Moods and Emotions through Indian Kathak Dance 印度卡塔克舞活動

On 21 September 2017, there was an Indian classical dance program “Moods & Emotions through Indian Kathak Dance” organized at CUHK campus. This program was initiated by the Centre of Urban History, Culture and Media (CUHCM) of the Institute of Future Cities (IOFC), and co-organized by the Multiculturalism in Action Project (MIA).  It included a seminar, a music workshop, and a dance workshop on kathak, a 2000-year-old dance from northern India. It was a great honour and privilege to have Ms. Sunayana Hazarilal and her team to be the guest speakers of this program. Ms. Hazarilal is an internationally acclaimed kathak dancer who has conducted kathak workshops in various countries including the United States, Italy, and Germany. In 2011, Ms. Hazarilal was awarded the Padma Shri (the fourth highest civilian award in India) by the Government of India.

2017年9月21日，香港中文大學校園裡舉行了一系列關於卡塔克舞的講座、音樂工作坊和舞蹈工作坊。是次活動由未來城市研究所 (IOFC) 城市歷史、文化與傳媒中心（CUHCM）策劃，並由多元文化行動計劃（MIA）協辦。卡塔克舞是一種擁有二千年歷史的北印度古典舞。我們很榮幸邀請到Sunayana Hazarilal 女士和她的音樂團隊作為活動的嘉賓講者。Hazarilal女士是國際知名的卡塔克舞者，多年來在世界各地如美國、意大利和德國等地舉辦過不少卡塔克舞工作坊。在2011年，Hazarilal女士獲印度政府頒發第四級公民榮譽獎 —— 蓮花士勛章。

The seminar, “Kathak: History, Gender, and National Identity”, was moderated by Prof. Andre Elias, an ethnomusicologist at the Hong Kong Baptist University. Ms. Hazarilal gave a talk to introduce the development of kathak, as well as notions of gender and identity in the dance.

講座“卡塔克：歷史，性別，與國家身份認同” 由香港浸會大學民族音樂學者Andre Elias教授主持。Hazarilal女士除了介紹卡塔克舞的發展，亦討論關於卡塔克舞中的性別和身份認同等議題。

Ms. Hazarilal demonstrating some basic movements in kathak and their meanings

Hazarilal女士示範卡塔克舞的基本動作及其意義

The kathak music workshop saw the music team: sitar player Ms. Prajakta, tabla player Mr. Kalinath Mishra, and vocalist Mr. Somanth Mishra displaying their musical talents. The workshop was moderated by Prof. Jeffrey Levenberg, an ethnomusicologist at the Music Department of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. During the workshop, participants learnt about the Indian music rhythm known as “tintal”. It is made up of 16 symmetrical beats upon which a performance can be laid. The audience were also treated to a mesmerizing session of soothing beats and hypnotic strumming of the sitar, creating a calming atmosphere in the room. The vibes of a fast paced Hong Kong society was dissipated momentarily as everyone in the room closed their eyes to enjoy the soothing tunes. 

在卡塔克音樂工作坊中，音樂團隊展示了他們的非凡才華。團隊成員包括西塔琴演奏家Prajakta女士、塔布拉手鼓演奏家Kalinath Mishra先生和歌唱家Somanth Mishra先生。工作坊由香港中文大學音樂系民族音樂學者Jeffrey Levenberg教授主持。工作坊講解了印度音樂中的節奏 tintal，它以十六拍為一個循環，是卡塔克舞音樂的基本節奏。在西塔琴迷人的樂聲中，大家的思緒飄到窗外的山林。現場每個人都合上眼，放下心頭的顧慮，靜靜地欣賞優美的西塔琴聲。

Mr. Mishra teaching a participant how to play the tabla

Mishra先生指導參加者如何拍打塔布拉手鼓

 

Ms. Prajakta on the sita

Prajakta女士示範西塔琴的指法

At the kathak dance workshop, participants were at their feet stamping to the beats of the tabla. Ms. Hazarilal set the standards high, introducing to participants first the slow beats, which gradually culminated to faster and faster beats. Participants had a good workout and had fun coordinating the swaying of their hands with their feet stamping to the rhythms. It was a really enjoyable workshop with participants laughing and trying their best to keep up with the beats. Ma. Hazarilal and her team were the most encouraging teachers, shouting praises and encouragements to participants throughout the time. The three workshops ended in the early evening. To show our appreciation to the guests, a vegetarian dinner was held at the new vegetarian restaurant on campus, hosted by Prof. Siumi Maria Tam, Director of the CUHCM and the MIA.

緊接下來是卡塔克舞蹈工作坊。Hazarilal女士是要求甚高的老師。她以認真和嚴謹的態度帶領參加者從慢至快的節奏學習基本步。在揮動雙手的同時，大家要顧及雙腳踏地的節奏是否準確。雖然要協調僵硬的身體並不容易，但大家都樂在其中，享受著卡塔克舞的樂趣。Hazarilal女士和她的音樂團隊不時為大家打氣，並給予耐心指導。活動於傍晚結束。為表謝意，由擔任CUHCM 所長暨MIA總監譚少薇教授在中大素食餐廳與嘉賓聚餐。

Ms. Hazarilal teaching the basic steps of kathak

Hazarilal女士指導卡塔克舞基本步 

Art and performance is a very good way for one to have deeper insights into the ethos of another culture. Throughout these sessions, participants gained a whole new insight on kathak, they learned how to appreciate other cultural artforms from an intercultural perspective. Indeed, it is a celebration and attest to the vibrant diversity and cultures of Hong Kong.

表演藝術確實是一個很好的切入點讓大家深入地了解不同文化。這一連串的印度古典舞活動不但讓參加者獲得了全新的卡塔克舞體驗，亦讓大家學習如何從跨文化角度欣賞不同文化的藝術形式，確實是一場印證香港作為多元文化大都會的體驗活動！

 

Thank you all for your participation!

感謝大家的參與！

Reporter: Amy Phua

記者：潘玫燕

Translator: Connie Lee

翻譯：李穎彤