



![]() “I thought it was a beautiful performance. I liked it!!”3rd grader, Hartley Elementary |
Rita Mustaphi’s Katha Dance Theatre performs Kathak, the classical dance of northern India. From the word katha, or story, Kathak dance is a fusion of both the Hindu and Muslim cultures. Rita leads a company of three artists, weaving northern Indian storytelling and Katha dance with regional Indian folk dances.A Rhythm of JoyType: Workshop Explore Indian culture while experiencing the artistic connections between body, mind and spirit. Learn how to interpret stories and perform intricate footwork—a creative opportunity to enhance both dance and mathematics skills. Schedule Request Dance, Music, Myth and LegendsType: Performance The storytellers in ancient India performed mythological stories before village audiences using rhythmic footwork, expressive movement of the hands and face, swift turns and elegant stances. Participants learn about Indian culture through dance as the dancers engage in a playful, spontaneous interchange with the audience. Schedule Request How Arts and Crafts Teach the Essence of CulturesType: Professional Development Rita helps you reconnect with body, mind and spirit through dance movements from northern India. Sessions are designed to unleash creativity in order for you to enhance learning in the subjects of math, world cultures and more. Schedule Request My Diary and YoursType: Workshop Rita leads a journey through Indian arts and culture and can integrate Indian dance and folk arts with curriculum. Focus on dance and choose to work with rhythmic cycles to generate ideas for math; write narratives based on Kathak dances; or use dance movements, footwork and spins to encourage health and activity. Focus on folk arts and choose to make rakhi (friendship bracelets); create diya (clay oil lamps); decorate palms with mehendi (henna); face paint with handan (sandalwood paste); or create alpana (floor designs with rice paint). Schedule Request |