Katha Dance Theatre, the Dancing Storytellers of India

2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount

$1,123

Project of

Arrowhead Library System Legacy Grant SFY 2014 - SFY 2015

Fund Source

Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund

Recipient

Recipient Type

Libraries

Status

Completed

Start Date

May 2014

End Date

May 2014

Activity Type

Education/Outreach/Engagement

Counties Affected

St. Louis

Project Overview

Katha Dance Theatre performs an interdisciplinary, percussive dance of Kathak along with storytelling, poetry, mime, and theater that makes it a dynamic multimedia presentation. Founded in 1987 by Artistic Director Rita Mustaphi, Katha Dance Theatre (KDT) is rooted in classical Kathak dance of north India and is the only organization of its kind, size, and scope in the Midwest United States keeping alive the tradition of Kathak and expanding upon its forms. The Katha Dance Theatre brings the sights, the sounds, the colors and the tastes of this magical land of India, a land where 5,000 year-old past mingles with a thoroughly modernized present.

Project Details

87 attended

Project Details: 2014 Fiscal Year

Legal Citation / Subdivision

Laws of Minnesota for 2013 Chapter 137, Article 4, Section 2, Subdivision 4

2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount

$1,123

Other Funds Leveraged

$143

Direct expenses

$1,266

Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

The intended outcome of the arts program is to allow patrons to enjoy original music, dance and storytelling in a high-caliber performance while learning about another culture. Encouraging them to reflect on the relation of their own upbringing to this music and exposing them to new forms of music, dance and library experiences.

Measurable Outcome(s)

Surveys were distributed to participants at all programs. Participants liked the explanation of the hand gestures in this style of dance and the opportunity to participate in the dance to better relate and understand the dance better. participants learned how "this type of dance began with sacred dance and now embrace cultures around the world" and that the "description of dance as something higher and bigger, added a wonderful perspective". Patrons also commented that this was "An oasis in a cultural desert" and "I love to learn about other cultures".

Source of Additional Funds

The following public libraries provided space, staff, and additional promotion for the programs: Hibbing and Virginia libraries and approximately 4 regional newspapers.