Chhandika-Chhandam Institute of Kathak Dance

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Chhandika-Chhandam Institute of Kathak Dance

Chhandika-Chhandam Institute of Kathak Dance: Dedicated to the teachings of Pandit Chitresh Das. Under the Artistic Direction of Gretchen Hayden.

Chhandika is a Massachusetts-based, non-profit organization dedicated to Kathak dance. We are affiliated with the Chhandam Chitresh Das Dance Company in San Francisco, California, and the Nritya Bharati Institute in Kolkata, India. Our aim is to provide a stimulating, supportive and multi-cultural environment in which to explore the physical, intellectual and spiritual benefits of Kathak dance as a student, professional practitioner or curious observer.

05/29/2026

From dress rehearsals to the stage, we’re still processing the beautiful weekend that was FOOTSTEPS. It was show that wouldn’t have been possible without the warmth of our audience and the support of so many friends and family behind the scenes. 💕

Until the official photos come in, enjoy some glimpses from rehearsals! 🥰

Gratitude to the , , and for their continued support that allows us to share kathak with communities across Massachusetts — through shows like this.

[dance, dance community, lexington, boston, arts, events, show, hindustani, tabla, sitar]

05/15/2026

Last few days of rehearsals? ✅ Putting it all on the dance floor? ✅ Lots of laughter? ✅

We’re excited to welcome all of you to FOOTSTEPS in just a few days, tracing the journey of a dancer from her very first steps.

📆 Sunday, May 17
⏰ 1:30 pm
📍Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library (Lexington, MA)
🎟️ Tickets in bio!

[kathak, dance community, boston dance, arts]

05/13/2026

Chhandika's biennial student show is this Sunday, May 17 -- tracing the special journey of a kathak dancer from the very first moments they step on the dance floor. As we know, a kathaka's story is incomplete without music... which is why we're thrilled to be joined some tremendous artistes this weekend. ❤️

➡️ Swipe to learn more about Jason Marino, Rajesh Pai K, Biplab Mukherjee, and Pranav Ghatraju, and come experience their artistry live!

TICKETS: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/footsteps-a-kathak-journey-tickets-1986144350217

Our deepest gratitude to the Barr Foundation, Mass Cultural Council, and Foundation for MetroWest for their continued support that allows us to share kathak with communities across Massachusetts.

02/24/2026

One of our favorite things is getting to share kathak with littles and their families! Join meena1677 on March 7 at for an afternoon of storytelling 📚, music 🎶, and dance 👣!

12/02/2025

📢 We have exciting news: Dedicated supporters have offered a $10,000 matching gift, but only once we raise $15,000.

❤️ Every dollar you give brings us closer to unlocking this transformative match—directly supporting our dancers, teachers, and the broader Chhandika community. Your generosity helps ensure kathak continues to flourish as part of Massachusetts’ cultural landscape.

➡️ Help us double the difference this Giving Tuesday: bit.ly/chhandika25

11/24/2025

Last week, Chhandika teacher and artist introduced audiences at to kathak’s percussive footwork, rhythmic compositions, and expressive storytelling (abhinaya).

What was extra special was seeing Tufts kathak students light up when they recognized the visual vocabulary of Maya's performance from their own ongoing training. ✨

11/06/2025

Next week, join Chhandika artist and teacher Maya Koorapaty () for a lecture-demonstration at with Rajesh Pai (tabla) and Jason Marino (sitar). ✨ Blending performance with interactive dialogue, this session introduces audiences to Kathak’s percussive footwork, rhythmic compositions, and expressive storytelling (abhinaya), while offering insights into the historical, cultural, and musical contexts in which the form has evolved.

📆 Thu, Nov 13
⏰ 9 - 10:15am
📍Jackson Dance Lab

11/02/2025

Today, celebrate Diwali, the “Festival of Lights,” with India Society of Worcester (ISW) and Worcester Art Museum on the 10th anniversary of the event. You can catch Chhandika students lighting up the dance floor around 11:20am. 🪔✨

It will be a full day of Indian dance, music, food, and art.. with lots of opportunities to explore the museum's current exhibitions with free admission! See you there? 👀

📸:

10/05/2025

Our students and teachers had a tremendous experience at last weekend — a deep, meaningful confluence of ideas, artistry, and practical application. Chhandika artist and teacher .jain.28 — who directs our youth ensembles — also presented her emerging work on the influences of courtesans on kathak. We’re keeping our fingers crossed this beautiful conference will happen again! ❤️

09/17/2025

Today is a very special day! ❤️ Happy 75th birthday to our dearest Gretchenji! Chhandika only exists because of the love, support, and care she has poured into sharing kathak with all of us.

Gretchen Hayden-Ruckert is the senior-most disciple of Pandit Chitresh Das. Starting her study with him in 1972 at the Ali Akbar College of Music, she not only performed all around the world and on multiple tours with him in India (including performing on national television). In 1996 she moved to Boston with her husband, George Ruckert, an important disciple of the great Maestro Ali Akbar Khan. In addition to founding Chhandika, Gretchenji established a longstanding kathak program at Tufts University and Wellesley College.

If you've met Gretchenji, you'll understand that sharing her bio is complete understatement of the ways she embodies being a dancer. It shows up in the details of how she arranges the altar before a performance or the artfulness of a single hastak (hand gesture) during a class. We are so lucky and love you so much!

Address

Boston, MA

Website

http://www.chhandika.org/, http://chhandika.wordpress.com/

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