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.
Kathakars NZ is an esteemed dance school founded by Charu Chutani in 2022, committed to providing authentic Kathak education rooted in the traditions of the Lucknow and Jaipur Gharanas. With a flourishing presence in Auckland and Whangarei, the school expanded to Christchurch in 2024, sharing the beauty of Indian classical dance. Under the guidance of Charu Chutani, a dedicated disciple of Vidushi Smt. Durga Arya Ji (a senior disciple of the legendary Pt. Birju Maharaj), Kathakars NZ has grown to be a symbol of artistic excellence, inspiring students to explore Kathak as both a dance form and a living tradition.