September 27, 2023

Traditional Indian Dance by Local Choreographer

VOYAGE TO INDIA: Shivani Badgi will perform a traditional “Kathak” work — blending dance with music, art, and history — at West Windsor Arts on October 14.

West Windsor Arts is hosting a special solo dance concert by Shivani Badgi, an Indian American dancer, teacher and choreographer, on Saturday, October 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. at West Windsor Arts, 952 Alexander Road.

Badgi will perform Nritya Mehfil, a traditional Kathak dance that originated in northern India hundreds of years ago. Kathak is derived from the Sanskrit word “katha,” which means story. During a Kathak performance, the dancer becomes a storyteller through graceful, expressive movements.

“Shivani will transport you to an Indian country-style Mehfil,” said Aylin Green, executive director of West Windsor Arts. “She will blend dance with music, art, and history for a very special evening.”

“When performed in the United States today, Kathak is often a part of a larger show, rather than the entire show,” said Shivani, who grew up in West Windsor and is the artistic director and owner of The Gurukul Performing Arts, a performing arts school with branches in Plainsboro and New York City. Traditionally, Kathak is performed in intimate settings that allow the dancer to talk directly to the audience throughout the performance.

“I am excited to present this kind of immersive, evening-length solo show to my community,” Shivani said. “I wanted to bring the whole ambiance — what you would get if you went to a show in India 200 years ago. It will be a treat for all the senses. You will smell the sandalwood and taste the tea. I will also be explaining to my audience what I am doing, and what to look for in the next portion of the dance.”

Shivani, whose mother is also a Kathak practitioner, has been performing since she was 5 years old. In addition to running the school, she performs in and around New York City at festivals and cultural events, as well as solo shows.

“This performance is a great opportunity to give back to the community I love,” she said.

Tickets are $35 for West Windsor Arts members and $40 for non-members. Visit westwindsorarts.org.