Alliance Française de Dhaka in association with Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre, High Commission of India, Dhaka organised a kathak dance recital by ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) empanelled, accomplished French dancer Isabelle Anna at La Gallerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka on May 3.
Born in a rich cultural environment, Isabelle Anna commenced her training in Bharatanatyam at the age of five. Subsequently, in 1998, she was initiated to kathak dance by Sharmila Sharma, disciple of the legendary Indian kathak dance exponent, Pandit Birju Maharaj, at centre 'Mandapa' in Paris.
As an Indo-French Government Scholar (2001-2003) and an ICCR Scholar (2003-2005), Anna joined Kathak Kendra, New Delhi, and trained under Pandit Jai Kishan Maharaj, son of Pandit Birju Maharaj, and passed with Honours in Classical Dance in 2004, and completed her post diploma in 2006. During this period, she also trained in tabla, yoga and Hindustani classical vocal music. Subsequently, being a scholar of the French Ministry of Culture for Choreographic Studies, she undertook intensive research and formulated choreographies using kathak as a medium of expression with Western music, demonstrating the links between the western and eastern cultures. Her dance recitals include both the traditional aspects of the Lucknow Gharana and her experimental work based on kathak.
Isabelle Anna started off her performance, on May 3, with a “Shahi Mehfil” choreography by Pt Jaikishan Maharaj. The performance was set on teen tal. A performance, to a thumri, composed by Bindadin Maharaj was next. Anna beautifully enacted a young maiden being teased by Krishna, who keeps tugging at her sari, pursuing her, and stealing her water pitcher.
Anna danced to a ghazal, titled “Bade Nada” that was composed by Pt. Arjun Mishra. The essence of the romantic ghazal instills the spirit of lovers who can be killed, but their love cannot.
The artiste presented a vibrant piece of dance with a “Sargam”. Choreographed by Pt. Arjun Mishra, the piece was set on an 11-beat tal called “Ashtamangal”.
The dancer changed her costume for the second part of her recital. With music by Tomas Luis de Victoria, “O Vos Omnes” was her first offering. “O Vos Omnes” was originally sung as part of the Roman Catholic liturgies for the Holy Week, and is now often sung as a motet.
Dancing to the number “A Few Steps on a Tango” was next. Inspired by Andrea Segovia's guitar; the choreography is based on tango, one of today's most popular dances. Isabelle Anna conjures up a duo with an imaginary partner, as is the tradition in kathak.
The artiste wrapped up her performance with “Habanera”, a composition from the “Carmen Opera”, and music by George Bizet.
Anna started teaching kathak and Western ballet at Ecole Française de New Delhi in 2003, and has also engaged herself in imparting dance training to children with special needs at the Inspiration Centre, New Delhi. She has conducted several workshops in France, Italy, and the UK with a view to promoting the tradition of her Guru, Pandit Jaikishan Maharaj, representing the 'Kalka-Bindadin Gharana' of Lucknow. Anna has participated in several dance concerts of high repute including the Festival Oriente Occidente, Rovereto, Italy (2008); ICCR Festival, Delhi (2006 and 2008); Biennale du Val de Marne Festival, France (2005, 2006 and 2008); Le Dansoir, Paris (2008); Kathak Mahotsav, Jaipur (2008); Sutra Dance Theatre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2007) and Un été à Bourges Festival, France (2007).
