The Art of Kathak: Award-Winning Dancer Visits Albany Academy Lower School

Lower School students had the privilege of welcoming Ms. Barkha Patel, a kathak dancer, choreographer, educator, and the Artistic Director of Barkha dance company based in New York City.

Ms. Patel's impressive credentials include the Princess Grace Dance Award, awarded in 2024, and the Juried Bessie Award, awarded in 2023. 

During her visit, Ms. Patel captivated our Lower School community with a stunning performance, introducing students to the rich tradition of kathak, a classical Indian dance form known for its intricate footwork, expressvie storytelling, and rhythmic precision.

Following the performance, Ms. Patel conducted master classes with second and third graders, giving students the opportunity to learn basic kathak techniques. 

This program was made possible through the Elissa Stevens Dupont '52 Donation for Dance. We are deeply grateful for this support, which allows us to expose our youngest learners to diverse art forms and inspire a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts.

Learn more about the Barkha Dance Company and Ms. Patel here. Thank you for visiting Albany Academy!