Gauri Jog [Kathak Exponent]
Dance is my passion. I was so determined to learn dance I literally dragged my dad to a dance school when I was seven. The year was 1977 and it happened at Nagpur, India. That is where I met my guru Mr. Madan Pande. He is follower of Jaipur Gharana and taught me basic techniques of Kathak and folk dancing. After learning Kathak for about 10 years I passed my Visharad from Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Mumbai in 1988. This is equivalent to a graduate degree. Along with dance I used to perform in a theatre and staged various dance dramas. I choreographed my first dance when I was 15 for the childrens theatre.
Since then I never looked back. I performed at countless occasions, won so many awards at various competitions, and certainly earned a name. My achievements were widely covered by local media at Nagpur.
I soon realized that to become successful dancer, choreographer and director I needed basic knowledge of other instruments and music. So I learned Tabla, Harmonium and Singing.
I also learned Kathak from Mrs. Lalita Hardas to hone my skills further in developing my expressions and choreography.
I completed my formal education earning graduate degree in Home Science followed by post graduate degree in Food Science and Nutrition. Later I also completed a graduate course in Education to become a certified teacher.
I migrated to US in 1998 and started my own dance school in 1999. I started with just few girls and expanded my activities every year since then. I continued performing in US at various places. Since the education is never enough, I kept attending short term workshops with Ms. Madhurita Sarang of Mumbai and Mr. Birju Maharaj of Delhi.
My gifted grace, good educational background and interest in teaching had helped me in becoming a successful dance performer, choreographer and director of a dance school.
Major Performances
Jhansi Ki Rani in June 2005 at Schaumburg, IL: The basic idea of the program was to portray life of brave queen of Jhansi. There were more than 40 dancers in the age group of four to fifty and they performed Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Ballet, and folk dances.
Cultural Program in May 2006 at Lincolnshire, IL: We performed this program to entertain our seniors and all the people working for them. More than 15 girls and their parents showed their commitment to the community by performing various dances. Girls performed on classical Kathak, Fusion, Bollywood. This was appreciated by all the present.
Chitram in May 2006 at Detroit, Michigan: It is a spectacular musical theatre production staged by Kanniks Kannikeswaran of Cincinnati. Gauri Jog was invited to perform at this elaborate performance consisting of 30 musicians and dancers.
Classical Dance Festival in May 2006 at Aurora, IL: The highlights of this program include Mira Bhajan and a beautiful dance based on a semi classical gazal. The choreography, selection of music and performance by all girls was much appreciated by audience.
Multi Cultural Fair in April 2006 at Palatine, IL: This multi cultural event was arranged by school district and India was represented by our school.
Shanti: A Journey of Peace in March 2006 at Cincinnati, Ohio: This acclaimed choral multi-media theater production featured a 150 - member choir, a chamber orchestra and an ensemble of Indian instruments. To the packed audience of 2600 our school was invited for a dance fusion with Bharatnatyam. "Shanti" was conceived and created by Kanniks Kannikeswaran.
Community Ram Lila in October 2005 at Lemont, IL: On the occasion of Dussehra, the Hindu Temple arranged dance ballet on Ramayana. We performed three major items. The first dance described Sri Ram's childhood by eight students. The interaction between king Dashrath and queen Kaikayee was represented by Jugalbandi between Kathak and Bharatnatyam. Our school also received much appreciation for staging "Lezim" dance, a popular folk dance from Maharashtra. Fund Raising Dinner in May 2005 at Lemont, IL: To raise fund for community we perform many events throughout the year. This was one of the programs where our school participated. Ganesh Utsav in September 2004 at Chicago, IL: The two renowned Indian dance-forms Bharatnatyam from the south and Kathak from the north were weaved into the same string of rhythm, giving it the feeling of oneness. Each dancer leads and then follows in a game of challenge. Performed by Gauri Jog and Anuya Wagh. Hanuman Jayanthi in May 2003 at Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago: This was a annual class program of our school. More than 50 students participated in the program. The program had notable items like "Dhingali", Bhajans, pure Kathak, bollywood dances, "Tabla" duets, classical vocal. Composers Day in December 2002 at Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago: Gauri Jog preformed the classical song "Aaj Shyam Murali Bajayee" by Birju Maharaj. Gauri also performed on "Tarana" - a vocal style in Indian music that is sung in a fast tempo using meaningless syllables which are very rhythmic in nature.
Contact Details
Indian Dance School by Gauri Jog
2200 Briar Hill Drive
Schaumburg, IL 60194
USA
Phone: 847-755-9625
Artiste's website