In the rhythmic tapestry of Kathak, Nivedita’s journey unfolds like a mesmerizing melody, weaving tales of dedication, talent, and cultural richness. With over two decades of immersion in this ancient dance form, her footsteps have traversed continents, leaving behind echoes of grace and elegance. From the vibrant streets of Kolkata to the bustling landscapes of Los Angeles, her dance has transcended borders, captivating hearts and minds along the way. Nivedita is a celebrated Kathak dancer and choreographer, with more than 20 years of professional training. Her expertise has taken her around the globe, where she has both performed and choreographed stunning dances. Her dedication to Kathak has earned her a National Gold Medal in this classical Indian dance form.
Before moving to Massachusetts, Nivedita taught numerous workshops in and around Los Angeles. Her talent and passion for Kathak have been showcased at various political events in Anaheim, CA, and she has choreographed performances for the Irvine Global Festival. Her work was so impressive that she was featured on the front page of the Irvine Global Newspaper.
Nivedita is trained under the world-renowned Kathak guru, Vidushi Madhumita Rai. She also attended master classes and workshops with legendary Kathak maestros like the late Pandit Birju Maharaj, Guru Saswati Sen, and Pandit Rajendra Gangani. In Kolkata, she performed at numerous award ceremonies and prestigious events, further honing her craft.
Recently, Nivedita has ventured back into acting. She is the lead artist in an international drama/short film by the famous Bangladeshi director SA Haque Olike. This marks an exciting chapter in her diverse artistic career.
Nivedita’s Performances in New England
Nivedita’s talent has been recognized in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and neighboring states. She has performed solo and group dances at the Rhode Island Capitol Building and was invited to perform at the Governor’s Reception Hall during the FIA’s Diwali celebrations in November 2023. There, she received a certificate of recognition from Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos.
Jay Kumar, host of the Jay-Ho! Show, was genuinely captivated by her dance performance. He conveyed his appreciation by remarking, “We’re truly fortunate to witness such remarkable skill here in the Greater Boston area.
She enjoys creating fun and engaging choreographies, especially with kids. One notable performance was at Shaan’s Jay-Ho concert, where her choreography for a kids’ group was praised on stage by the celebrity singer Shaan. Her group, Kalakaar, is also set to perform at an upcoming concert by Anu Malik in Boston.
She is the founder and Artistic Director of Kalakaar Academy of Indian Classical Performing Arts in Boston. Kalakaar aims to preserve and pass on the rich cultural heritage of Indian classical arts to the next generation living abroad.
Nivedita said -“At Kalakaar, the teaching style is strictly classical, focusing on the fundamental aspects of Kathak: Taal (rhythm), Laya (tempo), Mudra (gestures), Chalan (movement), and Abhinaya (expression). We believe these five elements are crucial to mastering any Indian classical art form.”
Kalakaar welcomes students of all ages, from 4 to 40 years old. She firmly believes that there is no age limit for learning. If you have always wanted to learn pure Kathak dance, now is your chance to join Kalakaar and immerse yourself in this beautiful art form.
Nivedita’s journey in Kathak is a testament to her dedication, talent, and passion for this classical dance. Through her performances, teaching, and choreographies, she continues to inspire and educate, ensuring that the beauty of Kathak thrives in future generations.
