HALF
About this Event
About the performance:
Half-beats. Whole truths. “HALF,” created by Kathak dance exponents, Anjali Nath and Labonee Mohanta, is a visually stunning and rhythmically impressive production that explores self-discovery and duality. Integrating traditional kathak with contemporary elements, the dancers portray opposing forces reconciling the complexities of the self.
The evocative choreography and music composition of “HALF” are both conceptually and mathematically sophisticated, deeply rooted in the intricate Indian classical rhythmic system. The use of rare half-beat time signatures innovatively illustrates the theme, enhancing the portrayal of duality. The artists blend dynamic movement, rapid-fire footwork, and electrifying choreography to personify the conflicting facets of the inner self. This exploration is both timeless and immediate, universal yet deeply intimate.
About the artists:
Anjali Nath and Labonee Mohanta, second-generation Indian-Americans, are distinguished exponents of Kathak dance, deeply rooted in the lineage of the legendary Pandit Chitresh Das. As soloists, they continue to uphold and evolve this rich tradition, bringing exceptional artistry, culturally relevant outreach, and professional performances to diverse audiences. Alongside their stage work, they are committed to nurturing the next generation of Kathak artists through training and mentorship.
Both artists share a rich history of collaboration, having toured extensively with the Chitresh Das Dance Company in celebrated productions such as Pancha Jati, Shabd, Sita Haran, Ramayana, and Shiva. During their tenure at the Chhandam School of Kathak, which boasted 400 students at the time, Anjali served as the director of the San Jose center while Labonee directed the Fremont center.
Now uniting as a powerful duo, Anjali and Labonee launched their collaboration with a dynamic performance at “The Love of Laya,” presented by Lavanya Academy of Indian Arts (Mohanta’s institution) in the Bay Area, CA, in May 2024. Their tour continued with appearances in Cambridge, MA - at “Roots & Routes” by Dance Complex, at Harvard Dance Center, at “Khelna” held at The Foundry in November 2024 and June 2026, and the New York Kathak Festival in August 2025, where they showcased excerpts of their new work in progress, Half. They return full circle to the Dance Complex to present the full production of HALF in September 2026.
About the performance space:
The Julie Ince Thompson Theatre (Studio 1) and pre/post-show reception space (Studio 7) are ADA compliant. There is a motorized lift that can bring one person at a time from the ground floor to the theater. There is no elevator. There are handicap accessible restrooms on both floors.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 23.18 to USD 55.20
