On September 14, the India School of Dance, Music and Theatre, in collaboration with the Pooja Kulkarni Dance Collective, presented an evening of Kathak at the Gas Station Arts Centre. The performance featured internationally acclaimed artists Abhimanyu Lal and Varsha Lal, marking a significant milestone for Winnipeg’s arts community.
Kathak, one of India’s classical dance traditions, is known for its intricate footwork, expressive storytelling, and powerful rhythms. It merges drama, movement, and music into a form that is both deeply traditional and universally accessible. Audiences who may never have experienced Kathak before discovered that it speaks across cultures through its intensity, grace, and narrative depth.
Abhimanyu Lal carries forward a remarkable lineage. He is the son of Guru Geetanjali Lal, recipient of India’s highest honor for music, dance, and drama, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. Trained in the Jaipur gharana, his performances are celebrated for their precise rhythms, dazzling spins, and inventive approach to tradition. While firmly rooted in classical vocabulary, he also introduces modern sounds and instruments, creating performances that feel both timeless and contemporary.
Varsha Lal, also trained in the Jaipur gharana, is known for her crisp yet graceful execution, blending strength with elegance. Together, the two artists embody a legacy that honors centuries of Kathak tradition while making the form resonate with today’s audiences. Their appearance in Winnipeg placed the city on the touring circuit of international Kathak artists, a rare recognition for a Canadian arts institution.
The evening opened with a presentation by Pooja Kulkarni and her students from the Mudra School of Dance, setting a reverent tone with “Panchdev Vandana” and a vibrant exploration of rhythm in “Jhaptal.” These pieces offered the audience a window into the technical and devotional roots of Kathak, performed with clarity and dedication by the next generation of dancers.
The second half of the evening belonged to Abhimanyu and Varsha Lal. Their program included “Ardhanareshwar,” a celebration of divine duality, “Shuddha Nritya,” a tour-de-force of technical mastery, and “Varsha Mangal,” an evocation of the monsoon. In “Draupadi Cheer Haran,” Abhimanyu brought narrative to life with both movement and voice, embodying the moral and emotional tensions of the Mahabharata. The performance concluded with a rousing “Tarana,” filling the stage with speed, precision, and sheer joy.
Audience members were captivated not only by the artistry but also by the humility and warmth of the performers. “This is a rare chance to see world-class Kathak right here in our city,” one committee member remarked. “Their artistry set a new benchmark and showed us how high the bar can be raised. We feel motivated to continue striving for excellence.” The Executive Director, Pamela Rebello, O.M., said that no other title but SENSATIONAL came to mind when she imagined the evening, and the artists truly lived up to it. Kathak Instructor at the school, and organizing committee member, Revanti Mukherjee said “It was truly a magical evening! The artists were so humble and grounded, and we thoroughly enjoyed hosting them. Their artistry set a new benchmark and showed us how high the bar can be set, motivating us to continue striving for excellence. We look forward to carrying this renewed energy into the launch of our new academic term of Kathak and Bollywood classes beginning Sunday, September 21.”
The India School of Dance, Music and Theatre expressed pride in being chosen to host artists of such caliber. The event also served as an inspiring prelude to the launch of the school’s new academic term, beginning September 21, which will feature classes in Kathak and Bollywood dance.
For Winnipeg’s arts community, the evening was more than a performance. It was a reminder of the city’s strong cultural foundation, built in part by the India School, where many artists have taken their first steps into dance and performance. The visit of Abhimanyu and Varsha Lal affirmed Winnipeg’s place on the international stage, enriching its artistic landscape and opening doors for future collaborations.
