Chandra Dance Academy

Merry Christmas! Wishing you a season that’s merry and bright with the light of God’s love! - - #chandradance #christmas #christ #jesus #holiday #peace #joy #seasonsgreetings

Excited that we are half way through our Kathak exams for Fall semester! Congrats to all students who are appearing. It’s been a long couple of days, with a couple more to go. All the best to those yet to appear! Prashantji and I in our 6a morning routine before students arrive.

Chandra Dance Academy congratulates all of the dancers who chose to share their Kathak solos in the 2020 Winter Showcase. As we all know, we have been living in pressing times. We commend all of our parents and students for trying their best in this situation. We thank our students for performing from their homes on surfaces not meant for dance. We thank our students for performing without the lights of the stage, and without the applause of an audience. We thank our students... for reaching into their closets to find a suitable dance to dress in. We thank our students for dancing even when their internet lags or freezes. We thank our students for dancing even when they can't appropriately celebrate their triumphs with their fellow classmates and friends. We appreciate and thank our students for pushing themselves every class, even though it's difficult to tell which direction to go, to hear, and sometimes difficult to express themselves. We see you, and we know how much you are working to succeed in your Kathak dance. It will all pay off. It will not be in vain. We will dance together again in person. We feel the warmth of the stage together. And when we do, it will mean so much more. We are almost there. Stay safe, stay positive, stay strong, and keep dancing! See more

Congrats to all of our students who performed in our first ever Kathak Winter Showcase. So proud!! Clips coming soon! - - #chandradance #kathak #kathakdance #indianclassicaldance #atlanta #dance #dancelife

Bageshree Vaze ji is an amazing talented Kathak artist and musician! Chandra Dance Academy has performed to many of her songs. It’s an honor for us to sponsor this episode! #Repost @kathakfestival with @make_repost This Saturday 12/12 at 12pm EST / 10:30pm IST, Episode 2 of the NYKF HomeStages features Bageshree Vaze and Vineet Vyas. Tune in on YouTube. ... Thank you to Chandra Dance Academy for generously sponsoring this episode. @chandradance Chandra Dance Academy, founded by Brittny Chandra, is a Kathak Academy aimed to endow education and tradition of the ancient art of Kathak, through a fresh perspective, under the guidance of Bade Guru Prashant Shah ji. Bageshree Vaze is an Indo-Canadian dance artist and musician. Raised in St. John’s, NL, she initially trained in Bharatha Natyam with teachers in Michigan (Sudha Sekhar) and Bombay (the late Guru T.K. Mahalingam Pillai), and studied Hindustani vocal music with her father, Damodar Vaze. She later trained in Kathak with Jai Kishan Maharaj in New Delhi and studied with the renowned vocalist Veena Sahasrabuddhe in Mumbai. Bageshree has choreographed numerous dance works such as 2007’s ‘Tarana,’ 2011’s ‘Avatar (9),’ and 2012’s ‘Damaru/Mudra.’and has four CDs to her credit. Her breakthrough album Tarana (released as Khanak through Times Music in India), a CD of songs adapted and arranged for Indian dance, is accessed by dancers worldwide. If you like what you see, support the arts by making a tax-deductible contribution by clicking the donate button on our profile. 100% goes directly towards supporting programming like this. HomeStages is an online performance series curated by the New York Kathak Festival where global kathak artists invite us into their homes for intimate performances.

So excited for this! Repost from @kathakfestival Episode 2 of New York Kathak Festival’s HomeStages features Bageshree Vaze and Vineet Vyas. Mark your calendars for Saturday Dec. 12th @ 12pm EST / 10pm IST on YouTube.... This episode has been generously sponsored by Chandra Dance Academy. Learn more @chandradance Bageshree Vaze is an Indo-Canadian dance artist and musician. Raised in St. John’s, NL, she initially trained in Bharatha Natyam with teachers in Michigan (Sudha Sekhar) and Bombay (the late Guru T.K. Mahalingam Pillai), and studied Hindustani vocal music with her father, Damodar Vaze. She later trained in Kathak with Jai Kishan Maharaj in New Delhi and studied with the renowned vocalist Veena Sahasrabuddhe in Mumbai. Bageshree has choreographed numerous dance works such as 2007’s ‘Tarana,’ 2011’s ‘Avatar (9),’ and 2012’s ‘Damaru/Mudra.’and has four CDs to her credit. Her breakthrough album Tarana (released as Khanak through Times Music in India), a CD of songs adapted and arranged for Indian dance, is accessed by dancers worldwide. Vineet Vyas (Tabla artist, Composer) is one of Canada’s dynamic musical talents. He is a disciple of the late legendary tabla maestro Pandit Kishan Maharaj and has performed across India, Europe and North America with some of India’s eminent classical artists such as Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Pandits Rajan and Sajan Mishra and Ustad Shahid Parvez. He has numerous CDs to his credit such as ‘Taalworks’ which was released by Times Music India.

Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance- Eckhart Tolle. Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving! - - #chandradance #thanksgiving #thankyou #thankful #thankfulthursday #family #love

May this Diwali bring fresh hopes, bright days and new dreams. Wishing you and your family a very happy Diwali! - - #chandradance #diwali #diya #light #holidays

It’s exam day! All the best to everyone taking their theory exams today! Proud to announce that we will have 100+ students taking their exam with our Academy! Kathak is alive and well. Thank you Bharati VidyaPeeth University. - - #chandradance #exam #kathak #indianclassicaldance #written #knowledgeispower #knowledge #passion #dance #dancelife #booksmart

And the new journey begins at Chandra.... Personally, I feel very happy to have a Guru of such high caliber, Shri Prashant Shahji, come and teach my students on a monthly basis at Chandra Dance Academy on Zoom. It is truly inspiring. In addition to this, we are honored to have his inputs in our Kathak program as our visiting Guru throughout the year and under his able guidance at Chandra from spring onwards, students will be learning from him once a month in person. His vis...its will be focused on his Kathak intensives with Chandra family, which will motivate every student in increasing their kathak knowledge and also enhancing their overall understanding and presentation of Kathak. This association with Guruji will not only help us to reach our full potential as dancers, but also become contributors of Kathak. Looking forward to the long and exciting journey ahead! Forever grateful to you Guruji! - - - #chandradance #prashantshah #kathak #kathakdance #atlantakathak

It is music and dancing that make me at peace with the world Nelson Mandela Happy International Day of Peace! We need it now more than ever.

Happy Teachers Day to all the teachers out there! We appreciate you, and everything you do to lighten our paths.

A good read for Kathak dancers who want to have a deeper understanding of Hindustani Classical rhythm and how it relates to Kathak dance. Also, it gives a more indepth view of music terminology. - - #chandradance #read #knowledge #book #bookstagram #booklover #goodreads #kathak #kathakdance #sushilsaxena #hindustaniclassical #indianclassical #classicaldance #

Kathak is a form of meditation for me. It not only allows me to be totally present in that moment, it forces me. Kathak is very giving to those who give to it. Over the years, Kathak has become a pillar in my life. I like this picture, because the colors of my clothes make me think of the color of my moods, wins, and struggles that I take on each day with this ever growing abyss of Kathak. #kathak

Wishing you a Happy Vinayak Chaturthi. May the grace of God keep enlightening your lives and bless you always. - - #chandradance #kathak #ganesh #vinayaka #ganeshchaturthi2020 #ganesha #ganeshchaturti

May this auspicious occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami bring a lot of positivity, peace and harmony in your life. Happy Janmashtami! - - #chandradance #kathak #janmashtami #instaclick #kanha #krishna #light #positivity

While I still have a lot to learn about Kathak, I strive to improve myself on a daily basis. Every day is not the same. Sometimes my body says no way. Because I’m addicted to becoming better, to becoming the best dancer I can be, I suffer through. If I can offer just a few humble suggestions for the practice of dance I would say to always record your practices, first off. I find this helpful because you can point out things your oblivious to while practicing- body positioning..., stamina decrease, etc. Another suggestion would be to live in the present moment whenever you practice. So many times we focus on issues in our lives, daily tasks that we have to complete, or our minds trail off in thought. The time goes by faster, and it’s a little less painful when you’re focused. My last suggestion would be to self talk. Tell yourself that you can do it, you got this, etc. It goes a long way for me, and I’m finding it definitely boosts my energy. The video is two hours of practice condensed to a minute and a half. _ - - #chandradance #kathak #dance #riyaaz #riyaz #spin #indianclassical #indianclassicaldance #dancelife #danceislife #kathakdance #art #artist #performingarts #instadaily #artofinstagram #instaart #instaartist See more

Great learning opportunity for all dance forms! Brought to you by Meenal’s Academy of Performing Arts. "Overview of Natyashastra" by none other than the living legend Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam ji herself. Dancers, sign up and take advantage of this one of a kind opportunity. This one is truly not to be missed! .... . . . . #dancersofinsta #igdancers #dance #artist #discussion #classicalarts #classicaldancers #classicaldancersofindia #likeforlike #followforfollow #followback #MAPA #MAPASD #Passion #Indianclassicalmusic #Classicalmusic #traditions #Natyashastra #Legend #workshop #Dancers #meenalchakradeo #Alerkrishnan #DrPadmaSubrahmanyam See more

Eid Mubarak! - - #chandradance #eid #eidmubarak #eidaladha #peace #love #joy

Bhairavi Vandana Snippet Shivaduti is a powerful manifestation of Mother Goddess Shakti. Shivaduti means one who has Shiva as her messenger. Goddess Shivaduti made her appearance in the battle against demons Shumbha and Nishumbha. She symbolically represents the unfathomable power of Mother Goddess Shakti. Hoping we all find our inner Shakti in these pressing moments. - -... Vocal: Isha Choreography: Brittny Chandra - - #chandradance #kathak #dance #atlanta See more

Online registration is now open for Fall Semester for Kathak and Bollywood! Chandra Dance Academy is affiliated with Bharati Vidyapeeth University, and under the guidance of Guru Prashant Shah ji. Sign up Now! #chandradance #kathak #bollywood

Happy Guru Purnima to my Guru, Prashant Shahji, my teacher, mentor, and friend. Thank you for always being there to guide me in dance, as well as life - - Happy Guru Purnima to all the Gurus, that have taught me along the way. What you have given me was necessary for my path- Pandit Birju Maharaji, Pandita Maneesha Satheji, Pandit Rajendra Ganganiji, Shambhavi Dandekarji, Swati Sinhaji, and Kumud Savlaji. -... - - - #chandradance #guru #gurupurnima #teachersofinstagram #teacher #kathak #indianclassicaldance #indianclassical #prashantshah #rajendragangani #birjumaharaj #maneeshasathe #knowledge #knowledgeispower #dance #dancelife See more

Had the pleasure of meeting her while I was at NNKB. Rest in peace Saroj Khanji - - #rip #sarojkhan

Great insight put in a way that one can digest.

Guruji! Tune in!

So jao my love. I will see you one day again. Until then keep dancing with the stars Nicole, and teach them Padhant. We lost a beautiful Kathak dancer, but the heavens gained a beautiful soul.

Teaching chhed chhad gat, back when we could meet. Missing my students! - - #chandradance #kathak #kathakdance #dance #danceislife #indianclassical #indianclassicaldance #flashback #yaadein

That’s a wrap! Very interesting read for the start of my quest on the full history, and theory of Kathak-the good, the bad, and the ugly. This one definitely challenges what we have been taught regarding our history, and also brings awareness of the gaps, and distant connections in our history. I highly recommend if you would like your current beliefs challenged. Margaret Walker also list a slew of resources in the bibliography for anyone who is interested in delving into more literature. I can’t wait to see where it falls in line with the rest of my research. Definitely recommended. - - #chandradance #margaretewalker #indiaskathakdanceinhistoricalperspective #kathakhistory #iwroteinthebook #kathak #kathakdance #kathakdancehistory #indianclassicaldance #sangeetnatakakademi #kathakbook #books

Choreography from the archives for our performance team. Instant pick me up song! Loved laying this one down. - - #chandradance #dance #danceislife ##live #dancelife #uproar

Happy 90th birthday Kumudini Lakhiaji! My Guru, Prashant Shahji:

I have encouraged all of my students to perform short pieces to express themselves while we are in this pandemic- any piece that makes them happy. The weariness can sometimes be seen on their faces, as they grow tired of this circumstance. Let’s encourage each other, and take it one day at a time. Most importantly, let’s keep dancing! Please enjoy my student @gclifts rocking some Bollywood! - - #chandradance #bollywood #stayhome #madhuridixit #moherangdolaal #deepikapadukone #dance #danceislife

Lovely dancing by my student Sunaina! Had to share! _ - - #chandradance #bollywood #madhuridixit #aajanachle #dance #dancelife #live #love

Each week, to keep it exciting while online, a student gets to pick fun homework for the class along with our Kathak homework. This week we had to build a Kathak dancer out of clay. This one is mine. I thought it would be a lot worse, but I’m actually kind of satisfied with it. - - #chandradance #kathakdancer #dance #ghungroo #kathak #clay #claysculpture #danceislife #funhomework #onlineclasses #online #stayhome

Life is the dancer and you are the dance. Eckhart Tolle. Happy International Dance Day! - - -... #chandradance #kathak #indianclassical #indianclassicaldance #internationaldanceday #internationaldance #dance #dancer #performer #perform #ghungroo #loveandkathak #livekathak #dancephotography #dancers #trailblazer See more

The performance is set to Jon Brion's song "Tabla". It is a modern Kathak piece that travels the journey of a dancer's approach to finding a movement suitable to connect to her audience. She realizes that it is a two way connection that sometimes contains static. Static being perspectives, experiences, and preferences of her audience. She struggles at times to maintain this relationship, and fluctuates in and out of confidence, as fear sometimes shows on her face. She ultimat...ely realizes that static comes in the form of her not being able to hear her own heart clearly. She realizes that in order for her to become the dancer she dreams to be, she must first learn what has been placed inside of her to give. By the end of the performance, she has learned that she can only give what is inside of her, and it has been given to her as a gift. - - - #chandradance #kathak #itis #indianclassical #modern #nykf #newyorkkathakfestival #festival #newyork #newyorkcity #nyc #georgia #tabla #jonbrion #music #innovate #ghungroo #loveandkathak #dance #dancelife #danceislife #student #alwayslearning #growthmindset See more

Thank you NYKF! Loved the experience, and efforts of all. Thank you for bringing Kathak into our homes.

These precious moments... - - - #chandradance #kathak #indianclassical #kathakcommunity #classical #dance #dancelife #ghungroo #performance #atlantakathak #gakathak #loveandkathak

Always our pleasure. Can’t wait! New York Kathak Festival presents a special online event. Premieres on YouTube Sunday, April 19th, 2020 at 1pm EST / 10am PST / 6pm BST / 10:30pm IST... Featuring: Indro Roy-Chowdhury @indrorc Kaviraj Singh @kavirajsingh Upneet Singh @upsingh Performances by: Tanveer Alam @tantanalam Anindita Neogy Anaam @aninditaneogykathak Amita Batra @amitabatra Brittny Chandra @chandradance Ruee Gawarikar Sunena Gupta @sunenagupta Seetal Kaur @seetal_ Priya Persad @priya_persad01 Shivangi Dake Robert @dancer_shivangi Farah Yasmeen Shaikh @farahyasmeenshaikh Pallavi Degwekar Shaikh @pallavikathak Nidhika Loomba-Tuli @nidhika_l Jal the official 2020 NYKF soundtrack, composed by Indrajit Roy-Chowdhury @indrorc Jal features @indrorc @rishi.rhythm @sarodpratik #umeshmishra Subscribe to our channel at youtube.com/kathakfestival and click the bell icon to be notified of the premiere.

Beauty is everywhere, but will you allow yourself to see it. - Photo- @james_l_hicks2photography - #chandradance #kathak #bollywood #dance #dancelife #india #danceofindia #live #life #danceislife #performance #performanceart #perform #beauty

Keep smiling, keep dancing! - - #chandradance #kathak #indianclassical #dance #dancelife #trailblazer #2019 #performance #performer #perform #georgia #georgiadance #live #love #loveandkathak #gatech

Who says you can't have a birthday Bollywood dance while we're all at home! Shout out to Siya and Himani, our senior students, performing a birthday tribute to their mother while social distancing. #chandradance #bollywood #socialdistancing

Gettin it done in my New York Kathak Festival gear!! Love it! - @kathakfestival - #chandradance #nykf #newyorkkathakfestival #kathak #indianclassicaldance #fanatic

Can’t wait to dance with you again. - - #chandradance #kathak #dance #danceislife #loveandkathak

My students rocking it at an event put together by Ekal Vidyalaya in December. A great initiative bringing all Kathak schools together in the Atlanta area. Always love to see Kathak rise above all else. - Song: Conversations in 323 Tabla- Zakir Hussain Choreography: Brittny Chandra... - #chandradance #kathak #loveAndkathak #indianclassical #dance #danceislife #kathakisbiggerthanme #kathakislife See more

One of my favorite parans taught to me by my Guruji. It’s meant to travel from one corner of the stage to the other. I did my best with the small studio space. - - #guruprashantshah #kathak #indianclassical #chandradance #keepdancing #dance #danceislife #kathakisthegoal #kathakbiggerthanme #loveandkathak

Relieved that we can still find a way to dance and get together. Even though I’m a bit of a recluse and introvert, this experience has truly opened my eyes to how much we need one another. To see my students’ faces light up to see me and their fellow classmates in a sense of relief, was something I took notice to. Without saying any words, we all understood that we are grateful that we can spend this time with each other, and keep this little bit of normalcy for ourselves. - - #chandradance #kathak #aboutthisweekend #bollywood #dance #danceislife #virtualreality

One of our performances before the shut downs. Thank you World Heritage Cultural Center, as well as, The Travel & Adventure Show! - - #worldheritageculturalcenter #whcc #travelandadventureshow #discoverychannel #kathak #bollywood

Can’t wait for NYKF!

Uproar- A Kathak & Bollywood Revolt. #chandradance #annualproduction #uproar #2020 #revolt #kathak #bollywood #herewegrow #dance #danceislife #dancebelongstoeveryone #livebeautifully

Expression through dance is a human right, free to interpret the best way we see fit. Beauty and grace add the perfect touch, and opens the onlookers’ soul. Thank you Aditi for sharing your piece with us at Trailblazer 2019. It encompassed all of these things. Live beautiful always. @aditi.shekhar - - Song: Samjhawan Vocals: Alia Bhatt... Soloist: Aditi Shekhar Choreography: Aditi Shekhar - - - #chandradance #trailblazer #annualproduction #Bollywood #dancelife See more

Introducing ONLINE Kathak class for beginners! Thursdays 8p to 9p Eastern. Register now, free trial: https://www.chandradance.com/register/

Happy holidays! We wish you all the love, peace, and success! - - #chandradance #kathak #bollywood #dance #holidays #happynewyear #merrychristmas #happyholidays #happytime

Doing what we do... - - #kathak #prashantshah #chandradance #nyc #dance #danceislife

After two days of practical exams... it’s over!! All the best to all of our exam takers! - - thank you @kriti_kathak for giving our exams!! And next time will definitely pick you up so you’re taller than me.

Guru Prashant Shah Ji!

Looking forward to our performances next weekend for a great cause. Also happy to see all of the Kathak schools coming together under one roof for something bigger than ourselves. - - #chandradance #ekalvidyalaya #kathak #indianclassicaldance #bollywood #dance #dancelife

Our beginner Kathak students performing to Kanha Re - - Song: Kanha Re Vocals: Neeti Mohan... Choreography: Brittny Chandra _ - - #chandradance #trailblazer #kathak #indianclassical #dance #perform #danceislife #atlanta See more

"Probably one of the best experiences of my life" Brittny Chandra on the 2019 New York Kathak Festival. @chandradance

Our Bhava Team representing India at The Home Depot Pan Asian Waves 2019! Thank you @homedepot !! - - #chandradance #bollywood #kathak #panasianwaves #homedepot #dance #perform

When Guruji comes through... - - - #chandradance #guruprashantshah #intensives #futuresobright #kathak #indianclassicaldance #indianclassical #dance #performance #atlanta #georgia #aboutthisweekend

That’s a wrap! Written exams out of the way! Practical here we come! - - - #chandradance #kathak #exams #indianclassical #education #accredited #bharatividyapeeth #kathakusa #atlanta #georgia #usa

Students are able to compete for solo performances to foster their growth as a solo artist, during our annual production. A prerequisite was that the choreography had to be completely their own. The students who competed were also in charge of their song choice and costumes. This is our second level winner Parthvi. - - Song: Mohe Rang Do Lal Vocals: Pandit Birju Maharaj ji, Shreya Ghoshal... Choreography: Parthvi Sharma - - #chandradance #kathak #bollywood #dance #performers #creative #atlanta #georgia #solo #danceislife #practice #kathakusa #indianclassical See more

The Peacock Dance by our third year students. - Song: The Other Rhythm Vocals: Shankar Mahadevan, Nitin Shankar Choreography: Brittny Chandra... - - #chandradance #trailblazer #kathak #indianclassical #dance #dancegoals #performers #culture #peacock

Happy Halloween from our Kathak Zombies!!! - - #chandradance #kathak #bollywood #halloween #atlanta #kathakusa #indianclassical #holidays #spooky #zombies

This will be a great show! Come out and support Indian Classical Arts! - - #harinisanthanam #bharatanrityasala #redclaytheater #atlanta #georgia #indianclassical #indianclassicalarts #dance #danceislife