AAMAD-DANCE CENTRE’S
ACTIVITIES REPORT
(April 2021-2022 May)
ACTIVITIES REPORT 2021-2022 (May)
AAMAD a non-profit organization registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860 has 24 Years existence. AAMAD is established in the year 1996 to promote performing arts among the youth. AAMAD runs training centres in the eastern part of Delhi and imparting training in classical dance & music to talented students of all strata of the society.
It has set its top most priority to reach out to the economically weaker sections and has opened its doors for talented prodigies with a free scholarship. AAMAD firmly believes that a strong disciplinary approach through the best of cultural education and programmes, would churn out and fine tune artistes with capabilities. A number of them scored distinction in examinations. Some of the students have taken up performing arts as their career and have become practitioners. A few of them have gone into research also.
AAMAD’s interdisciplinary and cross cultural projects are an important part of its activities. AAMAD’s artists have been featured in prestigious national and International dance festivals, international collaborations and dance productions in India, France, Spain, UK, Qatar, Russia, Algeria Korea and Malaysia.
2016-2017, lifted the dance to a new spiritual level. With knowledge driven research it was possible to explore elements resulting in more impactful and larger scale performances. We tried to bring widespread awareness and appreciation from media, art connoisseurs and celebrities. Also, highlight environmental issues through our performances and also raise awareness about rights of Women and person with disabilities. We focus on the integrated dance productions and enhance the training module for both abled and disabled students and youth. We tried to highlight this issues through our performances and also raise awareness about person with disabilities.
2017- 2018, in this year, we focused on more new productions and performances. AAMAD has been successfully organizing festivals & seminars for last two decade. These festivals & seminars had a mixed presence of veterans, new comers and renowned personalities who have won many accolades time and again. These & seminars have won rave reviews from the art critics and art connoisseurs.
2018-2019, this year was great; AAMAD Dance Centre has achieved heights and received appreciation from every corner of India. AAMAD got opportunity to perform from the Common Man to the President of India, Prime Minister of India & Vice President of India, Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi. They have performed internationally at enviable venues like; Russia through the ICCR, In Qatar through the ministry of Culture and many more for the prestigious festivals and concerts.
2019-2020; In this year, again we have focused on innovative learning programs, which is to allow talented students realise their full potential and contribute to society. Also done the collaborative work with organisations, talks and created integrated dance productions and enhance the training module for both abled and disabled students and youth. We tried to highlight this issues through our performances and also raise awareness about person with disabilities.
2020 – 2021
In this year, prior to pandemic, AAMAD Centre had less exposure to online virtual Kathak classes, festival and do productions. However, during these difficult times of Covid-19, it became a compulsion sort of a thing to go in for virtual dance classes and create a new productions online, so as to keep the continuity and flow of our dance training. Especially during last one year, it has been a politically and socially quite tumultuous. This year, AAMAD had many students across the country involved in learning Kathak dance through digital classes and workshop.
Our social environment has also been politicized to an extent. There is all the more need for putting across a message for social harmony in our society. Many of our dance productions conveyed this subtle message through socially relevant themes of dance presentation to restore peace and tranquillity in the country. Art is all about sensitivities and sensibilities and an artist is always and ultra-sensitive individual and therefore feels the impact of our social aberrations more than an ordinary individual. Artists through their art forms conveyed as to how they perceive the society to be and art always flourishes in the harmonious and stable social environment. AAMAD Dance Center took an initiative to prepare a many video albums like; ‘EK Umeed’ featuring many nationally and internationally acclaimed artists including Guru Pt. Birju Maharaj ji, Saroja Vaidhyanathan ji ,Uma Sharma ji, Bharti Shiva ji and many more. This video album was dedicated to Corona warriors. It was collaborated with Urvashi Dance Society together.
2021-2022
In 2021-2022, AAMAD Centre has created many integrated cultural programs based on Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav concept: Unity in diversity and Patriotic. Also created dance productions for the rights of person with disability and women towards equality and social justice and presented it to many NGO and educational institutes. AAMAD constantly focus on the subject of several socio political issues and discuss these issues with the artists and tried to make that how we can reflect the burning social issues in our themes of dance productions in future.
Here AAMAD is presenting its activities details of the year 2021 April- 2022 March
April 2022-2022 (May)
May 2022
Regular classes were conducted as per AAMAD syllabus. Theory Classes were conducted by Guru’s of AAMAD Centre and covered the following content.
On 20 May 2022, AAMAD artists has given Lecture Demonstration: Rani Khanam, Priyanka Shah, Shuheb Hasan and Shikha Sharma at ABES Engineer Collage, Ghaziabad at 4pm.
On 13th May 2022, ICCR (Indian Council of Cultural Relationship) has organised cultural program on the occasion of the celebration of World Portuguese Language at Azad Bhawan, ITO New Delhi, graced by Hon'ble MOS for External Affairs and Culture, Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi.
The program titled was ‘Indo-Portuguese Cultural Connection’, the program highlighted cultural connection of world Portuguese’s Literatures, Heritage, Culture, Performing & program Visual arts worldwide. AAMAD Centre’s artists and senior students has participated along other artists & musicians teams. Rani Khanam conceptualised and choreographed the program.
Ms. Nadia Rebelo - Fado Singer from Goa who sung Konkani and Portuguese songs with the live musicians from Delhi. There was a combined dance forms like; Kathak, Oddissi, Bharatnatayam, Contemporary & Portuguese Folk dance from Goa were featured. Artists who were participated including ; Nadia Rebelo, Akram Khan, Siraj Khan, Miraj Khan, Ashutosh, (Dancers); Shikha Sharma, Sonam Chouhan, Ridhima Singh, Sara Syed, Mahima Srivastav, Kavita Sati Singh, Kratika Singh, Sakshi Singh, Radha Kumari, Anusuiya, Aprajita & team, Vickky Bhartam and Ajay Bhatt & team.
On 10 May 2022, AAMAD Centre presented its new dance production “Sanskriti Virasat” for 'Rajya Sabha Day' at GMC Balayogi Auditorium, Parliament Library Building, New Delhi, organised by ICCR and Rajya Sabha Secretariat. The function was presided by Chairman of Rajya Sabha Venkaiah Naidu. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh also addressed the celebration. Many AAMAD Centre’s artists along with an excellent team of other artists & musicians has participated in this program. There was a combined dance forms like; Kathak, Oddissi, Chau, Bharatnatayam, Contemporary and Folk dancers. The name of the artists are; Shikha Sharma, Nisha Kesari, Lawanya Gupta, Devyani Nautiyal, Nibha Gulati, Krita Gupta, Saisha Saxsena, Ridhima Singh, Sara Syed, Mahima Srivastav, Sakshi Singh, Radha Kumari, Anusuiya and Pooja madan, Ankitakaushik, Kuleshwar & Yagna Performing arts team and Anish and Team.
On 8th May 2022, AAMAD Dance Centre presented 'SRIJAN' a new dance production at 6pm, Shri Ram Centre Auditorium, New Delhi. In this SRIJAN- a Kathak Festival, the artists highlighted the important phase in human life-childhood through their specially choreographed performances, and how this phase marks the foundation of the personality & emotional resilience capacity of any person.
The evening commenced with a lamp lighting ceremony by Chief Guest Hon MP (West Delhi) Shri Sarvesh Sahib Singh and other guests including; Shri Ravinder Mishra, Akram Khan, Kavita dewedi, Chitra Singh, Jayanti Rangnathan,. The event’s open with Rehas of Wajid Ali Shah, Traditional Kathak Taals, Malkaus Tarana, Durga Stuti, Thumari, Sufi Qalam, Sargam etc., which were performed by the AAMAD artists and students. Also Srijan festival celebrated budding artists through Guru Shishya Parampara). Ridhima Singh and Shubhangee Goyal, who has presented their Solo performances.
On 6th May 2022 at Urdu Ghar; Anjuman Taraqqui Urdu (Hind) in collaboration with Kathak Kendra presented “Kathak aur Andaz-e-Ghalib”, performed by the Interns of Kathak Kendra under the guidance of AAMAD’s Guru Rani Khanum
April 2022
On 20 April 2022, AAMAD Guru and artists given their homage to great guru Pt. Birju Maharaji ji through their Kathak dance performance in Kalaashram's Festival 'Vasantotsava 22'. This would be best way by keeping his thoughts and work alive through his student’s performance and creative work.
Regular Kathak dance classes of Foundation, Certificate, Diploma and Post Diploma were continued as per syllabus of AAMAD.
Quarterly Assessments; AAMAD dance centre regular assessments of dance classes held with the aim of gaining the confidence of the students in better way. These assessments motivated and encouraged students to work hard to improve their short comings in practice and their result improved. The grades were provided to the parents of the students duly signed by their Guru.
On 16th April 2022, AAMAD Centre organised ‘Elements’ - An interactive exploration of movements (Demonstration & workshop) by Aakash Odedra (Renowned British Asian Kathak/ Contemporary dancer & chorographer) on 16th April 2022 (Saturday) at it Centre. The components of dance productions. The content will be about thought processes on -Choreography-Dramaturgy- Exploration. The interactive workshop aim was to open a positive dialogue about artistic practice and the evolution of the arts. This was followed by open questions for all attending. Presented by AAMAD Dance Centre.
On 14 April 2022, Sufiana Qalam performance held on 14 April 2022 held at Central Park, CP, New Delhi. AAMAD Centre’s artists performed Sufiana Qalams in Sufi Festival with India's senior most Qawwal Aslam Sabri ji & melodious Singer Druv Sangari. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Manish Sisodia grace the occasion.
April 2021- March 2022
March 2022
On 19 March 2022, A Symposium on forms of Art: their Connection and Reciprocation Seminar was held at Loka Yatra Art Gallery, Hauz Khas, New Delhi. The speakers were Guru Rani Khanam on the behalf of AAMAD, Smt. Sarita Pathak, Rahul Chaudhury, Koustav Nag and Subrata Biswas, co-ordination by Dr. Madhu Aggarwal.
On 20th March 2022, President Shri Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated ‘Charti Lal Goel Heritage Park’ in Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi. He was also given a tour of the garden during his brief visit. The park was opened amid colorful cultural performances, strains of classical music, and traditional Kathak dance by a AAMAD’s artists in the ‘Baradari’ which was decked up with flowers and a chandelier. The program was organised by Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi.
On March 3 2022, AAMAD Centre proudly present “Nisha Kesari’ who performed in Kathak Kendra, New Delhi festival. The performance well received by all the audience and art lovers.
February 2022
On 22 February 2022, Guru Rani Khanam has received women’s Achievement Award on the occasion of Kasturba Gandhi Nirvan Diwas by Gandhi Smiriti and Darshan Samiti, Ministry of Culture.
On 17th February 2022, Kalahetu organaised the program titled “KAL” is a tribute to late Guru, Pt. Birju Maharaj ji. AAMAD’s two senior promising students Nisha Kesari & Ridhima Singh were performed Kathak (duet) in "Kal" program along with Yashaswini Maharaj & Oishee Bhatacharjee and many more.
On 16 February 2022, Abhayas cultural organisation organaised ‘Shradhanjali’ Tribute to Padma Vibhushan Guru Pandit Birju Maharaj ji at Vivekanand Auditorium, Chankayapuri, New Delhi. Guru Rani Khanam and AAMAD artists has given tribute to Guru Pt. Birju Maharaj ji AAMAD artists.
Regular classes were conducted as per AAMAD syllabus. Theory Classes were conducted by Guru and the teachers of AAMAD Centre and covered the Content of theory
On 13th February 2022, AAMAD senior student Nisha Kesari performed in the Navapallav Dance Festival for young dancers.
January 2022
On 31st January 2022, ‘A day with Celebrity' program- DD Bharti aired on Monday 31st January 8.30pm. The interaction was about Guru Rani Khanam artistic ventures and dance journey- a road to self-discovery. Discussion was including with AAMAD Centre’s activities on social issues.
On 18 Jan 2022, Lecture Demonstration held on Sufi Islam & its Socio - Religion Cultural Impact of India by Guru Rani Khanam, org. by international world Dance council UNESCO , collaborates with Kalahetu and Routes2Rootes.
On 26th of January, Rajpath truly reverberated to the beats of ‘Unity in Diversity’ in ‘Vande Bharatam’organised by Ministry Of Culture, filled with the energy of the youth who are passionate about preserving our rich cultural heritage of the performing arts. A celebration of our beautiful nation as a Republic on Republic Day 2022, which held a special significance being the 75th year of Independence. "Vande Bharatam" marked a splendid event with great coordination & talent fused into one great performance. Guru Rani Khanam, one of the choreographer with assistant Ms. Shikha Sharma (AAMAD artists) has conceptualised this magnificent concept, dance sequences and props designing as well as. Dancers from all over the country who made this event memorable through their wonderful performance. Music by Bickram Ghosh & Grammy awardee Ricky Kej and the narration of Shri Ashok Chakradhar .
Regular Kathak dance classes of Foundation, Certificate, Diploma and Post Diploma were continued as per syllabus of AAMAD. Quarterly Assessments; AAMAD dance centre regular assessments of dance classes held with the aim of gaining the confidence of the students in better way. These assessments motivated and encouraged students to work hard to improve their short comings in practice and their result improved. The grades were provided to the parents of the students duly signed by their Guru.
December 2021
On 28th December 2021, AAMAD Dance Centre presents a dance Production ‘Galib- Kathak ke Janib’ in the Zikr e 1857 aur Ghalib Dance festival, organised by Kathak Kendra, New Delhi It was choreographed by Rani Khanam and the dancers were Rani Khanam, Shikha Sharma, Ridhima Singh, Nish Kesari, Priyanka, Shah, Tanya Aggarwal, and Music by Shuheb Hasan. The production was held at Vivekananda Auditorium, Kathak Kendra, New Delhi on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Mirza Ghalib and his works in respect to the first Indian War of Independence in 1857. Photography by Arijeet Mukherjee.
On 27th December 2021, a dance production titled ‘Kathak aur Andaz-e-Ghalib’ performed by Kathak Kendra’s interns on 27th December 2021. The production was held at Vivekananda Auditorium, Kathak Kendra, New Delhi on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Mirza Ghalib and his works in respect to the first Indian War of Independence in 1857.
Choreography by Rani Khanam. Music composition and vocals- Shri Sami Ullah Khan, Tabla - Shri Akhilesh bhat, Flute - Shri Atul Shankar, Sitar - Shri Fateh Ali Khan , Sarangi - Shri Gulam Mohammad, Pakhawaj - Shri Salman Khan. Dancers were : Shivangi Mandke Ashmita Aich Sree Bandyopadhyay Sujata Gawade Priyanka Kapil Pradnya M Tanya Bhatnagar Chanchal Prasad Karan Bhaskar Aparna Sarathe and Suman Rangta.
On 19th December 2021, AAMAD Dance Centre has presented its new dance production titled “Oneness” which was featured in Vande Bhartam Nritya Utasava, held at Weightlifting Auditorium Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Lodhi Road, Delhi. A curtain raiser mega Event in celebration for the festival of 75 years of Indian independence.
“ONENESS” highlighted diversity of India’s independence. The event represented the theme of ‘Unity in Diversity’ of India. It was portrayed the evolution of our rich and traditional art forms in the span of 75 years. “ONENESS” presented classical, contemporary, folk/ tribal and dance on wheelchairs by Divyaang (person with disabilities): Continuum of various dance forms with its music from the major parts of all over India through creative choreography presented on the horizontal and vertical planes of the stage. An unbroken stream of dance energies created a changing bioscope of color sights and sounds of India taking from the daily, the special and the celebratory. The dance production was with projection of multimedia film and special gobos of regional and folk arts on the cyclorama and stage.
On 12th Dec 2021, AAMAD Centre has organised a Dance Therapy workshop online and invited Smt. Mrinalini Sinha, who is a Kathak dancer and an experienced special educator, who has combined her training as a Kathak dancer for empowering physically handicapped students through medium of dance therapy. The subject of workshop were on Definition of dance therapy, Difference between regular dance and dance therapy, Why and how of dance therapy and Benefits of dance therapy. Workshop was concluded with audio clip which was played and all students were given 2 minutes to think and compose how they want to respond and communicate through facial expressions, hand gestures and body movements a small sequence of free dance movements
Regular classes were conducted as per AAMAD syllabus and theory classes were conducted by Guru and teachers of AAMAD Centre and covered the Content of theory.
November 2021
The North East Festival is organised by NCZCC from 12th to 15th November 21 in Delhi at
gymkhana Club. The inauguration presentation including more than 100 artists altogether from North
East is choreographed by me on 12th Nov, 6pm. AAMAD artists Nisha Kesari, Lawanya Gupta,
Ridhima Singh, Shubhangee Goyel has assisted the project and choreography was done by Guru Rani Khanam.
Regular Kathak dance classes of Foundation, Certificate, Diploma and Post Diploma were continued
as per syllabus of AAMAD.
Quarterly Assessments for Students of AAMAD held in this month. These assessments motivated and
encouraged the students to work hard to improve their short comings in practice and their result
improved. The grades were provided to the parents of the students duly signed by their Guru.
October 2021
On October 7 2021, on the occasion of Flag Off Ceremony Sudarshan Bharat Parikarma at Red Fort,
an inclusive culture program presented by AAMAD Artists with disabilities & young artists. Organised
by NCZCC, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India.
Regular classes were conducted as per AAMAD syllabus. Theory Classes were conducted by Guru and
teachers of AAMAD Centre and covered the following content.
September 2021
On 14 th September 2021, it was an honor to be
part of an interactive session with Shri Mohanrao
Bhagawat ji, in the evening. Apart from many
issues, on the behalf of AAMAD Centre, Guru
Rani Khanam raised the topic about artists and
their employment sectors. Pics: with Sri. Ram Lal
ji, Sah Sarkaryavah Shri. Krishna Gopal ji and
Sushri Pratibha Prahlad.
On 10 th September 2021, AAMAD Dance Centre presented ‘UTSAV’ a new dance production at
LBSNAA, Mussoorie on 10th September 2021.It was an initiative to celebrate and commemorate 75
years of independence of India. The performance was well received by the audience and we got
standing ovation. Aamad artists performed on multi-faceted concepts including dance on Sufi Verses,
dance by differently abled dancers and showcased Women Empowerment theme. It's indeed a
wonderful experience and very well organised event.
August 2021
AAMAD conducted Online Annual Examination (2020-2021) on 8th
August 2021 (Sunday) at its centre. Ms. Nishi Singh (senior Kathak
dancers) were invited as an examiner. After Exam, dance classes was
restarted on online due to Covid period for Foundation, Certificate,
Diploma and Post Diploma courses.
On 10th August 2021, AAMAD Guru Rani Khanam performed
along with Aamad centre artists Shuheb Hasan, Zoheb Hasan and
Shikha Sharma were on Musical support on 10th August (Tuesday),
time: 6pm at Kathak Kendra, New Delhi.
July 2021
Regular classes were conducted as per AAMAD syllabus. Theory
Classes were conducted by Guru and teachers of AAMAD Centre and
covered the Content of theory.
June 2021
Spic Macay has organised online Kathak dance workshop, under
“Sarva Mangal Yoga Series” from 1st June 2021 to 5th June 2021.
AAMAD’s Guru Rani Khanam has conducted it.
May 2021
Regular Kathak dance classes of Foundation, Certificate, Diploma and Post Diploma were continued
as per syllabus of AAMAD.
Quarterly Assessments; AAMAD dance centre regular assessments of dance classes held with the aim
of gaining the confidence of the students in better way. These assessments motivated and encouraged
students to work hard to improve their short comings in practice and their result improved. The grades
were provided to the parents of the students duly signed by their Guru.
April 2021
In April month 2021,Rasaja Foundation
for granting the prestigious Jaya
Appasamy's scholarship to two of
AAMAD students: Nisha Kesari and
Ridhima Singh for enhanced study in
Kathak.
Regular Kathak dance classes of
Foundation, Certificate, Diploma and Post
Diploma were continued as per syllabus of
AAMAD.