Photo: Curtis Carlson
PASSAGES
Passages is a neo-classical Kathak dance show that explores the passage of the transition between the cycles and seasons of life in nature. Part one of the show is danced through abstract and technical movement. The performance begins with a transition from dusk to dawn, symbolizing transition from the uncertainty of dusk, toward the peace and clarity of dawn. The rhythm of life is then showcased though pure technical Kathak dance and its strong foundation of footwork moving from slow tempo towards fast and dynamic movement. This is followed by the expressional portion of the show which showcases the transition of the seasons beginning from the beauty of nature which blooms in the spring, towards the intense heat of summer which becomes a metaphor for the suffering one feels when separated from their beloved. Following summer is the monsoon season in which we revel through the awe inspiring expression of nature through the monsoon rains. The final piece transitions from autumn towards winter in a dramatic and high energy segment. The arrival of winter is taken as a celebration as the end of the cycle also signal the soon to come renewal of the seasons. As a work, “Passages” takes the performer and audience through life’s variety of transitions and lessons we learn from each stage. As we step back we realize that all experiences are passages that take us through the larger cycles and transitions of life which are beautiful in their continuous nature.
Photo: Curtis Carlson
Project Created by: Palak Dhiman
Key Artistic Collaborators:
Mentor and co-choreographer: Usha Sharma
Performance type: This work is adaptable to theatre, outdoors or alternative spaces
How do you define this work: Indian neo-classical dance for all audiences
Length of performance: 60 minutes.
Audience type: General Audience
General Technical Requirements:
Sound System
20’ x 15’ performance space
Alternative Venues/Spaces/Outdoors: 20’ x 15’ space. Open to various configurations of outdoor spaces and environments. Stone and smooth pavement are ideal for spins and footwork as the dance form is done barefooted.. For rough concrete or pavement, the artist will bring their own vinyl floor covering of 12 ft x 6.5 ft size. For grassy, rooty, or rocky floor, or steps, the artist will modify choreography site-specifically.
Required amount of time for tech set up: 2 hours
Number of Performers on tour (including choreographer): 1
Number of Support Staff on Tour: 1
Availabilities: 2025 Spring Season (Mar-Jun), 2025/26 Season, 2026/27 Season
Palak Dhiman
Palak Dhiman (she/her) is an independent dance artist, choreographer, and educator trained in Kathak, training in the art form since 1993. She practices her art and its related forms in Vancouver, B.C., on the unceded, ancestral and traditional territories of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil- Waututh) Nations. She has participated in numerous stage productions, with Manohar Performing Arts in Winnipeg (2006-2019) and Upasana in Ottawa (2016-2019), and toured across Canada with Usha Dance Ensemble in 2022. Academically engaged with dance, Palak completed her MA in Sociology in 2013, focusing on its role in identity formation. As an independent artist, Palak has received support from organizations such as Sampradaya Dance Creations, The Kabir Centre for the Arts, The City of Ottawa, Canada Council for the Arts, The National Arts Centre, Place des Arts, New Works, and Massey Theatre among others. She has performed at numerous festivals across Canada, the US, India, and Nepal, and has taught Kathak dance in Winnipeg, Ottawa, Nepal, and currently in Vancouver. Palak's ongoing goal is to use dance as a medium to convey meaningful stories and ideas in dialogue with her audiences.
New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Performance History & Upcoming Performances
Palak Dhiman has extensive local, national and international performance history with multiple projects from 2005- 2019, please contact the artist for more details.
These performances include:
2024
Sahābhav
Indian Classical Music Society of Vancouver (ICMSV)
(Vancouver Unitarians, Vancouver, BC)
All Over the Map, New Works
Picnic Pavilion Granville Island, BC
Victoria Day
Burnaby Village Museum, Vorce Station, Burnaby BC
Art of Kathak (45 min solo recital)
Bandish Network Society and Place des Arts, Coquitlam, BC
2023
Manohar Performing Arts
The Exile: Tales of Rama
(Centre Culturel Franco-Manitoban, Winnipeg, MB)
Taj Mahotsav
Shilpgram Stage, Taj Mahal, Agra, India
2022
Usha Dance Ensemble
Khoj (Tour: Sampradaya Dance Creations in Mississauga, Ragamala Society in Calgary, and Firehall Arts Centre in Vancouver)
Kathak Bhela,
Nritya Aagan
Kathmandu, Nepal
Asian Heritage Month,
In Our Tongues
Ottawa Art Gallery, Ottawa, ON
Project Details
Community Engagement
While there is currently no proposed community engagement activity, the artist is open to the possibility of creating such a program with the presenters should there be interest to do so.
Outreach Activies
As part of the performance, the artist is able to offer an Introductory Kathak workshop for people of all age groups and all backgrounds with dance/movement. Additionally, or instead of the workshop, the artist is also able to present a lec-dem on the rhythmic and expressive elements of the Kathak dance form. These can be tailored to beginner, general, or more advanced audiences depending on interest. Ideally these types of engagement would be suited for a day before or after the performance.