March 23, 2007

The traditional Indian dance form known as Kathak is on display tomorrow in Erin Mills.

The show, Dancing in the Mughal Courts, is being performed at the Sampradaya Dance Centre on Ridgeway Dr. It’s presented by the Kalangan Series World of South Asian Arts and features Anjali Patil of Aroha Fine Arts in Ottawa and her ensemble of five dancers.

The kathak style originated in northern India and is described as an elegant form with strong rhythm, quick pirouettes, hand gestures and the use of facial expressions to tell a story, said the centre’s owner/operator, Lata Pada.

“Anjali is a lovely young dancer with a passion for kathak,” said Pada. “This production looks at the Mughal era (in the early 16th century). It was an important time in Indian history as parts of (the country) were taken over by Persian kings.”

Patil, who created the show, is known for her intense and elegant kathak dance presentations.

The dancer trained under gurus Padamashri Kumudini Lakhia and Pandita Rohini Bhate in India.

Show time is 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10-$15.

Call 905-607-8454. For more information, visit http://www.sampradaya.ca/.