Chapter 13: Personalities

Learning Outcomes

• Shows interest to learn about dance personalities.
• Actively researches about at least one other dance personality.
• Creative presentation in a project work or journal.

Notable Personalities

Kedar Nath Sahu

• Leading exponent of Seraikella Chhau.
• Comes from a traditional family of Chhau dancers.
• Learned dance from father and grandfather.
• Followed Guru-Sishya Parampara.
• Formed his own troupe after performing with Kumar Bijoy Pratap Singh Deo.
• Awards: Sangeet Natak Academy Award (1981), Padma Shri (2005).
• Notable students: Shashadhar Acharya, Gopal Prasad Dubey, Sharon Lowen.

Shambhu Maharaj

• Scion of the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak.
• Family of traditional Kathak dancers.
• Trained under uncle Binda Deen.
• Established the Lucknow Gharana tradition in Delhi.
• Known for abhinaya and bhav batana.
• Taught many famous Kathak dancers, including Birju Maharaj.
• Awards: Padma Shri (1958), Sangeet Natak Academy Award (1967).

Activity

• Research and write about any one personality, such as Balasaraswati or Pandit Hazarilal, and present it as a project.

Chapter 13: Personalities

Learning Outcomes

• Shows interest to learn about dance personalities.
• Actively researches about at least one other dance personality.
• Creative presentation in a project work or journal.

Notable Personalities

Kedar Nath Sahu

• Background: Leading exponent of Seraikella Chhau from a traditional family of Chhau dancers.
• Training: Learned from father and grandfather; followed Guru-Sishya Parampara.
• Career: Performed in the troupe of Kumar Bijoy Pratap Singh Deo; later formed his own troupe.
• Awards: Recipient of the Sangeet Natak Academy Award in 1981 and the Padma Shri in 2005.
• Influence: Trained notable dancers such as Shashadhar Acharya and Sharon Lowen.

Shambhu Maharaj

• Background: Scion of the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak; family of traditional Kathak dancers.
• Training: Trained under uncle Binda Deen; established a repertoire of dance.
• Career: Debuted in 1926 at the All India Music Conference; moved to Delhi in 1955.
• Teaching: Taught at Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra; influenced many dancers including Birju Maharaj.
• Awards: Recipient of the Padma Shri in 1958 and Sangeet Natak Academy Award in 1967.

Common Mistakes and Exam Tips

Common Pitfalls

• Lack of Research: Students often fail to actively research about dance personalities, which can lead to a superficial understanding of the subject.
• Presentation Quality: Many students do not put enough effort into the creative presentation of their project work or journal, resulting in lower grades.

Tips

• Engage with the Material: Show genuine interest in learning about dance personalities to enhance your understanding and retention of the subject.
• Thorough Research: Actively research at least one other dance personality beyond the basics to enrich your project.
• Focus on Creativity: Invest time in creating a visually appealing and informative presentation to captivate your audience.