The Journey of Tarangini
“Dance develops concentration, discipline, concept of space, grace and poise and the ultimate connection between mind and body which leads to self-confidence and self-expression."
-Anuradha Nag
Tarangini School of Kathak Dance was established by the talented Anuradha Nag in 1992. The name was coined by the illustrious doyen of Kathak, Padmavibhushan Pt. Birju Maharaj. Tarangini aims to contribute to the training of current & future generations in the field of Kathak and keeping them informed about the rich cultural heritage of India. Based in San Jose, CA, Tarangini School of Kathak Dance strives to achieve its mission, as follows:
Our Mission
Teaching and promoting the knowledge and awareness of the North Indian classical dance form known as Kathak.
Creating international interest in the community through multicultural stage and television programs for various organizations and educational institutions.
Providing learning opportunities for talented and /or low-income students through free tuition.
Sponsoring visiting dancers and accompanying musicians through performances and workshops (artist in resident programs) to preserve and expose the heritage of the dance form.
To give the students self-confidence, and exposure through stage appearances and also be able to give them the opportunity to perform with live musicians just like one would in India.
Students are taught how to teach and pass on this rich heritage to the newer generations in order to preserve the art form and also given teaching opportunities.
Offering Kathak dance as an outlet for creative self-expression for all ages.
Tarangini has presented magical evenings with the late Pt. Birju Maharajji and tabla maestros Ustad Zakir Hussain (in several shows between 1995 through 2018) and Pt. Vijay Ghateji (1999). The events also featured Vidushi Saswati Sen and various members of Maharajji’s troupe over the years — including Pt. Ram Mohan Maharaj, Pt. Jai Kishan Maharaj, Pt. Deepak Maharaj, Mamta Maharaj, Tribhuvan Maharaj, Ragini Maharaj, Shinjini Kulkarni, Nandkishore Kapote, Ashok Chakroborty, late Madhukar Anand, Malti Shyam, Shikha Khare, Kiran Chauhan, Madhumita Roy, Maitryee Pahari, Parna Ghosh, and Mohua Shankar. Tarangini also sponsored Maharajji’s accompanying artists: Ambika Prasad Mishra (tabla), Utpal Ghoshal (tabla), Hari Shankar (vocal and harmonium), late Debasish Sarkar(vocal, harmonium), Anirban Bhattacharyya (vocal), Ashok Bhattacharya (flute), Chandrachur Bhattacharjee (sitar) and Mukesh Sharma (sarod).
For its own productions, Tarangini has sponsored accompanying artists such as the late Debashis Sarkar (vocal), Chandrachur Bhattacharjee (Sitar), Utpal Ghoshal (tabla), and Arindam Bhattacharyya (vocal). Tarangini has also brought in dancers Luna Poddar and Ashim Bhattacharjee to perform in Anuradha’s choreography, as well as Dinesh Poddar for light design.
The institute has organized workshops with the late Pt. Birju Maharajji along with Vidushi Saswati Sen, Smt. Kumudini Lakhiaji, and the late Pt. Vijai Shankarji to promote the guru-shishya parampara.
The school has given back to the community through several fundraiser shows, contributing to charities including Promise Worldwide, Sankara Eye Foundation, Pratham USA, One School at a Time (OSAAT), Roshni Academy, Asha, and ILP (Indian Literacy Project), to name a few.
Press Comments:
Anuradha Nag herself is a senior disciple of Birju Maharaj who teaches this fascinating style of Indian classical dance to many Indian and foreign students who aspire to learn Kathak. It was heartening to watch her students equaling Birju Maharaj’s own students from India. Kudos to Anuradha Nag for organizing such a magnificent, magical evening of Kathak, in San Francisco. This concert was followed by a two day workshop by Birju Maharaj organized by Anuradha Nag for the students of Tarangini.
Narthaki, Aug2, 2003,
by Manjari Sinha
Locations
Classes are offered in three locations in the Bay Area.
Cupertino/San Jose (Mon 4-9 pm, Tuesday 4:30-8:30 pm)
CPAA Studio: 6148 Bollinger Rd, San Jose, CA 95129
Fremont (Thu 4-7 pm)
Lisa Performing Arts: 42307 Osgood Rd Suite G, Fremont, CA 94539
San Jose (Sat 10:30am-3:30pm)
Evergreen Valley United Methodist Church: 3520 San Felipe Rd, San Jose, CA 95135
What is needed for the class?
Brass bells / Ghungroos -- the number of bells will be suggested by the teacher.
A file folder with filler papers in them with 5 dividers and a pen or pencil.
The student should carry all this in a bag and bring it to class each time.
Who can join?
Students are accepted from age 5 and up, including adults.
Dress Code Salwar/Churidar kameez or Lehenga is preferred along with dupattas. Other options include comfortable loose clothes such as long T-shirts, and leggings. Tank tops, shorts, and jeans are not allowable. Hair should be neatly tied.
For more information please call (408)-374-8017 or email at tarangini@sbcglobal.net
Structure at a glance
Beginner and Intermediate Classes
Beginner classes include basic pure dance techniques of Nritta in Teental 16 beats (basic footwork tatkar and different variations of footwork including ladi and tihai, basic movements and combinations, tode, tukras, and pirouettes) and Abhinaya (mimetic aspect) or Nritya through both historical stories and self-exploratory stories. Through these they develop their awareness of space, body, and rhythm and learn to be disciplined which is an indispensable requirement for Indian classical dance, thus working on building a very strong foundation.
The Intermediate class focuses on the above with more complicated grammar and technique of Kathak, as well as introducing the students to other rhythmic cycles and abhinaya through Vandana, Bhajan, Gat Bhava, etc.
Advance Classes
Advanced classes are geared towards students interested in more performing experience. While focusing on in-depth technique, abhinaya, and choreography. Emphasis is placed on stage presence, communication with musicians, and the audience, and building stamina for performance. Advanced students also get training in instructing classes and choreographing dances, which brings forth their individual creativity.
Theory sessions are an integral part of the daily classes to develop insight into the dance form.