Barkha has been invited by Suchitra to create works that connect with Suchuitra’s new work We are nomads, we are dreamers, which is a solo exhibition of newly commissioned works by Suchitra Mattai, celebrating the migratory oceanic journeys of past, present, and future diasporic communities. Inspired by the Park’s position along the East River, which flows into the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, Mattai’s installation features a series of monumental, soft sculptures made from vintage saris. Activated by monthly dance performances, this exhibition pays homage to the artist’s Indo-Caribbean ancestors and the stories of many Queens residents.

Barkha will be presenting solo and ensemble works on June 12th, July 18th, and August 25th!

Samvad, a Sanskrit term meaning dialogue or conversation, is a unique presentation by the exciting and talented contemporary voices of Kathak dancer Barkha Patel and Kuchipudi dancer Pragnya Thamire. They come together to showcase two beautiful Indian classical dance styles, Kathak, from North India and Kuchipudi, from South India. Emerging from different regions, histories, and cultures of India, they both share similar storytelling traditions that use dance, song and drama. 

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Samvad will first showcase the purity and beauty of each of these two styles separately, and will conclude the evening with a specially choreographed dance, ‘The Elusive Beloved’, where the two styles meet as Barkha and Pragnya explore themes of the power of choice and unwavering faith through two women saint poets of India – Lal Ded from Kashmir and Akka Mahadevi from Karnataka.

barkha dance company will be presenting Shiv Stuti as a part of SAWCC’s upcoming event amongst some wonderful spoken word and music artists!

Hello Everyone!

​Barkha Dance Company welcomes you to Dhāra, our first in-person company and student showcase. There are two shows: 3PM & 7PM. Please purchase tickets here !

Dhāra, in Sanskrit, means continuous flow, earth, or preservation. The passing down of traditions in Indian dance practices such as kathak evokes this sentiment. Knowledge flows from teacher to student, shaping and reshaping each in the process, and indeed art form itself. This newness and feeling of discovery that comes with sharing knowledge is what keeps the tradition of dance alive. 

Living in the diaspora, this feels especially relevant. For me, practicing a dance tradition away from its land of origin requires more nuance and care in how I lead my students. 

Like my guru, Rachna Sarang, before me, I too see my work of dance knowledge transmission as seva – a service to both the form and the student. I seek, to the best of my ability, to create environments for learning and practice that are often only accessible in India. As my guru once did for me, I am now the bridge between my students and dancers and the lessons passed down from kathak masters of a post-colonized India. 

Each solo or ensemble choreographed piece showcasing on May 18th reflects not only the efforts to practice artistic finesse but also the integrity of the Barkha Dance Co. community as a whole to stay tethered to culture, form, and tradition. 

Our community of kathak practitioners looks forward to welcoming you very soon!