CHICAGO: Among the first of its type for the Indian American community in Chicagoland, I-RADHA (Indian Rhythms, Arts, and Dances Heritage Academy), set up by Kiran Chouhan in memory of her mother Mrs. Radha Chouhan, will have a formal start in May this year.
The academy is a not for profit organization and came into being last August thanks to concerted efforts by Ms. Kiran Chouhan, an accomplished and exceptional Kathak dancer and a ‘Ganda-bandhit’ disciple of the Legendary Kathak dancer Pandit Birju Maharaj.
In a talk to this paper she said that she was ” passionate about spreading Indian fine arts amongst the Diaspora as well as the mainstream lovers of arts and culture and this has led to the creation of I-RADHA.” The purpose of I-Radha, is to teach, advance and spread the teachings of rich Indian Heritage which is now appreciated and emulated globally.
Still in its infancy, I-RADHA has already achieved commendable success in the few short months it has been in existence. Students are eagerly enrolling in Bollywood classical dancing classes conducted in various Chicago suburbs.
I-RADHA is hosting its inaugural show on May 13 at Cutting Hall, 150 E Wood St, Palatine, a North West suburb of Chicago at 6 pm. This fun-filled evening will begin with a Hindi comedy play “Jhoot Ke Pair” presented by the talented I-RADHA Drama group. The second half of the show “Bolly Dhoom” will showcase expertly choreographed Bollywood dances presented by I-RADHA dancers.
12One of the core I-Radha values is to make its shows easily accessible and achieve maximum participation by the community. Thus this is a FREE event open to all. “We urge our community members to make the most of this opportunity to explore and enjoy the dance and drama aspect of Bollywood,” Kiran said.
Surendra Ullal
