Celebrating 50 Years Since Pandit Chitresh Das Came to the U.S.

Today, September 8, 2020, is a historical day in the world of #kathak and in the legacy of #PanditChitreshDas. 

Fifty years ago today, on September 8, 1970, Pandit Chitresh Das stepped off of a plane at Dulles Airport in Washington, D.C. from Kolkata, India and began a journey that changed the dance world forever. Pandit Das received a Whitney Fellowship to come to the University of Maryland (where this photo was taken) to teach kathak and study Western contemporary dance. Just twenty-five years old, this day marks the beginning of an era, which led to kathak becoming established in the United States. But Pandit Das’ work also impacted the art form in India, as he traveled back regularly to perform and teach, often bringing students he had trained in the U.S.

It was not only the fact that he was the first, it was the development of kathak in a way that adhered to the guru shishya parampara in a society that lauded individuality. It was the development of new techniques and the celebration of ancient knowledge in both innovative and traditional ways. It was the day-in-day-out commitment to passing down and performing this art form in a country that could often be quite inhospitable and dismissive to a tradition that was considered a “foreign” art form. Pandit Das fought for everything he achieved, nothing was handed to him. He paved the way for generations of Indian classical dancers that followed.

He never, in the 45 years he lived and taught in the U.S. and then both in the U.S. and India, compromised the most profound and essential traditions of kathak dance, in spite of times of immense pressure to do otherwise. All the while, he was fiercely innovative and open to other cultures and forms of expression. He also challenged stereotypes about women, about dance, and about Indian culture, proclaiming “Mother is the first guru, father is the second, and you, ultimately must then find the guru within yourself.” He referred to himself as a “modern guru-in-training” as he so revered his own Guru ji and he felt that attaining guru status was something must stay rooted in the tradition, yet must stay open to the times. He openly and honestly struggled with what a guru meant in these modern times. But it is clear that it was that honesty and humility which was in part what made him a mahan guru.

In the coming days, weeks, and months we will share historical photos, stories, videos, and more, that document and highlight the significant moments and milestones in this incredible journey. Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of this journey is that even though Pandit Chitresh Das passed more than 5 years ago, his legacy is as alive as ever.

We at the Chitresh Das Institute are honored and humbled to be a part of continuing this profound legacy. We know that he is alive with us because when we step into the classroom or onto a stage, we see how this art, in the way that he taught it, lights up the eyes of students and inspires and excites audiences. Thank you Panditji for taking that fateful journey, and for every day since, for the vision, the sacrifices, the struggle, the gifts, the profound and infinite artistry, and the never-ending love. We offer our most humble pranams on this auspicious day.