Meet Bageshree Vaze: an Indo-Canadian dance artist who performs and choreographs in the style of Kathak, the North Indian art form that is a synthesis of movement, rhythm and music. “In my practice as a performer and as an engager of other artists (through my company @pratibhaarts) I strive to enhance the cultural fabric of Canada and help make visible art forms that are just as much Canadian as historically predominant European-based dance styles.”

Meet Bageshree and learn more about Kathak technique by joining the #DanceWeekend21 workshop on May 2nd! #ComeDanceWithUs

 

  1. Can you tell us little bit about yourself/company/collective/school?

I am an Indo-Canadian dance artist, I perform and choreograph the style of Kathak, the North Indian art form that is a synthesis of movement, rhythm and music. My background in and practise of vocal music is an integral part of my practice and work, and I have 5 CDs, the music of which is accessed for performance by dancers around the world. In my practice as a performer and as an engager of other artists (through my company Pratibha Arts) I strive to enhance the cultural fabric of Canada and help make visible art forms that are just as much Canadian as historically predominant European-based dance styles.

  1. What will you be sharing at DanceWeekend’21?

I will be teaching a workshop on Kathak technique.

  1. How has the pandemic shifted your work as a professional dance artist?

The pandemic has caused the presenting world to hit the ‘pause’ button on performances in venues, but it has made me realize the daily practice – what we call Riyaz – is an integral part of my practice and the pandemic has allowed me to focus more on that. I have been fortunate to present a number of virtual programs over the past year, and it was an interesting exercise to learn how to shift digitally.

  1. Please share what you are most looking forward to at Dance Ontario’s first virtual DanceWeekend?

I’m looking forward to seeing participants virtually – we are lucky to have digital tools to continue engaging with art-lovers.

  1. Do you have any up-coming performances/workshops/events you would like to share?

Not at this time – it is an interesting moment as so much uncertainty continues and people are feeling virtual-fatigue, awaiting a time when we can get back in theatres once the vaccine is widely available.

  1. In 1 or 2 sentences, what does dance mean to you?

Dance is the daily movement of what it means to be human. It’s not just what people see or do on stage. Kathak dance and classical Indian art forms have evolved from a time of no patronage and proscenium stages, so while the pandemic has paused the world from doing what it was doing until now, I take heart in knowing that the art I practise transcends any limitations, and will continue to thrive regardless of the pandemic.