Recent Events
Students learn the essence of India’s rich classical dance heritage
Apeejay College of Fine Arts in Jalandhar organises 3-day dance workshop
The PG Department of Dance at Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA) in Jalandhar recently organised a spectacular three-day dance workshop featuring the esteemed Kathak dancer, Shri Dheerendra Tiwari.
The workshop commenced with Dr. Neerja Dhingra, Principal at ACFA, warmly welcoming Mr. Tiwari while emphasising, ” I am certain that our students will learn a lot of new things from his experience and gain insight and practical knowledge of Kathak.”
The Principal further added, “Our founder chairman late Dr. Stya Paul ji always wanted to popularise Indian Classical Dance forms in performing arts, and now under the guidance of Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Education, we are endeavouring to fulfill his vision and invite more and more internationally renowned artists to our college and give our students an opportunity to learn something new.”
Subsequently, revered for his contributions to the Kathak dance form, Shri Tiwari shared his extensive knowledge with the enthusiastic students. Shri Tiwari, a devoted disciple of the Kathak pioneer Guru Pandit Rajendra Gangani ji, brought 22 years of experience to the workshop. With a dance journey spanning 25 years, Tiwari has showcased Kathak at prestigious festivals globally, including Darbar Festival in London, Sankatmochan Music Festival in Varanasi, Edinburgh International Dance Festivals in Scotland, and Oz Asia Dance Festival in Australia.
Shri Tiwari, currently serving as a Kathak instructor and stage performer, is also dedicated to promoting Kathak through the ‘Samdhir Foundation’ in Delhi. During the three-day workshop, Tiwari immersed the students in rigorous Riyaz, imparting training through Bandishs, and delving into the ancient Bandish of Jaipur Gharana. Witnessing the students’ enthusiasm, Dr. Dhingra applauded the efforts of the faculty in the Department of Dance and encouraged the continuation of such enriching workshops in the future. The workshop not only deepened the students’ understanding of Kathak but also contributed to the broader mission of preserving and promoting India’s rich classical dance heritage.
