha Dance Theatre.
“This is the only classical dance style of India that has been enriched by both Indian and Persian cultures,” says Mustaphi, who teaches students at different metro locations. She is the artistic director and choreographed the show, “Ritusamhara—The Seasons,” which was inspired by poetry written 17 centuries ago. The audience can follow the change in the seasons as dancers move in rhythmic patterns from the bright colors of autumn to the white of winter.
“It’s about what a couple goes through in each of those season and what we all go through in the journey of life.”
The combination of facial expressions, hand gestures, and rhythm to tell a story are elements of Kathak dance. Anurag Sharma, the male lead from Plymouth, got hooked on this style in dance in 2004 and has even traveled to India to study Kathak dance.
“We all have different avenues of stress relief. We go to the gym, do yoga or meditation, but this was a stress reliever for me and there has been no looking back since then,” says Sharma.
“The Seasons” is rhythmic, colorful, and entertaining and will be at The O’Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University on March 2-3. Tickets are $15-$29.
