Parampara

artsdepot@The Bull

High Street, Barnet

Thursday, July 3

It's not easy to see classical Indian dance these days, because modern choreographers tend to favour more contemporary styles.

But one Barnet-based dancer is putting on an evening of kathak dance, which originates from northern India. It will be performed in the strict classical style with the accompaniment of Indian tabla master Kumar Bose - who has been an inspiration to many a percussionist.

Sujarat Banerjee, of Sutton Crescent, has called the dance piece Parampara, which means tradition. It will be staged at artsdepot@The Bull, High Street, Barnet, next Thursday (July 3).

"The reason I chose that name is because it will be the traditional kathak Ñ the classical style of north India. But just because it is traditional does not mean it is boring," said Ms Banerjee.

"The thing about tradition is that it is innovative because it never stops. That's the beauty of tradition Ñ you can compose new things that have more strength because they are rooted in one style."

The heart of kathak dance lies in its rhythm Ñ and Ms Banerjee has scored something of a coup in bringing Bose to The Bull. "I'm extremely lucky to be able to get Kumar Bose on the tabla drum - he's famous worldwide. Debasish Mukherjee will be on the pakhawaj drum," she said.

"Kathak is storytelling. The simple rhythm structure is to talk about the monsoon which is happening in India now, how you see the dark clouds coming. All this through the sound of the drums. All the different themes are expressed rhythmically. It's very important to maintain the rhythmical structure."

For tickets to Parampara, at £8 or £6 concessions, call the box office on 020 8449 0048. Ms Banerjee also runs a dance class at the All Saints' Arts Centre in Oakleigh Road North, Whetstone. Email sujata@indianperformingarts.com for more information.