On the occasion of the 65th Republic Day of India, Consulate General of India invites you and your family to an evening of Indian music & Dance (Kathak) performance by a troupe led by Ms Punita Sharma at Changning District Art Centre, No.650, Xian Xia Road (仙霞路650号长宁艺术中心，安龙路口)at 1900hrs on Sunday January 26, 2014.

Kathak is one of the eight Indian classical dances. This dance form traces its origins to the bards of ancient north India, known as Kathakars or storytellers who recited or sang stories from epics and mythology with dance. The literary references to this dance form are found in the Hindu Shastras (ancient scriptures) from the 3rd and 4th centuries BCE. The Kathak dance from depicts ‘Life’ in its three phases i.e. creation, preservation and destruction. It is based on natural movements and its poses are more life-like than sculptures and abhinaya subtle and true to life. Today, Kathak has wide popularity in India and Kathak’s current form is a synthesis of all the input it has had in the past: court and romantic aspects sit comfortably side-by-side with the temple and mythological/religious.

Ms. Punita Sharma, an acclaimed Kathak dancer, belongs to the new breed of classical Indian dancers who imbibe modernity with tradition. She did master’s from the reputed Kathak Kendra, New Delhi, Praveen (doctorate) from PrayagSangeetSamiti, Allahabad and was awarded the gold medal. She has performed at various National & International forums like TajMahotsav, Narmada festival, young choreographer festival, HaridasTansenSangeetNrityaMahotsav, Vasantotsava , RajimKumbhMahotsava, Bihar Mahotsava, Singapore, Mauritius, China (Ice Festival 2007 in Harbin, alongwith performances in Shanghai & Beijing), USA (New Jersey, New York, Queens etc.), Thailand etc. She has also choreographed ballets on various mythological and contemporary issues.

The performance is free but reservations are required. For tickets please contact Ms Jennyrday2014@indianconsulate.org.cn latest by January 24, 2014.