Rhythms of Tradition: Shivangi Sangeet Mahavidyalaya and UP Sangeet Natak Akademi’s Ongoing Music & Dance Workshop Enthralls Students in Meerut
📍 Meerut | 28 May 2025
A confluence of rhythm, melody, and movement marked another vibrant day at the ongoing Music and Kathak Dance Workshop jointly organized by the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi, Lucknow, and Shivangi Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, Meerut.
The workshop is being conducted in two enriching sessions, a morning session at the Rudki Road campus and an evening session at the Gandhinagar headquarters of Shivangi Sangeet Mahavidyalaya.
🎼 Mastering the Beat: Tabla Session by Saptak Sharma
In the morning, Tabla Guru Saptak Sharma, a prominent young exponent from the Ajrada Gharana, captivated students with his deep understanding of Taal (rhythmic cycles). He meticulously guided them through concepts such as matras (beats), laghu (short beats), jaati (beat variations), and the construction of tihai (rhythmic phrase repetition). The session emphasized the intricate math and spiritual discipline that lies at the heart of Indian rhythm systems.
💃 Kathak Elegance: Ruchi Baluni’s Dynamic Dance Session
In the Kathak section, Guru Smt. Ruchi Baluni trained students in the Meend (smooth gliding movements of hands), crucial to classical dance expression. Students were immersed in Tatkaar (footwork), Hastak (hand gestures), and refined Tihai sequences in Teentaal (16-beat cycle) — bringing to life the grace and storytelling prowess of Kathak.
🎶 Vocal Training with Devotion: Raag, Bhajan & Alankars
Meanwhile, Guru Shri Raja Baluni led the vocal music training, focusing on alankars (ornamentations) and palta (note patterns) for voice modulation and mastery. The students also practiced bhajans like “Jai Radha Madhav” and sargam geet, learning not just technical accuracy but emotional connection through bhav sangeet (expressive music).
🎙️ Instilling Discipline and Passion
Institute Director, Smt. Richa Sharma, addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of consistent practice (riyaz) in achieving excellence in music. “Talent finds its form only when refined through daily discipline. Riyaaz is the soul of every classical artist,” she said, motivating the students to stay committed to their artistic journeys.
As the workshop progresses towards its finale, it continues to inspire young minds in Meerut to engage deeply with India’s classical traditions and discover new ways to express themselves artistically.
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📅 Workshop Dates: Ongoing till June 6, 2025
🎵 Location: Shivangi Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, Gandhinagar & Rudki Road Campus
🪘 Supported by: Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi
