Aalokam x We R Dancing Festival: Day 2

Info: Maithili Patel is a Kathak dancer and choreographer based in New Jersey. Under the mentorship of her Guru, Dr. Pali Chandra, she has been fortunate to share her work globally (Dubai Kathak Festival, London Parliament House of Lords, Modhera Dance Festival). Kathak, a storytelling dance form, allows her to weave narratives that reflect on contemporary human experiences while still staying true to her cultural roots. Maithili’s debut choreography, Dark Inside (2018), explored themes of mental illness and internal conflict, while Quantum Dances (2025) delved into concepts from quantum mechanics. Having trained extensively in ‘abhinaya,’ the art of expression, her piece Draupadi (choreographed by Pali Chandra) received acclaim at the New York Kathak Festival 2019, while her dance film Rise resonated deeply at the Swiss International Kathak Festival 2020. Through her work, Maithili continues to explore the depths of Kathak, using the form as a powerful medium for social commentary

Info: Aishwarya Madhav is an Indian classical dancer and an Arts educator. I have studied Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi under renowned Gurus in India. I have performed widely across India and the US at prestigious venues like the Lincoln Center, Yale University, 92Y, and famed festivals such as Drive East, Battery Dance, Queens Borough Dance Festival, etc. As a Dance educator in NYC public schools, I have taught more than 2000 students, introducing Indian cultural dances and Yoga to students across pre-K to High schools. Currently, I perform and teach in NYC.

Info: The Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Aalokam, Bharathi Penneswaran, is an accomplished dancer and choreographer, based in New York City. She specializes in Shilpanatanam and imbues traditional Indian dance with a boldly energetic perspective. Aalokam Productions melds traditional and contemporary themes to create a unique set of works that combine music, movement, acting, and storytelling.

Info: Aalokam Dance Company was founded in 2014 by Bharathi Penneswaran and Jyotsna Kalyansundar in New York City. Today, it is led by Artistic Director Bharathi Penneswaran and is rooted in the traditions of Bharatanatyam and Shilpanatanam. The company creates work that bridges traditional vocabulary with contemporary themes. Aalokam produces original productions, curates festivals such as We R Dancing, and trains dancers of all ages through its school. Its vision is to hold space for both rigorous classical practice and progressive storytelling, centering women’s voices, immigrant narratives, and ecological themes.

Host or Publisher Aalokam