02/23/2026
The divine energy and our Gurus' blessings lightened up the stage on Feb 21st at Lake Orion high school when students of Taal Academy of Kathak with talented musicians of Detroit area along with other dance schools and groups in Michigan presented a Kaata-Kaati themed presentation for Maharashtra Mandal of Detroit 's Makar Sankranti event.
In the allotted time, we chose to present a live kathak-tabla jugalbandi to bring the Sawal-Jawaab, an important essence of Kathak to life.
Presenting a technical (nritta) piece has its own charm and challenges requiring a lot of focus, energy and connection with each beat of the taal cycle holding the lay / speed with grace and fluidity.
Under the able guidance of our Guru Amruta Paranjape Tai, Kavita Rausaria and Ulka Bhide choreographed this piece presented by Gauri Alate, Ulka Bhide. Amruta Mahajan, and Meghana Basavanna with the talented musicians - Shri Satish Dongre (tabla), Shri Anirudha Phatak (harmonium) and we thoroughly missed Shri Satheesh Madampathu (flute) who couldn't be there for the performance.
We are deeply grateful to MMD for giving us this opportunity, and to our Gurus who have shaped us and nurtured a feeling of deep devotion towards this beautiful art form.
Thanks to Shirish Bhide, Vinayak Alate & Meghana's husband for recording a video memory!
While reminiscing memories of the evening, we promise ourselves to surrender to this beautiful art form spreading our wings further with feet grounded in humility.
