Where the Ghungroo Lead Me

Namaskar, and welcome to my little corner of Nrityangan.

Before a story becomes a movement, there is a moment of listening. To the music. To the rhythm beneath it. To whatever the heart is trying to say.

This journal is my space to listen a little more closely, and to share my Kathak journey with you.

A journey that keeps unfolding

Nearly thirty years ago, I founded Nrityangan Kathak Studio. Since then, teaching, mentoring, and conducting workshops for students of all ages have been a beautiful part of my life. Yet the longer I stay with dance, the more I feel there is still to discover.

There is the discipline of returning to a movement until it begins to feel natural. There is the patience of starting again. And there is the joy of seeing someone find a little more confidence through dance.

For me, these moments belong to the Kathak journey just as much as a performance does.

With gratitude to my gurus

I have had the privilege of learning from Parimal Kishan Ji, Pandit Birju Maharaj Ji, Smt. Saraswati Sen, Smt. Vandana Sen, Pandit Chitresh Das Ji, Saroj Khan Ji, and Kakuli Mukherjee.

I carry deep gratitude for the opportunity to learn from them. To be a teacher is also to remain a student: curious, attentive, and willing to return to the basics with humility.

The journey does not end when we learn the steps. It opens as we learn to listen.

From the classroom to the stage

Over the years, my troupe and I have shared our dance at events including IACA, IAWW, Art and Heritage, Northwest Folklife, City of Seattle, Ethnic Heritage, and Utsav. My work has also taken me into judging dance competitions and talent shows, including Dance USA Dance, and teaching with Vibes.

These experiences remind me how many ways dance can bring people together. Tradition gives us a foundation. Our own expression gives us a way to speak from it.

That meeting of tradition and creativity is close to my heart, and it is part of what I hope to nurture at Nrityangan.

A space to share, and to grow

Here, I hope to share reflections from teaching and practice, thoughts on expression and storytelling, and glimpses of the journey beyond the stage. Some entries may celebrate a performance. Others may simply linger with a question that stayed with me after class.

Whether you are tying your ghungroo for the first time, returning to dance after a pause, or simply curious about Kathak, you are welcome here.

Bring your curiosity. Bring your questions. There is room for all of us to keep learning.

With warmth and gratitude,

Chandrayee Bhattacharyya

Founder & Director, Nrityangan Kathak Studio