Facing East
NC Kathak Festival
Program
Tum Radhe Bano | Aakriti Kathak Academy, Cary
Sargam | Aakriti Kathak Academy, Cary
Trivat & Hori | Lasya Academy of Kathak, Fairfax, VA Students of Purvi Bhatt, founder and Artistic Director of the Lasya Kathak Dance Academy in Fairfax, VA "Sanyog" signifies the harmonious fusion of two fundamental aspects of classical Indian dance: Nritta (pure dance) and Nritya (expressive dance). This blend results in a complete dance experience, merging technical mastery with emotional depth to create an engaging and dynamic performance. Purvi Bhatt is the founder and Artistic Director of the Lasya Kathak Dance Academy in Fairfax, VA. With over 20 years of experience teaching kathak throughout the United States, she is an acclaimed dancer, teacher, and choreographer. Under the guidance of Guru Late Shri Vasantrao Ghadge and Guru Pandita Maneesha Sathe, Purvi has earned the titles "Nritya Visharad" and "Nritya Alankaar" and is a certified examiner for Gandharva Mahavidyalaya and Bharati VidyaPeeth University. Purvi and her troupe have performed at notable venues such as the Smithsonian Museum, Kennedy Center, and the Indian Embassy in Washington DC. Besides traditional kathak, she engages in collaborations with various classical and Western art forms. Her contributions include serving as cultural coordinator on the Executive Board of Durga Temple, Chairperson of the Indian Dance Educators Association, and judging dance competitions like Boogie-Woogie USA. Purvi’s commitment to kathak motivates her students to stay rooted in their cultural heritage while exploring innovative artistic expressions.
Triveni Sangam | Nritya MayaNanda, Apex We are very happy to have our lovely musicians accompanying us. Mrs. Sejal Vaidya on Vocal Mrs. Purvi Patel on Sitar Mr. Sandeep Hattangady on Tabla and founder of Nritya MayaNanda School of dance - Mrs. Seema Viswanath on padhant. Our ancient treatise 'Sangita Ratnakara' says “Geetam vādyam tatha nrityam trayam sangeetam uchyate". It means when vocal, instruments & dance are together, its called as Sangeetam which is music just like 'Triveni sangamam' - a place of confluence of the Ganges with the Yamuna and the SarasvatI, which is our theme of our presentation. Kathak students at Nritya MayaNanda are encouraged to learn Hindustani music, instruments such as Sitar and Tabla. These young Kathak dancers not only presents Bhageshree Tarana in Jhap taal today but also brings the theme ’Triveni Sangamam’ to surprise you all with their unique talents. Nritya MayaNanda School of Dance was founded by Smt. Seema Viswanath who is a Kathak and a Bharatanatyam dancer/educator/choreographer with 25+ years of experience in the field of dance. She is the disciple of Smt. Guru Nandini Eswer, Lt.Guru.Dr. Maya Rao and lt.Guru.Munna Shukla ji. She also learns Taal vidya from Pandit Divyang Vakil guruji. Since moving to the RTP area 10 years ago, Seema has been actively involved in the cultural scene of North Carolina. Her school is dedicated to nurturing and celebrating the timeless art of Kathak & Bharatanatyam while fostering a deep appreciation for these dance forms and their rich cultural heritage. Following her guru’s legacy, she is determined to train and nurture the minds of students through Indian Classical Dance & music forms. With an intention of providing wholistic approach to learning classical dance, she introduced Hindustani music and Yoga classes for her students and fruits of that labor is what you will be witnessing in their presentation ‘Triveni Sangam’ at NC Kathak festival. Nritya MayaNanda truly believes that dance is not just for entertainment, rather its a way of living. Today, the budding talents of Nritya MayaNanda who are learning Kathak from 3-7 years, are presenting Jhap taal Tarana in Bhageshree raag. These students have completed different levels of exams from Bharatiya Vidya Peet. They have also performed at various events such as at temple, cultural associations, school annual day, chamber concerts etc. We are very excited to present one of the uniques pieces, ’Triveni sangam’, which is created exclusively for this festival. In this piece, the students of music, instruments and dance are coming together. Hope you all enjoy. Thank you.
Teentaal | Aakriti Kathak Academy, Cary - Kriti Rakesh (Padhant), Ajay Dholakia (Tabla), Purvi Patel (Sitar)
Dhamaar | Aakriti Kathak Academy, Cary - Kriti Rakesh (Padhant), Ajay Dholakia (Tabla), Purvi Patel (Sitar)
Raas taal (Ramaa Manjrekar & Disciples) | Taurya, Cary Taurya - which means amalgamation of Vocal music, Instrumental music and Dance (Geetam, Vaadyam and Nrutyam) was established in 2006 with a mission to teach Kathak to interested students and to promote Indian classical dance, music and theater in the RTP area. Established by Mrs. Ramaa and Dr. Madhav Manjrekar the organization has hosted over 100 programs, events, workshops, lecture demonstrations and baithaks in the field of performing arts. Mrs. Ramaa Manjrekar along with her students will be performing a Shri Krishna Vandana and Taal Raas. Music Panel: Tabla - Shri Pratap Mishra Harmonium - Shri Sujeet Phanse Violin - Prashant Hardikar Padhant - Seema Vishwanath
Chaturang | Ashwini Kathak Dance Academy, Charlotte NC Ashwini Kathak dance academy AKDA is Charlotte based premier kathak school. Students of Ms. Ashwini Goagte will present Chatarang. Literally translated this means four colors. In the context of dance this composition features four main aspects of Kathak; tarana, sargam, poetry, and pure dance. Music composed by Dr. Shashikala Shirgopikar and sung by Mrunmayee Phatak Ashwini Kathak Dance Academy is dedicated exclusively to teaching Kathak as an Indian Classical dance should be taught. AKDA is based in Charlotte, NC. Ashwini Gogate is the founder and creative director of AKDA. Ashwini believes strongly in staying true to the heritage and traditions of this art form, teaching the fundamentals of taal and rhythm, paying attention to correct form and execution, good posture, and graceful movement. Students are given individual attention and guidance due to small class sizes. AKDA offers opportunities for students to work towards accredited dance certification exams. Since kathak is a performance art, students are encouraged to perform on stage and several opportunities to perform as a group are made possible each year. Several students have finished their diploma degree in Kathak with flying colors under the AKDA umbrella.
Shiv Stuti, Aakriti Ensemble, Cary Senior students of Aakriti who have spent over a decade training and have graduated with a Visharad in Kathak will present a Shiv Stuti.
Tarana | Radha Varadan, Cary Featured Artist. A young, upcoming performer from North Carolina, Radha Varadan will present a Tarana in Raag Malkauns. Tarana is a central part of the traditional Kathak repertoire, where the repeated syllables "ta," "nom," and "thillana," among others, are sung in various patterns. This tarana highlights the musicality, rhythmic control, grace, and strength of the dancer, matching strong turns and footwork with graceful, dynamic movements. Radha will present Tarana in Raag Malkauns set to Teen taal. This item is composed by renowned vocalist Faiyaz Khan, and choreographed by Smt. Nirupama Rajendra and Sri T.D. Rajendra. A young, upcoming performing artist from North Carolina, Radha Varadan fell in dance at the age of three. She began her dance education in the study of classical Ballet, and began training in classical Kathak shortly after. Radha began serious, pre-professional training in both art forms at the start of her teenage years, accompanying this classical training with additional instruction in contemporary and modern dance, as well as Indian and Western vocal music. Radha is a disciple of Smt. Nirupama Rajendra and Sri T.D. Rajendra, world-renowned choreographers, teachers, and one of the foremost classical artists of India. It is under their expert tutelage and esteemed guidance that Radha continues to train in the Lucknow gharana while also studying the movement content of the Natya Shastra. Her training represents a continuation of the rigorous technique training she received under Guru Prashant Shah, critically acclaimed artist, and senior disciple of Padma Bhushan Smt. Kumudini Lakhia. Radha currently performs with her guru's performing unit, the internationally recognized Abhinava Dance Company. She has performed at dance festivals across the continental United States, as well as internationally across Europe and India. Additionally, Radha has received extensive training in Ballet, Modern and contemporary dance, and jazz dance from the International Ballet Academy of North Carolina. She is a new graduate of the George Washington University in Washington, DC, where she studied Molecular Biological Sciences and Post-Modern Dance as a Presidential Dance Scholar. Radha was recently awarded the Maida Withers Dance Construction Company Innovation Award for Originality and Risk in Performance Art, and continues to pursue innovative and complex approaches to choreography in traditional art under the guidance of her gurus.
Intermission
Ganesh Dhrupad Meenal Chakradeo, San Diego Founder and Artistic Director of 'Meenal’s Academy of Performing Arts'. Ganesh Dhrupad, is a musical performance rooted in the most ancient style of Hindustani classical music that has survived in its original form to the present day. In the realm of Dhrupad, the composition unfolds at various speeds within a specific taal cycle. This creation, a tribute to the late Pt Ravi Shankar ji, is a distinctive piece in Raag Parmeshwari, a Raag personally crafted by the maestro himself. The concept behind this performance is to present a traditional yet captivating piece, offering the audience a comprehensive glimpse into all facets of Kathak- Abhinaya, Taal, and Layakari within a single item. Known for her grace and expressions, Meenal is an avid performer and a versatile choreographer. She is a disciple of Benaras Gharana stalwart Guru Shambhavi Dandekar and a Taal Vidya student of Guru Pt. Divyang Vakil. Meenal's initial Kathak training took place in India under the guidance of Shri Suresh Dharmadhikari, an artist of Jaipur Gharana lineage. Under his tutelage, Meenal completed her Nritya Visharad from Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya (Khairagarh University), graduating at the top of her class and earning the prestigious Gold Medal. Meenal is also a published author having recently coauthored a Kathak book "Kathak Theory Part 1" to help students understand Kathak terminology. This book is widely being used by students undertaking certification exams in India, the USA, and other countries. Meenal has performed at various dance festivals and programs in India, Dubai, and the USA. She is the Founder and Artistic Director of 'Meenal’s Academy of Performing Arts' in San Diego, California, which is in its 15th year of operation. She enjoys sharing her passion and love for Kathak with students of all age groups.
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Teentaal, Sharad Yamini Prachi Dixit & Khalil Alashar, Los Angeles Guru Prachi Dixit - Founder/Director of Nupur Academy LA & Khalil Alashar, her disciple , founder of Tatkaar School of Kathak in Bahrain. The presentation starts with nritta in Teentaal (16 beats) by Khalil Alashar, following the traditional way of including thaat, aamad, tripali, todas, parans, tihai, and tatkaar. Music and choreography by Guru Murali Mohan Kalvakalva. This is then followed by a duet with Guru Prachi Dixit and Khalil Alashar, Sharad Yamini - showing a winter moonlit night with Krishna-Radha raas. Composed by Guru Geetanjali Lal, Music by Ehsan Ali. Guru Prachi Dixit is a teacher, performer, and choreographer of Kathak dance, and the Founder/Director of Nupur Academy LA in 2004. Her achievements in this style are accredited to her first renowned guru, the Late Shri Kanhaiya Lal. She is currently a disciple of Guru Shobha Koser. She holds a BA Degree in Indian Classical Music, Prabhakar Degree in Dance, Bachelor’s of Education, and an MA in English Literature from Agra University. Since 2005, Prachi is repeatedly invited to perform at various institutions and dance festivals in India. In 2016, Prachi Dixit was conferred upon the prestigious International NRITYA RATNA Award at the 7th Cuttack Mahotsav in Orissa, India. Her life goal is to able to provide insight about the Indian culture via dance and music to the next generation artists. In her efforts to spread Asian culture, she is an active member of the committee of PAN ASIAN PANORAMA. She has worked with school systems in the US, performing and conducting workshops and several summer camps. Through her guidance, the Nupur Academy troupe has performed worldwide. In 2016 and 2021, Prachi Dixit was recognized by the City of Los Angeles for her hard work to spread the Indian culture to the community through Kathak. Her institute, Nupur Academy LA, just celebrated its 20th anniversary this year. Khalil Alashar is the disciple of Guru Prachi Dixit since 2008. He has completed his Masters Degree in Kathak dance from Bharati Vidypaeeth University Pune in 2021. Khalil currently runs his own institute, Tatkaar School of Kathak, since 2018.
Sanyuj Ashwini Gogate, Charlotte artistic director of Ashwini Kathak dance academy based in Charlotte NC. Sanyuj as the name suggests, the composition is a flawless confluence of music set to taal Jhaptaal with the traditional Jhaptaal repertoire of Utaan , Aamad ,Tode , Tihaiya, Gatanikas and Tatkaar. Ashwini Gogate Bio: Ashwini Gogate began her Kathak training more than 25 years ago from Guru Amala Shekar, a senior disciple of the late Guru Pandita Rohini Bhate of the Nritya Bharati School, Pune. She is currently receiving advanced training under Guru Maneesha Sathe, is an internationally renowned Kathak dancer and teacher from Pune. Ashwini decided to exclusively pursue a professional career as a Kathak performer and teacher over 20 years ago. Ashwini Gogate lives in Charlotte, NC where she runs a successful dance academy offering traditional Kathak training at her studio in the Ballantyne area. Ashwini Gogate has performed throughout India and in the US in professional stage shows receiving numerous prizes and recognition for her choreography and performances. In India, she won almost every possible intercollegiate competition and award for choreography and dance. She was awarded the winner of the Saraswati Prasad award in 1998 for outstanding performance in dance. She has been invited to perform at dance festivals such as St. Louis Indian Dance Festival. Ashwini has also collaborated with and performed with other artists and musicians to create several unique and original dance compositions. Ashwini’s dance style exhibits creative choreography, powerful footwork, and graceful and precise movements. In addition to her Kathak training, she has stage and TV credits to her name. Most notably she performed for five years in the acclaimed Marathi musical drama Ghashiram Kotwal in a leading Role. Ashwini is actively involved in the Indo-American Community and has performed for many fundraising events and cultural events to benefit community organizations. One of her more memorable projects was serving as co-director for arts and entertainment for the India Art Exhibition held in 2008 at the University of Kentucky Art Museum. In conjunction with the India Art exhibit, she had an opportunity to perform for Dr. APJ Kalam, “Peace a Journey Within” a 20-minute original choreography in a contemporary style.
MAYA. Deepa Devasena, Philadelphia Philadelphia based artist, Deepa Devasena - proficient in Kathak, BharataNrityam and Natyashastra. Deepa Devasena will be presenting MAYA, a solo dance production inspired by the Ramayana, exploring the themes of desire and delusion. The performance depicts the ill-fated lust of Shurpanakha for Rama and Sita's attraction to the Golden Deer, which directs the course of her life. MAYA invites the audience to reflect on the universal nature of desires and the transformative power of embracing reality. 🎭 Versatility in the Arts: My journey as a dancer is enriched by cross-disciplinary collaborations. In 2013, I achieved an artistic milestone by choreographing the world’s first Indian dance premiere of Beethoven’s German opera “Fidelio” for Skylight Music Theater. This fusion of cultures and artistic expressions remains a landmark in the history of performing arts, receiving critical acclaims in dance magazines and also showcased in NY TimesSquare, which is the first ever for Indian dance choreographer. 📜 Continuing the Legacy: My passion for Indian aesthetics and literature led me to obtain a diploma in Natyashastra. I am committed to ongoing research and advanced studies, unearthing the treasures of our ancient cultural heritage and infusing them into my performances and teachings. 🌍 A Global Artistic Ambassador: Throughout my journey as a traveling and performing artist, I have collaborated with national-level musicians, fostering cultural exchange and promoting the universality of art. My performances transcend borders, embracing diversity while celebrating the unity of humanity through dance.
Chatarang Parul Gupta, Toronto founder and artistic director of Parul Gupta Dance Works. Parul will present Ganesh Vandana followed by Chaturanga. In Ganesh Vandana the dancer pays tribute to lord Ganesh, the remover and obstacles and the God of intellect. In the Chaturanga, which translates to 4 colors, the dancer showcases 4 important aspects of Kathak: Sahitya, Sargam, Tarana and Nritta Bols. The Sahitya or poetic aspect in this item describes the playful, loving and sometimes frustrating relationship between Krishna and his Gopis from the Gopi's perspective. Chaturanga is in Ektaal and in Raag Desh. Both items are composed and choreographed by Pandita Shama Bhate Parul Gupta is a professional Kathak dancer and choreographer based in Toronto, Canada. She has received extensive training from renowned Kathak Gurus in both Canada and India, including Srimati Sudeshna Maulik, late Srimati Sandhya Desai, Pandit Jai Kishan Maharaj & Srimati Ruby Mishra, and Pandita Shama Bhate. Additionally, she has benefited from the mentorship of Shri Sandip Mallick. In 2016, Parul expanded her artistic journey by taking on the role of producer, showcasing Kathak productions such as Zakha (2016), Kusuma (2017), and Vrinda (2019) to Toronto audiences. She is also the founder and artistic director of Parul Gupta Dance Works, an organization dedicated to promoting high-quality Kathak performances and education in the Canadian arts landscape. Parul’s choreography has been featured in Cirque Du Soleil productions such as Love, Kooza, and Totem. Her performance repertoire includes solo appearances at prestigious venues such as Toronto’s Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Aga Khan Museum, Montreal's Place des Arts, Vancouver’s Scotiabank Theatre, the Sivananda Centre in the Bahamas, as well as stages across the U.S. and India. Parul holds an M.B.A. from the Ivey School of Business and a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology from Concordia University. She is also a certified Hatha yoga instructor. Moving forward, she is dedicated to continually honing her craft and sharing the beauty of Kathak with audiences in the West.
Kathak Parampara - Chautaal Nrityadham (Garima Yadav, Neela Zareen, Ruchira Samant - New York & Kansas City) Nrityadham USA, founded and directed by Guru Prerana Deshpande, is a premier dance company that embodies the rich traditions of the Jaipur and Lucknow Gharanas. Experience the mesmerizing artistry of traditional Kathak in Chau Taal (a 12-beat cycle), featuring a dynamic blend of uthan, thaat, paran, and tatkaar. This captivating performance weaves intricate rhythms with graceful choreography, crafted by Guru Prerana Deshpande. Prepare to be spellbound by the elegance and complexity of this timeless Kathak repertoire. Nrityadham USA is a premier dance company founded and directed by Guru Prerana Deshpande. Nrityadham is rooted in the rich traditions of the Jaipur and Lucknow Gharanas, blending classical purity with innovative choreography. It aims to cultivate a profound appreciation for Kathak through rigorous training, performances, and educational initiatives. The institution strives to uphold the classical integrity of Kathak while also encouraging creative explorations within the dance form. The performance group consists of three (3) seasoned and well established dancers in North America. The group will be performing under the aegis of Guru Prerana Deshpande and artists are Garima Yadav, Neela Zareen and Ruchira Samant. Guru Prerana Deshpande, a disciple of the late Pandita Guru Rohini Bhate and Director of Nrityadham, is one of the foremost solo Kathak dancers of her generation. Internationally renowned for showcasing the ever-evolving boundaries of the traditional art form, she is celebrated for her mastery of Kathak's core elements – rhythm, grace, and expression – as well as for her innovative work deeply rooted in its tradition.
The Pink City - Teentaal | Kriti Rakesh, Cary Please welcome : Shuchita Sakwaya (Padhant), Sandeep Hattangady (Tabla), Purvi Patel (Sitar), Sujeet Phanse (Flute) Kriti - founder/ artistic director of Aakriti Kathak Academy & Aakriti Kathak Foundation. Kriti will present the traditional repertoire of Jaipur gharana and a few compositions of Benaras Gharana. Teentaal
Featured Artist
Jaipur Gharana Traditional Kathak Pt. Rajendra Gangani, New Delhi, India Pt. Rajendra Gangani The disciple and son of Pt. Kundanlal Gangani, Rajendra Gangani began his Kathak dance training at the tender age of four. Emerging from the illustrious Jaipur ‘Gharana,’ he has established himself as a remarkable performer and advocate of the art form. Hailing from a family with a long tradition of Kathak, Pt. Rajendra has mastered even the most intricate ‘Bols’ of Kathak, captivating audiences for hours with his artistry. He has seamlessly blended traditional purity with innovative contemporary elements, enriching his performances with both classical essence and creative flair. Graduating from the Kathak Kendra, Delhi, in 1983-84, Pt. Rajendra has made substantial contributions to the field of Kathak. While he remains deeply rooted in the traditions of his gharana, he is also a tireless innovator, having choreographed numerous group compositions and dance dramas that have garnered standing ovations and critical acclaim. His unique style, characterized by a graceful yet robust approach, vividly portrays the devotional aspects associated with the Jaipur gharana, including depictions of Radha Krishna's love and various leelas of Lord Vishnu. Pt. Rajendra's repertoire includes a wide array of thematic pieces such as Leele-Varnan, Raag Vistaar, Tribandhi, Sargam, Zhalak, Srijan, Kavitakriti, Maharaas, and Parikrama. An accomplished musician and composer, he is also proficient in tabla, harmonium, and pakhawaj. His choreographic works are known for their refreshing originality, driven by his deep understanding of dance kinetics and aesthetics, as well as his skill in selecting fitting musical pieces. Fondly referred to as Guruji by his students and peers, Pt. Rajendra Gangani has crafted performances that beautifully integrate artistic excellence, meaningful poetry, soulful music, and expressive dance, achieving a harmonious blend of all four elements of Abhinaya. His exceptional contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the ‘Sangeet Raj,’ ‘Shastriya Natya Shiromani,’ and the prestigious ‘Sangeet Natya Akademy Award,’ which he received in 2003 from the President of India, Honorable Shri A P J Abdul Kalam.
Music Accompaniment
Fateh Singh Gangani Fateh Singh Gangani is a distinguished tabla player renowned for his exceptional skill and artistry in Indian classical music. Born into a family with a deep-rooted tradition in the arts, Fateh Singh was exposed to the rhythms of tabla from an early age. Under the guidance of his esteemed father, the legendary Pt. Kundanlal Gangani, and other eminent gurus, he honed his craft, developing a unique style that bridges classical precision with innovative expression. As a prodigious talent in the world of tabla, Fateh Singh Gangani has garnered acclaim for his virtuosic performances and his ability to convey profound musical narratives through rhythm. His expertise spans various traditional styles, including the intricate compositions of the Jaipur and Delhi gharanas, as well as contemporary adaptations that showcase his versatility. Fateh Singh’s performances are marked by their dynamic range and technical brilliance. He is known for his deft execution of complex rhythmic patterns (tala) and his capacity to create an engaging dialogue with other instrumentalists and vocalists. His contributions to Indian classical music extend beyond the concert stage, as he is also a respected teacher, sharing his knowledge and passion for tabla with a new generation of musicians. Throughout his career, Fateh Singh Gangani has performed at numerous prestigious festivals and venues both in India and abroad, earning accolades for his exceptional artistry. His collaborations with leading artists across various genres further attest to his versatility and deep understanding of rhythmic nuances. In addition to his performance career, Fateh Singh Gangani is committed to the preservation and promotion of tabla music through teaching and mentoring. His dedication to the art form continues to inspire and influence the contemporary landscape of Indian classical music. With a career that reflects both tradition and innovation, Fateh Singh Gangani stands as a prominent figure in the world of tabla, celebrated for his mastery, creativity, and contribution to the enduring legacy of Indian rhythmic art.
Flute & Harmonium | Sujeet Phanse Trained in bansuri and tabla under Pt. Malhar-rao Kulkarni in Mumbai. Winner of multiple accolades, including 2nd place at the State level music competition. Trained in vocal music with Shri. Pritam Bhattacharjee in Atlanta. Has performed in several cities around the USA Software engineer by profession.
Tabla | Sandeep Hattangady Has pursued Tabla for more than two decades, Disciple of Shri Prabhakar Betrabet, Ustad Shabbir Nisar and Pandit Mohan Balvalli. Received guidance from Pandit Sadanand Naimpalli and Pandit Omkar Gulvady. Performed in India, UK and USA, alongside artists like Ustad Shahid Parvez, Pandit K Sridhar, Pandit Partha Bose and Dr. M. Narmadha Professional pursuit in the semiconductor industry. Co-author of the book, TIHAAI, along with his Guru Shri Prabhakar Betrabet for students of music.
Vocal | Kiran Kanekal Born and raised in the SF Bay Area in California Has pursued Hindustani Sangeet since childhood Disciple of Shri Nachiketa Yakkundi, who was a disciple of Pt. Basavraj Rajguru Has also received guidance from other musicians of the Kirana Gharana, including Dr. Nagaraj Rao Havaldar, Shri Omkar Havaldar, Shri Koushik Aithal, and Pt. Jayateerth Mevundi Professionally works as a computational research scientist in the biotech industry
Sitar | Purvi Patel Sangeet Visharad (BA in Music) Devoted disciple of Padma Shri Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan Sahab Purvi’s musical journey began at a very young age under the guidance of her father, Shri Jagdishchandra Patel, a sangeet praveen and disciple of Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan. This deep-rooted musical legacy has shaped her artistry and commitment to Indian classical music. Based in Cary, North Carolina, Purvi balances her career as an IT professional with her devotion to music. Continues to perform regularly and collaborate with artists both in the U.S. and India, always seeking to grow and share the beauty of classical music. Teaches sitar as faculty at the SPK Academy of Music, sharing her love and passion for the instrument with the next generation of students.
Vocal | Sejal Vaidya Bachelors in Hindustani classical vocal music A grade AIR artist. Sejal Vaidya is a US based classical Vocalist. She has acquired training in khayal gayaki of Mewati Gharana and Gwalior Gharana from the direct disciples of Pandit Jasraj and Pandit Vinayak Rao Patwardhan respectively. During her US stay for nearly two decades, she has continued her musical journey by giving vocal performances as well as training students all over the US. Sejal is professionally a Coding analyst and also a founder of Sejal Vaidya school of music based in Apex, North Carolina. Sejal is affiliated with many NGOs, Dance and Music schools of India and US.
Padhant | Shuchita Sakwaya Shuchita Sakwaya, based in Cary, is a kathak dancer and educator with 20+ years of experience in the field. She has a Masters of Performing Arts from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, with a Gold medal in Kathak. She is also UGC NET certified by the Government of India for research and teaching in Performing Arts. She received her training by Prof. Ranjana Srivastava and Dr. Vidhi Nagar; mentored by Dr. Pali Chandra. She has performed at major international festivals like Bharat Rang Mahotsav, Dhouli Kalinga Mahotsava, Navrang Fest (Dubai), Swiss International Kathak Festival, Jeeva Arts Festival. She continues to promote Kathak’s rich culture and tradition.
