The residents of Ohio will experience Indian classical art in its richest and truest form. Indian classical dances are rather unique. They involve complex rhythms, elaborate costumes, intricate footwork, and highly stylized gestures. Indian classical dance is steeped in enchanting stories from ancient Indian texts. Even simple gestures have meanings – some playful, some serious, some simply depicting nature. This masterclass will give participants the opportunity to interact with two master-artists, Pandit Birju Maharaj Ji and Vidushi Saswati Sen Ji, hear several interesting, mythical stories, and even learn some footwork and gestures!

Pandit Birju Maharaj Ji is the doyen of kathak, specifically the Lucknow Gharana. At the young age of thirteen, he became a kathak teacher at the Sangeet Bharti in New Dehli. He currently has his own dance school, Kalashram, in Dehli.