My path to becoming a professional Kathak Dancer was far from straightforward. Initially, juggling a demanding career in public health with my growing passion for dance felt like living two separate lives. Eventually, the strain of this double existence led to burnout. At 33, I made a life-altering decision: I left my stable job, returned to my parents’ home, and committed to forging a career in Kathak dance.
The initial years were incredibly challenging. Without a clear roadmap, I faced the disappointment and concern of my family, along with criticism from friends and the wider community. My financial security vanished overnight, replaced by dwindling savings and constant budgeting. To survive, I began teaching Kathak and learned the skill of grant writing. After three arduous years, I finally achieved a degree of stability, enough to keep pursuing my passion. I had cultivated a small but dedicated group of students and started securing grants to support my work in education and cultural preservation through Kathak.
Alt: Graceful Kathak dancer performing a traditional spinning movement, showcasing the dynamism of Indian classical dance.
A pivotal moment in my journey occurred in 2016 when I co-founded the Leela Dance Collective with Seibi Lee and Rachna Nivas. Our shared vision was to cultivate a vibrant future for Kathak while simultaneously honoring and preserving the rich heritage of this art form.
Throughout this entire experience, a persistent question lingered in my mind: Why is pursuing Kathak so difficult? What inherent obstacle makes a career in Indian classical dance feel so uniquely challenging? While many dancers face financial uncertainties, the hurdles seemed particularly pronounced in the realm of Kathak. This dance form possesses immense depth and beauty, holding profound significance within Indian culture and offering invaluable contributions to the global artistic landscape. The disconnect between this inherent value and the struggle for recognition and sustainability was perplexing.
Kathak Dance and the Shadows of Colonialism
Seeking answers, I delved deeper into the historical context surrounding Kathak, and I began to understand the profound influence of colonialism, patriarchy, and economic hardship on its trajectory. Over two centuries, British colonial rule systematically drained India of its resources, undermined its cultural institutions, denigrated Indian culture as inferior, and sowed divisions within its society. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, this cultural assault manifested in the “anti-nautch” campaign. “Nautch,” a term used to refer to dance performances, became a target of British moral policing. Public Kathak performances were banned, the art form was branded as sexually suggestive and immoral. Patronage, crucial for the survival of the arts, dwindled under the weight of social stigma and political pressure, devastating the livelihoods and lives of Kathak dancers and artists.
Following India’s independence in 1947, Kathak, alongside other Indian art forms, experienced a resurgence, becoming symbols of national identity and pride. However, the cultural wounds inflicted by colonialism ran deep. This revival took place within a newly independent nation grappling with immense challenges: internal conflicts, widespread poverty affecting 80% of the population, and the daunting task of rebuilding a nation after colonial exploitation.
Alt: Elegantly dressed Kathak dancer in a vibrant traditional costume, striking a pose that reflects the storytelling aspect of Kathak.
My own family history is interwoven with the colonial narrative of India, a story echoed throughout the Indian-American diaspora. My grandmother lived through colonial India, her memories filled with tales of Mahatma Gandhi’s Salt March and the tumultuous partition of India. My father was born as India gained independence. He belonged to the first generation of Indians raised in a free nation. Colonialism and poverty had indelibly shaped their lives and perspectives. This generation faced the imperative to escape poverty and build better futures for their families. For my father, education was the key. His pursuit of knowledge led him to the United States in the 1960s, shortly after the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 opened doors for Asian immigrants. This pioneering generation of Indian immigrants paved the way for the flourishing Indian-American community we see across the United States today.
Alt: Dynamic performance by the Leela Dance Collective, showcasing the contemporary evolution of Kathak dance while honoring its classical roots.
