One of the most popular classical dance Institute of the city, Ved Institute of Performing Arts presented their annual show with the theme “Shiva Shakti”, exposing the talent of young children in different age groups at the Mysore Association auditorium in Matunga on 2^nd February 2025.

It was quite exciting to watch little children perform with lot of enthusiasm, as their parents were thrilled to watch their passion for the Kathak classical dance style of northern India. Many of the children were dancing on the platform for the first time, hence they were little nervous but their enthusiasm was remarkable. In today’s world of western influence and western dances, it was gratifying to watch little children trying to do their best, to the excitement of the audience.

Ved Institute of Performing Arts was established in the year 2009 by accomplished Kathak danseuse and mentor, Guru Aditi Yadava, who hold a masters degree in dance from the popular Bharata College of Performing Arts in Mumbai, founded by renowned Bharata Natyam exponent, Dr Sandhya Purecha, presently the chairperson of the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi. Guru Aditi Yadav is a painstaking teacher and dancer, with over a thousand dance aspirants seeking her guidance and is credited for her several performance for various cultural organisations all over India.

The theme of the programme was Shiva Shakti incorporating the concept of feminine and masculine vitality, as propunded by Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, also known as the style of both “lasya” (graceful and delicate movements) and “tandava” (masculine and vibrant movements).

Besides the glorifications of the gods, it was interesting and absorbing to watch little children display their talent with the touch of innocence which was both striking and heart warming, creating a great impact on the audience. The highlight number of the evening was the Thali dance, dance on the rim of the brass plate, trying to execute rhythmic patterns with precision that attracted lot of attention.

The performance was a fine combination of varied movements and innate expressions. Many students who scored 100% marks in the Gandharva exams were honoured and appreciated too.

Guru Aditi Yadav, while encouraging all the children said “Its quite exciting to teach children but not easy and I would like to state that both children and parents should realise that Kathak is a divine art form, hence not easy to learn or master, you need lot of patience, hard work and determination to learn classical dance, as there is no short cut to success, no pain, no gain, my best wishes for everyone”.

By Guru Vijay Shankar