The students of Classes III and IV had an awe-inspiring experience during the SPICMACAY program, where they witnessed a mesmerizing Kathak performance by Monisa Nayak, a dedicated artist of the Jaipur Gharana. She is a disciple of Pandit Rajendra Gangani and is known for her excellent command over rhythm and expressive storytelling. She was accompanied by the legendary Ustad Mohammad Akram Khan, a distinguished tabla maestro from the Ajrada Gharana, and the esteemed Pankaj Rawat, who played the harmonium and provided vocal support.
During the performance, she showcased intricate chakkars, amad and footwork, captivating the students with a depiction of Krishna and Radha dancing on the banks of the Yamuna and a brief portrayal of the Kaliya story. An interactive session followed, where students learned about gestures (mudras) and their meanings. They enthusiastically repeated bols in two speeds, after which she performed rhythmic footwork on them. The tabla maestro also demonstrated beats for the students. She concluded the session with a stunning Tarana performance. She also explained the significance of chakkars and bols in Kathak and shared insights into how the Mughal era influenced the evolution of Kathak.The program was an unforgettable learning experience, leaving students with a deeper appreciation for the classical dance form.