Taal & Tatkaar

KalaKriti Academy of the Arts

Annual Kathak Presentation

New Jersey | 2026
Presented by KalaKriti Academy of the Arts

Welcome

With full hearts, we welcome you to Taal & Tatkaar, KalaKriti Academy of the Arts’ annual Kathak presentation.

Today is more than a performance — it is a celebration of dedication, discipline, culture, and the beautiful journey of learning. Each dancer who steps onto the stage carries with them hours of practice, moments of growth, and the courage to share their art with our community.

Taal, the rhythm, and Tatkaar, the footwork, are at the heart of Kathak. They teach our students not only technique, but patience, focus, confidence, and connection to tradition. Through every tukra, chakkar, expression, and offering, our dancers honor the rich legacy of Kathak while discovering their own voices within it.

We are deeply grateful to our students for their hard work, to our families for their constant support, and to our teachers and Guruji for guiding this journey with love, wisdom, and blessings.

Thank you for being here with us today. Your presence makes this celebration even more meaningful, and we are honored to share this special evening of Kathak with you.

Program Order

1. Pranaam and Flower Offering to Nataraja

Performed by: All Participants
Approx. Duration: 10 minutes

The program opens with a traditional pranaam and flower offering to Lord Nataraja, honoring the divine source of dance and seeking blessings for the presentation ahead.

2. Gaaiye Ganpati Jagvandan

Performed by: Livingston Kids 1A
Approx. Duration: 4 minutes

A graceful invocation to Lord Ganesha, remover of obstacles and bringer of auspicious beginnings. Gaaiye Ganpati Jagvandan is a Ganesh Bhajan sung by Devaki Pandit, and the lyrics are written by Tulsidas.

3. Recitation: Yato Hasta and Tukre

Performed by: Hoboken Kids
Approx. Duration: 5 minutes

Students present classical recitation, including the Sanskrit Shloka Yato Hasta with understanding, and selected tukre and tihai’s, demonstrating rhythm, clarity, and confidence in Kathak vocabulary.

4. Beginner Basic Tukre

Performed by: Hoboken Kids
Approx. Duration: 3 minutes

A foundational presentation of beginner tukre, highlighting early Kathak technique, rhythm, and footwork. These students have been learning since January in Hoboken. We are proud of their progress so far!

5. Elementary Tukre

Performed by: Livingston Adults 1
Approx. Duration: 10 minutes

Adult students present elementary tukre, showcasing their growing command of rhythm, structure, and Kathak movement vocabulary. Original choreography by Pandit Satya Narayana Charka, taught and reimagined by Henna Khanijou.

6. Recitation of Holi Kavitt

Performed by: Livingston Kids 2A
Approx. Duration: 5 minutes

This Holi Kavitt brings alive the colors, playfulness, and devotion of the festival through spoken rhythm and poetic expression, allowing dancers to connect storytelling with the traditional structure of Kathak. This Kavitt is written by Pandit Divyang Vakil.

7. Nritta 1

Performed by: Livingston Kids 2A
Approx. Duration: 4 minutes

A pure dance presentation focused on rhythm, footwork, chakkars, and clean Kathak technique. Original choreography by the Late Guru Dr. Maya Rao and Pandit Satya Narayana Charka, taught and reimagined by Henna Khanijou.

8. Recitation of Advanced Tukra #2

Performed by: Livingston Adults 2
Approx. Duration: 2 minutes

A rhythmic recitation of advanced tukre, showcasing the dancers’ understanding of Kathak bols, taal structure, layakari, and the connection between spoken rhythm and movement.

9. Advanced Tukre

Performed by: Livingston Adults 2
Approx. Duration: 9 minutes

This presentation highlights advanced tukre within the nritta tradition of Kathak, emphasizing strong tatkaar, complex bol patterns, layakari, and clean execution.

10. Henna & Urvashie - An Ode to Asha Bhosle

Performed by: Henna and Urvashie
Approx. Duration: 8 minutes

A heartfelt tribute to the iconic Asha Bhosle, whose unforgettable voice has shaped generations of Indian music. Through this medley, Henna and Urvashie celebrate her artistry with expressive movement, playful energy, and the elegance of Kathak.

11. O Re Piya - Semiclassical

Performed by: Hoboken Adults
Approx. Duration: 4 minutes

A semi-classical piece set to O Re Piya, blending graceful movement, expression, and emotion. This performance highlights the beauty of storytelling through dance, capturing longing, devotion, and quiet strength. Original song sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

12. Madhuban Mein Radhika

Performed by: Livingston Adults 1
Approx. Duration: 4 minutes

A joyful semi-classical presentation inspired by the beloved classic Madhuban Mein Radhika, celebrating rhythm, grace, and the playful spirit of Krishna and Radha through expressive movement. Album: Kohinoor Artist: Mohammed Rafi Music Director: Naushad. Original choreography by Pandit Satya Narayana Charka, taught and reimagined by Henna Khanijou.

13. Kanha Soja Zara

Performed by: Hoboken Kids
Approx. Duration: 4 minutes

A sweet and expressive presentation centered around devotion, tenderness, and storytelling. Kanha Soja Zara is a soft and devotional presentation that captures the warmth of a mother’s love as Yashoda lovingly sings to baby Krishna. This piece highlights tenderness, innocence, and the beauty of bhakti through movement. Movie - Baahubali 2 The Conclusion Singer - Madhushree Music - M.M.Kreem Lyricist - Manoj Muntashir.

14. Nritta in Teen Taal

Performed by: Livingston Kids 1A
Approx. Duration: 9 minutes

Students present pure Kathak dance in Teen Taal, demonstrating tatkaar, tukre, chakkars, and rhythmic coordination.

15. Recitation of Parmelu

Performed by: Livingston Kids 2A
Approx. Duration: 2 minutes

A recitation of Parmelu, a Kathak composition that draws inspiration from natural sounds and rhythmic syllables.

16. Prabandh

Performed by: Livingston Kids 2A
Approx. Duration: 5 minutes

Our KalaKriti young dancers present Prabandh, a beautiful piece inspired by a poem by Pandit Ram Das, bringing to life the essence of nature through rhythm and expression. Through graceful movement, watch as these young Kathak dancers embody the art of storytelling with quick pirouettes and clear footwork

17. Medley Semi-Classical

Performed by: Livingston Adults 2
Approx. Duration: 6 minutes

A semi-classical medley highlighting elegance, expression, and the versatility of Kathak-inspired choreography. The adults class presents two beautiful pieces embodying the grace of Kathak.

Piya Bawri Film: Khoobsurat Artist: Asha Bhosle, Ashok Kumar Music director: R.D.Burman Lyricist: Gulzar

Sakal Ban Film: Heeramandi Lyrics: Amir Khusro Singer: Raja Hasan

18. Tarana in Raag Darbari

Performed by: Henna and Urvashie
Approx. Duration: 8 minutes

A dynamic Kathak presentation set to Tarana in Raag Darbari, blending rhythmic footwork, graceful chakkars, and expressive musicality. This piece highlights the depth and grandeur of Raag Darbari while showcasing the strength, precision, and beauty of Kathak. Original choreography by the Late Guru Dr. Maya Rao, taught to us by Pandit Satya Narayana Charka.

19. Closing Remarks

Presented by: KalaKriti Academy
Approx. Duration: 10 minutes

A moment of reflection and gratitude as we recognize the students, families, teachers, and community who made this presentation possible.

20. Certificate Presentation

Approx. Duration: 10 minutes

Students will be recognized for their participation, dedication, and progress throughout the year.

Dancer Groups

Livingston Kids 1A

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Aarika Sirohy
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Aashrita Gothi
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Ananya Bagrecha 
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Dhriti Gupta
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Kiana Doshi
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Nishka Shah
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Nyra Mohapatra
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Shreya Padte 
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Simrin Doshi
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Livingston Kids 2A

Aahna Amer
Dia Chande
Elena Rupak
Reya Kanthakumar
Sara Hersh
Sia Goel

Hoboken Kids

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Gargi Shingde
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Raina Darji
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Simran Chitkara
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Livingston Adults 1

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Francine Selvakumar
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Khyati Doshi
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Neeti Mitra
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Prerna Goyal
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Roma Chawla
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Livingston Adults 2

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Richa Bansal
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Richa Bitta Gupta
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Sumita De 
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Tanima Chakraborty
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Hoboken Adults

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Hruta Shah
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Kritika Gupta
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Pallavi Bhise
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Swetha Shenoy

A Note of Gratitude

With heartfelt gratitude, we thank everyone who has been a part of bringing Taal & Tatkaar to life.

We offer our deepest respect and appreciation to Guruji, whose blessings, guidance, and lifelong dedication to Kathak continue to inspire our journey as dancers, teachers, and students. His presence and teachings remind us of the beauty of the guru-shishya parampara and the importance of carrying this tradition forward with sincerity and devotion.

To our students, thank you for your hard work, discipline, and courage. Every step, tukra, chakkar, and expression you share today is a reflection of your dedication and growth.

To the parents and families of our students, thank you for your constant support, encouragement, time, and trust. Behind every dancer is a family helping them show up, practice, grow, and shine.

To our parents, family members, and friends, thank you for standing beside us, believing in this vision, and supporting KalaKriti with so much love.

To our volunteers, thank you for your time, energy, organization, and helping hands. Events like this are possible because of people who quietly and generously step forward to help.

A special thank you to Archana from Kulture Kool for your support, encouragement, and continued belief in our work and mission.

We are also grateful to the Livingston community members and all those who believe in the importance of preserving, celebrating, and sharing Indian classical arts. Your support helps create spaces where culture, tradition, and community can continue to thrive.

A special thank you to the Alpha Wave Studios staff for welcoming us into your space and supporting us throughout this event. We are grateful for your help, coordination, and hospitality in making Taal & Tatkaar a smooth and memorable experience for our dancers, families, and guests.

Thank you for being part of this special day and for celebrating the beauty of Kathak with us.

Special Thanks & Credits

Costumes: Vastravinyaas and Rhythm Dance Wears

Photography: Marcus Julius Lewis

Videography: Alpha Wave Studios

We are grateful to each of you for helping bring the visual beauty, memories, and presentation of Taal & Tatkaar to life.

About KalaKriti Academy of the Arts

Founded in 2021, KalaKriti Academy of the Arts is dedicated to preserving, teaching, and celebrating the beauty of Kathak and Indian performing arts. We are rooted in tradition while nurturing each student’s individual artistic journey.

At KalaKriti, students learn more than choreography. They are introduced to the foundations of Kathak, including taal, tatkaar, tukre, chakkars, abhinaya, recitation, theory, and stage presentation. Through disciplined practice, cultural education, and performance opportunities, students build confidence, focus, creativity, and a deeper connection to Indian classical arts.

KalaKriti Academy of the Arts is proud to create a warm and supportive community where dancers of all ages can grow with grace, joy, and purpose while carrying forward the rich legacy of Kathak.

KalaKriti offers Kathak classes for children and adults across New Jersey (Livingston, Hoboken) and New York (Long Island, Queens).

Congratulations to All Performers

With love and pride,

Henna Didi and Urvashie Didi

KalaKriti Academy of the Arts