Kathak Visharad Ceremony/ Maya Class of 2019

What is Kathak Vishard?  Kathak Visharad is a graduation ceremony of the dancer’s primary learning stages in Kathak.  Kathak is a Classical Indian Dance form.

Not only did Maya just graduate from Oviedo High School but she is celebrating her graduation from her primary study of Kathak.

Before the Ceremony begins Maya’s family and instructors gather for a prayer.

Before the ceremony begins  Maya ties on her Ghungroo.  Ghungroo are any where from 50 to 200 bells worn around the ankles.  The bells help emphasize the intense footwork of the dancer.  Usually dancers start out with 25 bells and add bells as the progress through their study of Kathak.

The Kathak Visharad  is a performance of several dances over a couple of hours.  I have no idea how much these bells weigh but it can’t be easy to dance that long with that extra weight on your ankles.

Maya has been studying Kathak for over ten years, today is truly a celebration of all that she has learned and the dedication and passion that she brings to the dance.

At one point in the dance Maya performed 40 consecutive spins, very impressive to watch and I can’t even image how hard it was to do especially with the ankle bells.

The musicians were a very important in the first part of the ceremony.  One of my favorite parts was the challenge between the drummer and Maya.  He would play, then she would repeat what he played with her footwork, I loved it.

It takes a village.  During a short intermission Maya changes her dress, get’s touch ups on her makeup, and some much needed refreshment.  Maya has some amazing ladies back stage working hard to keep Maya comfortable and beautiful.

A little glimpse of the packed house Maya is performing in front of.  Her friends and family came to help her celebrate from all over the world, even as far away as Africa.

Kathak originated from Northern India. Kathak uses hand gestures, intense footwork, spins and facial expressions to tell a story.  The dance is a merging of culture influences and is mesmerizing to watch.

Maya after the ceremony with her instructors Smt. Leena Chhaganlal and her daughter Trisha Chhaganlal. They own the LTR Indian Dance Company and Maya has been studying with them for years.   Check out their website to learn more about what they do  www.LTRDance.com

I was so happy to attend Maya’s Kathak Visharad, and watch this breath taking celebration of her and her culture.  It was wonderful to see how gracious and thankful she was to have all of her family and friends there with her to celebrate.  Maya will be attending the University of Texas in the fall and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for her.  As a salute to Maya all I have to say is “Hook em Horns.”