Chitresh Das Institute

Hello, California locals, especially those in the vibrant cultural hub of San Francisco! Are you fascinated by the intricate rhythms, expressive movements, and rich storytelling of Indian classical dance? Then you're invited to explore the world of Chitresh Das Institute (CDI), a renowned organization dedicated to igniting the world's passion for Kathak dance and Indian classical arts. Rooted in tradition yet actively responding to the present, CDI offers unparalleled training, world-class performances, and a strong sense of community, right here in the Bay Area.

The Chitresh Das Institute carries forward the profound legacy of its founder, the legendary Kathak master and guru, Pandit Chitresh Das. Under the artistic direction of Charlotte Moraga, a celebrated disciple of Pandit Das, CDI ensures that the essence of this dynamic North Indian classical dance form continues to thrive. As a leading institution, CDI not only produces captivating performances but also offers an exceptional educational institute, providing community access to high-level training in Kathak, North Indian classical percussion (tabla), and vocal music. It's a place where art is guided by tradition, community, legacy, and seva (service), truly making it a unique cultural asset for San Francisco and beyond.

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The Chitresh Das Institute's office address is located at 16 Havelock St, San Francisco, CA 94112, USA. While this serves as their administrative hub, it's important for locals to note that CDI operates its classes and programs across multiple locations throughout the Bay Area, ensuring broader accessibility for students. These teaching locations include:

• Cupertino: CPAA Arts Center, 6148 Bollinger Road, San Jose, CA 95129

• San Mateo: Peninsula Ballet Theatre, 1880 South Grant Street, San Mateo, CA 94402

• San Ramon: Soo Dance Academy, 2236 Camino Ramon, San Ramon, CA 94583

This multi-location approach allows residents from various parts of the Bay Area—from the Peninsula to the East Bay and South Bay—to access CDI's world-class Kathak training with greater convenience. Each location is typically situated in an area with reasonable access to local transportation routes, and while specific parking availability varies by site, general public transport options (such as MUNI and BART connections in the broader Bay Area) can often facilitate travel to these areas. Students are encouraged to visit the official Chitresh Das Institute website for the most up-to-date class schedules and location details.

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The Chitresh Das Institute provides a comprehensive array of programs centered around Kathak dance and broader Indian classical arts, catering to a wide spectrum of ages and skill levels:

• Kathak Dance Classes: CDI offers structured classes for all ages, from children to adults, at various proficiency levels. These include:

  • Introduction to Kathak: Designed for new students with little to no prior experience, providing a foundational understanding of the art form.

  • Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Levels: Progressive training that delves deeper into Kathak technique, rhythm, improvisation (upaj), storytelling, and theory.

  • Age-Specific Programs: Classes tailored for children (e.g., ages 6-10), pre-teens/teens, and adults, ensuring age-appropriate instruction and learning environments.

• North Indian Classical Music Training: In addition to dance, CDI offers instruction in accompanying musical forms, including:

  • Tabla: The primary percussion instrument in Kathak, with training available to complement dance studies or as a standalone discipline.

  • Vocal: Instruction in classical North Indian vocal music, enhancing students' overall understanding of the art form's musicality.

• Chitresh Das Youth Company (CDYC): A pre-professional program that provides intensive training in Pandit Chitresh Das's technique and philosophy to young, dedicated dancers. Members receive professional performance opportunities, learning not only dance but also history, philosophy, mathematics, and spirituality foundational to Kathak.

• Kathak Dance Fellowship: This program offers ongoing training and professional performance opportunities for advanced young dancers who have completed the traditional Kathak solo process under the guidance of Artistic Director Charlotte Moraga.

• Performing Arts Productions: CDI regularly presents world-class performances, showcasing both traditional Kathak works and innovative, cross-cultural, and cross-genre collaborations led by Artistic Director Charlotte Moraga and other vital voices in Indian classical arts.

• Summer Camps and Intensives: Opportunities for immersive learning, such as summer camps for children (ages 7-13) and intensive workshops for all levels, allowing students to deepen their practice.

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The Chitresh Das Institute is distinguished by several unique features and highlights that make it a premier destination for Indian classical arts:

• Preservation of a Rich Legacy: CDI is the torchbearer of the rigorous and innovative Kathak tradition established by the late Pandit Chitresh Das, a recipient of the National Heritage Fellowship, the highest award presented to traditional artists by the U.S. government. His holistic teaching style and philosophy are at the core of the institute.

• World-Class Instruction: Classes are led by teachers, including Artistic Director Charlotte Moraga, who were personally trained by Pandit Chitresh Das himself. This ensures authentic and high-caliber instruction that nurtures the whole student—mind, body, and spirit.

• Holistic Education: Beyond dance steps, students learn the history, philosophy, mathematics, and spiritual dimensions that underpin Kathak. This deep, well-rounded approach is often cited as a key differentiator.

• Emphasis on "Kathak Yoga": Reflecting Pandit Das's unique philosophy, the institute explores "Kathak Yoga," where dancers multitask by performing intricate movements while also producing the musical elements (like theka and lahara) for accompaniment. This embodies both freedom and discipline.

• Professional Performance Opportunities: The Chitresh Das Youth Company and the Kathak Dance Fellowship provide aspiring professional dancers with invaluable pre-professional training and numerous opportunities to perform in high-profile productions and events.

• Innovation within Tradition: While deeply rooted in classical Kathak, CDI also embraces innovation, presenting new works and cross-cultural collaborations that expand the art form's reach and relevance, such as Pandit Das's famous "India Jazz Suites" with tap dancer Jason Samuels Smith.

• Community and Seva (Service): The institute is guided by principles of community building and seva (service), aiming to empower young girls through arts, tackle social justice issues, and advocate for diverse art forms.

• Comprehensive Curriculum: Offering Kathak dance, tabla, and vocal music, CDI provides a complete ecosystem for learning North Indian classical arts.

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If you're in California and interested in connecting with the Chitresh Das Institute, here’s how you can reach them:

• Office Address: 16 Havelock St, San Francisco, CA 94112, USA

• Phone: (415) 539-8849

For the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on class schedules (including specific locations in Cupertino, San Mateo, and San Ramon), registration, tuition, and upcoming performances, the best resource is their official website: chitreshdasinstitute.org. You can also send an email to info@chitreshdasinstitute.org for inquiries about enrollment or programs.

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For California locals, especially those residing in the diverse and culturally rich Bay Area, the Chitresh Das Institute offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with one of the most sophisticated and expressive classical dance forms in the world. Its multi-location presence across San Francisco, San Mateo, Cupertino, and San Ramon makes high-quality Kathak and Indian classical arts education accessible to a wide geographical range of residents.

What truly makes CDI ideal for locals is its unique combination of rigorous traditional training and a forward-thinking, community-oriented approach. Whether you're a parent seeking to introduce your child to a rich cultural heritage, an adult looking to explore a new artistic discipline, or an aspiring professional dancer, CDI provides a nurturing and challenging environment. Students don't just learn steps; they delve into the philosophy, history, and musicality of Kathak, gaining a holistic understanding that enriches their lives. The opportunity to learn from direct disciples of a legend like Pandit Chitresh Das, combined with pathways to pre-professional training and captivating performances, establishes CDI as a vital cultural institution in California. It's a place where passion for art, dedication to tradition, and a spirit of innovation converge, offering locals a chance to connect deeply with Indian classical arts and empower themselves through movement and expression.

Chitresh Das Institute

Office Address, 16 Havelock St, San Francisco, CA 94112, USA