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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline MAY 03, 2024 | The Indian Eye 31

IAA premiers Kathak ballet Satrangi

Re…Shades of Love

Kalpana Subbarao introducing the show Deepa Devasena and the Kathak Dance Collective on stage

OUR BUREAU
New York, NY
atrangi Re…Shades of Love pre-
miered at the Wortham Cen-
Ster on Saturday April 20, 2024.
IAA presented the Kathak ballet con-
ceptualized and performed by Deepa
Devasena and her troupe, the Kath-
ak Dance Collective. The perfor-
mance also featured Houston’s own
dance leaders Dolly Goyal, of Steps
for Dancing school, and Ekta Popat,
of Storytellers School of Dance, in
prominent guest appearances. The
introduction to the evening was by
the highly respected Kathak exponent
Kalpana Subbarao. As a Houston Cultural Treasure The artists with IAA board members and other guests
The talent and virtuosity of the and the city’s longest running arts
dancers breathed life into the vibrant organization with a mission to pre-
performance that depicted the un- serve and promote the performing
folding of the life of Wajid Ali Shah, arts of the Indian subcontinent, IAA
the last Nawab of Awadh, through the is focused on its mission of foster-
prism of Sufi wisdom. The stunning ing greater community engagement.
choreography by Devasena blended Sheetal Bedi, the CEO and Execu-
traditional Kathak sequences, which tive Director of IAA, said, “Satrangi
showcased the dancers’ mastery over Re… furthered this mission and pro-
intricate footwork, with contempo- vided a wonderful platform where
rary composition. Houston’s Kathak dance community
Brought alive through a lavish set could come together to share ideas
illuminated by hundreds of candles, and resources freely, supporting the
this cinematic odyssey was a musi- spirit of creativity and collaboration.”
cal extravaganza that left audiences The Indo-American Association
mesmerized. An audience member (IAA) is a 30-year-young, non-profit
said, “The visuals, stage design, light- 501(c)(3) organization for the pro-
ing and costumes, choreography and motion of cultural arts of India. His- Guest artists Ekta Popat and Dolly Goel
above all grace, elegance and skill of torically, the IAA has presented a
the dancers was amazing … It was thoughtfully curated season of 8 to
easy to see that Ms. Devasena [is a] 10 live shows each year. Each sea- collaborations between artists from tural audiences, which have grown
skilled and graceful performer and son’s line-up has included a blend of India, US and other countries have with each passing year.
[it is] a visual delight to watch her the art disciplines of India – music, also been showcased over the years.
dance.” dance, and theater. Cross-cultural The events are targeted at multicul- Photos by: Golden Ray Photography

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