Youth Voices - Sanjana Rao

Interview with Sanjana Rao
Sanjana started studying kathak at the age of 11 and has been dancing for over 7 years. On August 3, 2024 Sanjana and fellow Chitresh Das Youth Company graduates Heeya Das and Reya Lakhani, performed their Youth Company Graduating Showcase “Jagriti” under the guidance of their Guruji Charlotte Moraga and accompanied by incredible musicians Ben Kunin on sarod, Saneyee Purandare Bhattacharjee on vocal, and Nilan Chaudhuri on tabla. Sanjana is now a freshman at UC Davis. This interview is to learn more about Sanjana’s journey and perspective on being part of the legacy of Pandit Chitresh Das.

Question: What do you want people to know about your kathak journey?

Sanjana: My journey into Kathak has been different from others in Youth Company, because while they joined when they were 5 or 6 years old, I started Kathak when I moved to the Bay Area at age 11. However, when I started, I immediately found my passion for it, and knowing that I was older than my peers only motivated me to push myself more to improve. What I want people to take away from my journey is that it is never too late to start, and that it’s always worth giving it a shot! I never let starting later discourage me, and starting Kathak when I moved was one of the most fulfilling decisions I’ve made. It has given me close friends for life and a strong work ethic in all aspects of life.

Question: What was it  like working with Charlotte Didi to prepare for your graduating showcase?

Sanjana: Working with Charlotte Didi for the showcase was an intense, but extremely rewarding experience for me. Being able to choreograph our own pieces gave us a lot of creative freedom, but without Charlotte Didi to guide us, our showcase truly would not have gotten to where it did. Although I was nervous about the process initially, I really enjoyed working so closely with her, as it allowed me to get an insight into the choreographing process. I really admire Charlotte Didi’s creativity, and am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with her for our showcase. 

Question: What did you learn most from the preparation process and the performance?

Sanjana: The biggest thing I learned from the graduating showcase process and the performance itself is how much stamina this level of Kathak truly takes. This process truly pushed my limits- not just physical, but mental as well. Even on days I was exhausted and wanted a break, I would push myself to practice and put my best work forward. This process gave me a lot of discipline, and truly strengthened my passion for Kathak.

Question: How does it feel to be carrying on the tradition of Pandit Chitresh Das?

Sanjana: I feel extremely privileged and grateful to carry on the tradition of Pandit Chitresh Das. Despite never meeting him, knowing that I carry his legacy through my dance gives me purpose, and makes me feel like I'm part of a cause bigger than just myself. It encourages me to always keep in touch with Kathak and I hope to do my part of bringing it to the next generation of dancers as well.

Question: Where are you going to university and what are you most excited about learning there?

Sanjana: I'm studying Microbiology at UC Davis, and I'm most excited to find ways to keep in touch with Kathak since I'm relatively close to the Bay!

Question: What is one thing about learning kathak that you think people should know?

Sanjana: One thing about learning Kathak I think people should know that there is truly no limit to how much you can learn. Even though I have been doing Malkauns tarana for over 4 years now, everytime I do it, I still find new things I can improve upon and do differently. Going into Kathak with this growth mindset is something important I think people should know, because having the willingness to grow is how I made the most improvement in Youth Company.

Question: If you were to send a message of advice to your 10 year old self, what would you tell her?

Sanjana: I would tell my 10 year old self to not be afraid to make mistakes and try new things. I would tell her to have fun and do what makes her happy while seeking help from mentors along the way!

Find out more about the Chitresh Das Institute at www.chitreshdasinstitute.org

Photo by Lydia Daniller