Kathak legend Shovana Narayan mesmerises students at Apeejay School, Noida
The SPIC MACAY session introduces students to the grace, storytelling, and cultural richness of Indian classical dance through an engaging lecture-demonstration on Kathak
A spiritually uplifting and culturally enriching session was organised at Apeejay School, Noida in collaboration with SPIC MACAY. The event featured an inspiring lecture-demonstration by renowned Kathak exponent Guru Shovana Narayan, accompanied by an ensemble of distinguished artistes including Ustad Shakeel Ahmed Khan, Pandit Mahaveer Gangani, Shri Azhar Shakeel, and Shri Naveen Prasad.
The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, setting a graceful tone for the occasion. The distinguished guests were felicitated by the school Principal, Dr Neha Sharma, who warmly welcomed the artistes and highlighted the importance of preserving India’s rich cultural heritage. She encouraged students to develop an appreciation for classical art forms and embrace the values embedded within them.
The event beautifully reflected the spirit of SPIC MACAY’s mission to promote Indian classical music, dance, and cultural traditions among the youth. Students witnessed a captivating blend of performance and learning as guruShovana Narayan brought Kathak alive through her graceful movements, expressive storytelling, and insightful explanations.
Accompanied by live music, the distinguished Kathak exponent elaborated on the intricate elements of Kathak, including rhythm, footwork, expressions, and narrative techniques. Her engaging demonstrations showcased the spiritual and aesthetic dimensions of the dance form, leaving the audience spellbound. Students were particularly fascinated by her vivid abhinay, through which she portrayed animals and enacted episodes from the lives of Lord Krishna and Lord Shiv with remarkable expression and finesse.
The session offered students a meaningful insight into kathak as not merely a dance form, but a profound medium of storytelling and cultural expression. The enriching experience left a lasting impact on the young audience, fostering a deeper appreciation for India’s timeless artistic traditions.
Abhilasha Munjal is a Principal Correspondent with Apeejay Newsroom. She has completed her Bachelor's degree in English from Delhi University. Abhilasha holds vivid knowledge about content and has predominantly covered local as well as trending stories in the digital media.