Indian Kathak dancer and teacher Avijeet Chakravarty is currently in Fiji, conducting a free cultural workshop aimed at inspiring local learners and deepening their understanding of one of India’s oldest classical dance forms. This vibrant six-week program, scheduled from December 8 to January 16, seeks to immerse participants in the beauty of Kathak, which is characterized by its intricate rhythm, expressive storytelling, and foundational values inherent in this traditional art.
Chakravarty highlights the workshop’s holistic approach that integrates performance, education, and cultural insights. He explains, “You learn dance, vocal, and instrumental after that. First, you learn what the etiquette is and what the manners are. How do you give respect to the elders, and also how do you give respect to the younger.”
Among the participants is Shagun Gupta, a year six student, who has experienced personal growth through Kathak, celebrating a newfound connection to her roots and increased confidence. “I feel more connected to my culture, and it makes me feel flexible,” Gupta reflects.
Senior lecturer Jashwini Narayan also praises Kathak for its ability to bring joy and balance into lives, saying, “I can’t really explain the happiness I get from dancing. It’s an activity that makes me the happiest. And for me, it’s also a very good exercise, because the entire body moves.”
Fellow participant Suman Chandra views Kathak not merely as an art form but as a pathway to personal development. She expresses gratitude for the opportunity to pursue a lifelong dream, noting, “It makes you a better person, it teaches you time management, it keeps you healthy, it connects you with the people, it connects you with the roots, and it also connects you with the dance form.”
Registration for this enriching experience is open via the ICCR Suva’s Facebook page, ensuring that all sessions are accessible at no cost for those eager to embrace the rhythm of tradition. With such enthusiastic participation, the workshop aims to strengthen cultural ties and celebrate the rich Indian heritage that continues to influence Fijian society, heralding a hopeful future for collaborative cultural expressions.
Initiatives like this not only nurture artistic talent in Fiji but also support a broader vision of fostering intercultural dialogue, echoing the innovative spirit seen in related events such as the Dance Festival Fiji. These cultural activities cultivate a vibrant atmosphere where creativity and tradition intersect, offering a sense of hope and connection through shared experiences in the arts.