20 East Market Street
Iowa City, IA 52245
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20 East Market Street Iowa City, IA 52245 a member of
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Kathak Dance is one of the major dances of India and is the classical dance tradition of North India. “Kathak” means storyteller, but has evolved into a dance with storytelling and rhythm aspects. Famous for fancy footwork and flashy spins, Kathak inspired Flamenco, modern and jazz dance styles. Hindu and Muslim influences are also blended in this exquisite and expressive dance-art, which is becoming increasingly popular throughout the U.S. and the world.
Performing artist / instructor Wendy Stegall presents the essential traditional elements of this ancient, yet highly individualistic and improvisational dance form. She is known for her authenticity as a dancer and teacher as well as her ability to tailor her classes to meet the goals and ages of her students, which range from 5 – 55. Children and adults alike are enchanted by the style’s fluid beauty, precision and excitement.
Regular classes are now being offered at Arts A La Carte in Iowa City. Class time is 5:00-6:00 pm every Monday and beginners are welcome through June but if you miss the first class please contact Wendy to register prior to attending the class. This session will run for June and July, starting up again in the fall. The introductory rate will be $45 per month for 4-5 classes. Beginning in the fall, Classes will be $55 per month, paid in advance at the beginning of the month. Students can inquire about special discounts if necessary.
Wendy has studied Kathak since 1987. Training in America and India, she studied at the prestigious Kathak Kendra in New Delhi in 1990, and received advanced training at the preeminent Kadamb Centre for Dance and Music in Ahmedebad, India, in 2000. She retains a standing invitation from to perform in the school’s dance troupe. She continues advanced training in Chicago, where her primary teacher, the much-revered Sandhya Desai runs an affiliated foundation.
In 1998, Wendy founded the Pashyanti School of Kathak in Fairfield, Iowa where her main activities are currently centered. She has recently been rostered in the Iowa Arts Council Arts in Education Program and will be traveling to schools throughout Iowa to share this great dance-art. Wendy hopes through her effort in Iowa to contribute to Kathak’s growing popularity in the west. Kathak is the most improvisational and individualistic of the classical dances. It has marvelous creative application in other styles and in innovative choreography, also one of Wendy’s interests.