Fusion show of kathak and drums

CHENNAI: The city is all set to witness the first ever confluence of kathak with drums and percussion at a music-dance production called Dancing Waters. Accomplished kathak dancer Neha Banerjee will be collaborating with Kalaimamani Sivamani. Neha tells us that the fusion show is based on the theme of water conservation. “Through Dancing Waters, we are celebrating monsoons (rains, clouds) and focus on the importance of preserving water in today’s world. We will be exploring rhythmic patterns in kathak and drums and how these two forms could create something new. We are also trying to convey how the environment (especially, rain) can bring out various emotions in a person. The show is a celebration of rains, so we have used different ragas of rains in Hindustani music like megh malhar, miya malhar, desh raag,” says Neha Banerjee.

A disciple of Late Pt Birju Maharajji, Neha will be presenting pure Lucknow Gharana Kathak. “I will be performing along with my orchestra team and Sivamani. The audience will also get to see a little bit of jugalbandi between me and Sivamani — it will be a beautiful and different experience.” Dancing Waters will be staged at Sir Mutha Concert Hall (Lady Andal) on September 24.