Traditional Indian Kathak Dance Choreography, Music and Dance Collaboration

Creations

"COLLABORATIONS"

Kathak-Odissi collaboration Kathak - Odissi collaboration conceptualized by Prerana Deshpande and performed with famous Odissi danseuse Sujata Mohapatra brings out the the beauty of two distinct dance forms in a remarkable way. Starting with an invocative prayer to the Lord, it brings out Kathak & Odissi's individual identity through solo performances by the two maestros. Then these distinct dance forms when performed in jugalbandi fuse to create a visual delight while making one introspect. Since, this collaboration premiered in Pune in 2007, it has received standing ovation at each of its staging in major venues in India like Chowdaiah Memorial - Tilak Smarak Mandir-Pune, Bangalore, Barsha festival - Bhubaneshwar, Ellora Festival - Aurangabad, Kalidas Mahotsav - Nagpur, Bharat Bhavan - Bhopal etc.

Mharo Pranam presentation Saint Meerabai's bhajans are some of the best written in the praise of Lord Krishna with references of her own life and how her devotion gave her strength. A collaboration with famous vocalist Shri Hemant Pendse who is the disciple of great vocalist Pt. Jitendra Abhisheki, this music & dance collaboration covers the whole life span of Meerabai in a story telling format, interspersed with Meera's bhajans, many of which are enacted through Kathak medium with Prerana's choreography. This has been presented in several cities in India including Nemad Utsav - Maheshwar on the banks of picturesque Narmada river, Yashwantrao Chavhan Auditorium - Pune and the tourist city of Goa appreciated widely by both connoisseurs and uninitated audiences.

Parampara and Pravah 'Parampara & Pravah' concert sees Prerana perform with her young and talented daughter and disciple Ishwari. This presentation has been staged in several major venues in India like Pune, New Delhi, Bhopal, Chennai, etc..

Lecture - Demonstrations

My Guru - Dr. Rohini Bhate's contribution in Kathak Prerana is often invited to speak on this subject as she has been with her Guru for over 22 years. Prerana brings out Rohiniji's all-round contribution in Kathak, like 'Abhinaya' (Expresion), Taal (Rhythmic aspect), presentation and different choreographies ranging from mythological to abstract. She speaks about how Rohini Ji brought out the wide span of Kathak through her compositions and choreographies. Wherever feasible, Prerana also demonstrates creative thought process, especially 'Baithak Abhinaya' (Showing expressions while sitting) and some of the various Taal concepts. In a specially organized feature in New York, famous critic Dr. Sunil Kothari interviewed Prerana on this subject which marked the beginning of a series of such presentation.

Mathematics in Kathak Prerana presented an invocative lecture and demonstration in New York at the invitation of the Indo American Arts Council on the subject 'Mathematics in Kathak'. This lecture was attended by several western dancers and choreographers. Prerana's lectured and demonstrated mathematical concepts like 'Time cycle' in indian music, various types of 'Tihaai' calculations and intricate taal related prominent composition patterns in Kathak. In this Lec-Dem, Prerana brings out how mathematics can create aesthetic delight even in a visual medium like Kathak dance, which was highly appreciated.

Write-ups and Research Papers "Kathak is an Expression of the Soul" : Guru Rohini Bhate (Nartanam - Vol. XI - No.3) Prerana's article in famous Dance Journal - 'Nartanam' on her Guru Dr. Rohini Bhate in 2011 Innovative approaches in Performing Arts: In this national seminar held in New Delhi by India International Rural Cultural Center, Prerana presented a highly appreciated research papers highlighting her own concepts. As a tribute, an article in the reputed Marathi newspaper Sakal on the passing of her Guru Dr. Pt. Rohini Bhate in 2008.