Barkha Patel is a successful and well-known classical Indian Kathak dancer. She recently completed a residency in Albany, Hudson, and Troy last season and has toured India, Canada, and the United States.
Patel has additionally won the Juried Bessie Award in 2023 and a Princess Grace dance award in 2024. Patel is now returning to the Capital Region to perform, and also commission new work and take on outreach activity.
Patel has been praised by many, Wendy Liberatore commenting, “Aside from her ability to bewitch, she did something else that I found inspiring for Indian dance going forward – She melded contemporary dance and theatricality into her movement – broadening the enchantment to the audience.”
Union’s Dance Residency Coordinator, Kim Engel, stated, “I have seen Barkha’s work for a few years now. It’s so interesting to see her bridging the gap between her traditional form and contemporary movement creating an exciting fusion that is quite captivating to watch. We are delighted to be able to share her artistry with our campus community as well as the residents of this region.”
Patel’s performance is scheduled for Friday, February 13 at 7pm. She will perform a solo in the Ulman Theatre at Union College in a split program with half of the dance highlighting traditional Kathak dance and the other exploring the form influenced by contemporary dance.
Patel will also work with the dancer of the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company in February to create commissioned work for the Capital Region ensemble. Patel’s work and performance will premiere Saturday, April 25, at 8 pm at The Egg in Albany during the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company’s performance. In addition, Patel will be present to talk before the show with Sinopoli about the process of commissioning and resulting work. Tickets for entrance range from $25 to $35, and student tickets are $15 and are available on their website.
In addition, during her time in the Capital Region, Patel will visit the Albany Academics for a demonstration and workshops, provide a class at the Russell Sage College, and teach a class at Schenectady High School. She is also speaking in a presentation on dance at UAlbany’s Emeritus Center.
Tickets for Patel’s performance on February 13th are free, thanks to support from the New York State DanceForce; however, reservations are highly recommended. RSVPs can be made here.
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