Dance and Music of North India

From the villages and temples of ancient India, to the royal courts of the Mughal Empire, kathak dance and Hindustani music have been steeped in the rich artistic traditions of North India that have been passed down and developed for thousands of years. Pulling from both Hindu and Muslim traditions, kathak dance represents many different aspects of Indian culture. From storytelling that draws from India’s great epics, and to songs that originated as ancient Sanskrit verses, this art form is embedded with the great history of the Indian subcontinent. “Like most other Eastern music and dance practices, kathak dance and Hindustani music are inextricably linked and share a common language, including spoken rhythms, a wide range of percussive sounds, and a depth of music theory,” says kathak dance instructor Carrie Jennings. Join Jennings as she delves into North Indian classical dance and music in all of its beauty and artistry. Then attend a live concert and see it all in action—where the dancers and musicians communicate constantly on the stage, share ideas, inspire one another, and co-create together through the use of their shared language and deep knowledge of the tradition. And finally, meet the performers at intermission to learn more about their journeys of bringing this art form to life in the U.S.

Two in-person sessions
Wed., Feb. 22, 2023, 6:30-8:30 pm MT
Leela Dance Collective performance, Fri., Mar. 3, 7:30 pm

Carrie Jennings is currently an adjunct faculty member at the Lamont School of Music where she directs the North Indian Classical Ensemble. As a performer, she tours with her kathak dance company Leela Dance Collective, and with her indie soul band Mama Magnolia (trumpet & vocal). She is also the manager of Leela Dance Collective and a faculty member at Leela Denver.