Doors at 2:30 pm; Show at 3:00 pm

Tickets are $10 adults / $8 kids

Today we visit classical North Indian dance as Ashkenaz’s Global Cultures for Kids series brings the world of family entertainment to our stage. No passport is necessary, because the world comes to our stage when some of the greatest exponents of world music, dance and just plain fun present kid-oriented concerts at Ashkenaz on occasional Sundays. 

Today we focus on the classical Kathak dance tradition of North India, presented The Chhandam School of Kathak. The school is the educational arm of the world-famous Chitresh Das Dance Company, and features both professional and student dancers in costume. The class academy is dedicated to deep cultural education through the Kathak tradition. Founded in Northern California in 1980, it is the largest classical Indian dance institution in North America. In addition, it has major affiliate centers run by Pandit Das’ disciples in India, Boston, Los Angeles and Toronto. 

Chhandam emphasizes Chitresh Das’ renowned holistic pedagogy and formalized curriculum for Kathak that has influenced dancers and artists worldwide. Students of all ages undergo extensive training in technique, rhythmical math (taal), improvisation, storytelling, classical Indian music, Indian history, philosophy, and etiquette. Through this training, students develop discipline, awareness, focus, respect, character, and overall life training. 

Upcoming Global Culture for Kids programs will feature music of the Philippines with Likha (June 18), Indigenous American culture of Sewam in August, the Oct. 29 Dia de los Muertos concert with Mexico’s Martin Espino, as well as flamenco music and dance with Caminos Flamencos, world fusion music with Atash, Tuvan throat singing with Alash, Afro-Venezuelan music and dance with Betsayda Machado, Louisiana Creole zydeco music and dance with Geno Delafose, and many more international music and dance artists!