Gharana (Tradition), references the linage of knowledge that transferred from one generation of artists to the next.
Kathak dance and Hindustani music significantly contribute to the global tapestry, offering profound insights into India’s rich cultural and historical legacy. Kathak, with its powerful footwork, expressive gestures, and emotive prowess, reflects the confluence of ancient traditional storytelling, while Hindustani music, with its complex ragas and talas, showcases India’s deep spiritual and philosophical dimensions.
Gharana Arts was established as an institution with the intent to preserve the cultural and artistic traditions of India. Dance and music, as universal languages, play a crucial role in fostering global unity and cultural exchange, transcending borders and connecting people from diverse backgrounds. They not only serve as powerful mediums for personal and collective expression but also preserve and celebrate cultural heritage, promoting mutual respect and understanding.
Our Story
Established in 2005, Gharana Arts was founded by Ravi S. K. Singh and Kasturi Mishra with the broad objective of promoting ancient Indian artistic traditions in Canada. The organization is dedicated to sharing these rich cultural practices through professional live stage productions, vibrant workshop and lecture events that exhibit excellence and purity in these ancient arts.
Gharana Arts is also committed to supporting the education and development of youth in Canada, bridging the gap for young people learning Indian Classical Arts and Western music and dance. We offer classes in traditional Dance and Music and proudly stand as the only North American institution affiliated by the Prayag Sangeet Samiti. Gharana Arts also host examinations and certifications in accordance with the curriculum set out by the Prayag Sangeet Samiti.
Students at Gharana Arts benefit from unique opportunities to:
- Train and learn in Canada through the traditional Guru-Shishya Parampara.
- Study and be examined for internationally recognized certifications and degrees from Prayag Sangeet Samiti.
- Perform professionally in Canadian and internal stages to diverse audiences.
Our Mandate:
The objectives of Gharana Arts focus on 2 areas: Education and Performance
~Education~
-
- Through lectures, workshops, and innovative publications, create an awareness of the value and beauty of Indian classical arts within a modern Canadian context.
- Operate an institution of learning and research to develop Canadian practitioners of these traditional art forms at a professional level.
~Performance~
-
- Redefine the quality and high level of artistic merit in these art forms without compromising on their traditional foundation. Demonstrating through performance the innovation that arises from tradition.
- Produce an annual Canadian Festival for Indian classical arts based in the National Capital Region, explicitly creating a platform for all artists in Canada to perform.