Conversations with Kathak is a great opportunity to watch
the world-renowned Mother-Daughter duo performance live in New Zealand for the
first time.
Pandita Maneesha Tai is one of the most eminent disciples of renowned Kathak maestro, Natraj Pt Gopi Krishnaji of Banaras Gharana. She has continued his legacy for last 50 years and passing on his teachings to her disciples through Maneesha Nrityalaya which she established in 1975. This tour is a part of the celebration of the golden jubilee year of her dance class. Maneesha Tai has many achievements under her belt. Her most popular work till date is her collaboration with illustrious Japanese Taiko musician Mr. Yasuhito Takimoto Sensei. Tai has performed in esteemed events like Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav, Shaniwarwada Dance Festival, Khajuraho Dance Festival, Lucknow Dance Festival, Kathak Mahotsav at Kathak Kendra.
Shambhavi Dandekar is a master Performer, teacher and choreographer in Kathak dance. She is known as a torch bearer of Banaras Gharana of Kathak. Her Gurus are her mother Pandeeta Maneesha Tai and table virtuoso Pandit Suresh Talwalkar. Shambhavi has founded and leading Shambhavi’s International School of Kathak from 2010 in San Francisco Bay area. In her active performance career of 34 years, she has performed in more than 120 cities in 13 countries worldwide. Most recently, she was awarded as one of the ‘101 Changemakers of Silicon Valley’ by UK based organization ‘The Human Atlas’.
This tour is supported by Wellington Indian Association, celebrating 100th anniversary this year.
Shivam Dance Academy, NZ , known as SDANZ, is a Kathak, Folk and Bollywood Dance school in Wellington, Run by Parita Pathak Bose. Since it's inception in 2009, SDANZ prides on not only teaching and performing professional, creative, energetic dance styles, but also playing a big part in the personal development of all our students. Her vision is to create a dance community that shares the same passion and energy, providing a platform for young talent.