Taal & Tatkaar
KalaKriti Academy of the Arts
Annual Kathak Presentation
New York | 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 in Long Island.
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
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. Guru Vandana Pushpanjali
Performed by: Floral Park and Queens Beginners
An offering of flowers and gratitude to the Guru, the Lord, and the audience for joining us today. In the Indian classical arts, all three entities hold a very special place, guiding the student not only in technique but also in discipline, values, and devotion to the art form. Through this piece, our dancers offer their respect with grace, humility, and heartfelt reverence
3. Combination Movements in Kathak
Performed by: Adults Floral Park
Our dancers demonstrate how basic steps begin to grow into longer patterns and more complete phrases of movement. This piece shows the students’ understanding of footwork, hand movements, direction changes, rhythm, and coordination. It is a beautiful reminder that every dancer’s journey is built one step at a time.
4. Elementary Tukre in Taal Teentaal
Performed by: Floral Park Teens Beginner
Tukre are short rhythmic compositions in Kathak, filled with bols, footwork, movements, and chakkars. At this level, students begin to build confidence in both reciting and dancing these compositions. We are so proud to see them developing their rhythm, clarity, and stage presence as they continue growing in this art form.
5. Ganesh Vandana
Performed by: Floral Park Teens Beginner
An invocation to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the giver of wisdom and blessings. It is a tradition to begin with prayers to Lord Ganesha, seeking an auspicious start and positive energy. Through this piece, our dancers offer devotion through movement, expression, and rhythm.
6. Kathak Parampara — Pure Kathak Nritta
Performed by: Floral Park Intermediate
Nritta refers to the technical and rhythmic aspect of dance, focusing on footwork, spins, patterns, and movement rather than storytelling. This piece honors the traditional structure and beauty of Kathak, allowing the dancers to showcase rhythm, precision, grace, and the timeless parampara, or lineage, of this classical art form.
7. Gat Bhav
Performed by: Floral Park and Queens Beginners
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. Dhamaar Tode
Performed by: Floral Park Advanced
Dhamaar is a 10-beat rhythmic cycle often associated with depth, strength, and a rich classical tradition. Tode are rhythmic compositions that allow dancers to explore complex patterns, footwork, and movement with power and control. This piece challenges the dancers to stay connected to taal while bringing energy, precision, and confidence to the stage.
9. Ghar More Pardesiya - High School Graduate!
Performed by: Prishya Saini
This song is filled with grace, devotion, and joy, allowing the dancers to explore both rhythm and abhinaya. Through elegant footwork, expressive gestures, and flowing movement, our dancers bring this beloved piece to life on stage.
10. Vocal Interlude
Performed by: Amiya, Arjun, and Father Bisram
Live music and voice hold such an important place in Indian classical and devotional traditions, and we are so grateful to have this heartfelt family performance as part of today’s showcase.
11. Jaake Mahima — Radha Krishna Bhajan
Performed by: Henna Khanijou
Through this bhajan, our dancer expresses bhakti, grace, and the deep emotional connection that lies at the heart of devotional storytelling.
12. Tana Dere Na — Tarana in Raag Darbari
Performed by: Floral Park Teens Beginner
Tarana is a lively and rhythmic musical form, often filled with syllables that allow dancers to explore movement, speed, grace, and intricate patterns. Raag Darbari brings a sense of depth and richness, and through this piece, our dancers bring together rhythm, musicality, and the elegance of Kathak.
13. Madhurashtakam
Performed by: Arushi Parikh
A deeply devotional composition celebrating the sweetness and beauty of Lord Krishna. The word “madhuram” means sweet, and this piece describes every aspect of Krishna as filled with sweetness, grace, and divine charm. Through soft expressions, graceful movements, and heartfelt devotion, our dancers bring this beautiful prayer to the stage.
14. Semi-Classical Medley — In Aankhon Ki Masti and Nirmohiya
Performed by: Floral Park Adults
This piece blends Kathak-inspired grace, expressive abhinaya, and the elegance of semi-classical movement. Through these songs, our dancers explore emotion, beauty, and subtle storytelling, showing how classical technique can blend so beautifully with cinematic and contemporary expression.
15. Tarana in Raag Jog
Performed by: Simran Garg and Roshna Baboolal
Tarana allows dancers to explore rhythm, speed, musicality, and movement with joy and precision. Raag Jog carries a beautiful mood that is both soulful and vibrant. Through this piece, our dancers showcase the energy of Kathak while staying connected to the richness of Indian classical music.
16. Shri Ram Chandra
Performed by: Urvashie Kissoon
In our traditions, Lord Ram represents grace, righteousness, courage, and devotion. Through this bhajan, our students offer their love and respect through music, movement, and expression, bringing forward the peaceful and divine energy of Ram bhakti.
17. Aayo Re
Performed by: Floral Park Intermediate and Advanced
Aayo Re, a semi-classical presentation from the movie Water. This song carries a beautiful emotional quality, and through Kathak-inspired movement, the dancers explore grace, expression, and flowing musicality. It is a piece that allows the dancers to connect deeply with both the music and the emotion behind it.
18. Medley - An Ode to the late Asha Bhosle
Performed by: Henna and Urvashie
This piece celebrates the incredible versatility of her voice and the many emotions she has brought to Indian music. Blending Kathak-inspired grace, semi-classical movement, expressive abhinaya, and a touch of Bollywood flair, our dancers bring these timeless songs to life with rhythm, storytelling, and joy.
19. Disney Performance Throwback
Performed by: KalaKriti Disney Travel Performance Group
We are so excited to share our Disney performance pieces, Chhanakya and Nritya. Performing at Disney was such a special experience for our KalaKriti dancers. It allowed them to take their art beyond the classroom and onto a larger stage, representing Indian classical and cultural dance with pride, excitement, and joy.
20. Closing Remarks
Presented by: KalaKriti Academy
A moment of reflection and gratitude as we recognize the students, families, teachers, and community who made this presentation possible.
21. Certificate Presentation
Presented by: KalaKriti Academy
Students will be recognized for their participation, dedication, and progress throughout the year.
Dancer Groups
Floral Park - Beginner Kids
Freya Chakrabarti
Floral Park - Beginner Teens
Amiya Deocharan
Anamika Rajesh
Floral Park - Intermediate
Aarya Kublall
Diya Panjwani
Medha Saha
Prishya Saini
Roshna Baboolall
Floral Park - Advanced
Arushi Parikh
Simran Garg
Floral Park - Adults
Annupriya Itteera
Paramita Saha
Sangeeta Gupta
EIMA Collaboration Class - Queens - Kids
Alina Leizel Beharry
Amaya Kumari Pooran
Hemwattie Tiffany Sukhdeo
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.
Thank you to Deepak for the sound and for assisting to make sure that our program runs smoothly
Thank you to Rajesh, who is also Anamika’s father, for helping with photography and videography
We are also grateful to the Long Island and Queens 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 Manju Khosla and the Vedic Heritage Inc. Team 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. This is extra special this year!
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: Rajesh and Family
Videography: Rajesh and Family
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