WHO WE ARE
We are passionate about the arts
For generations, human civilizations have been dancing. Whether for cultural reasons or pure enjoyment, there’s a wonderful feeling that one gets from the art of movement. Just ask the dedicated dancers who come to practice every single day.
When you decide to join us at Shivanjali Arts, you too will be able to take advantage of our professional staff. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer looking to improve your technique, we guarantee you’ll find it here.
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Our passion is carrying on Indian classical dance and preserving the rich heritage and culture that we have inherited from our ancestors who worked so hard to keep it alive.
WHAT IS KATHAK?
Kathak is one of the eight forms of Indian classical dances, originating from northern India. It is an art of story telling, formed through music, text, and vocals. Kathak is distinctive because it is richly developed by rhythm interplay, improvisation and imagination.
This north Indian dance form, like most Hindu dances, developed to become a purely religious art. During the 16th century the mogul emperors triggered considerable change within this dance form. Kathak was brought out from the temples where it was used as worship and storytelling to the masses; and into the royal courts where it underwent an evolutionary transformation to become a complex and full-fledged classical art.
Kathak explores the natural alignment of the body with the dynamics of geometry, non-verbal communication, subtleties of expression and playful rhythm between footwork and percussion. There is much technique and style to learn. As Kathak focuses on showcasing natural movement, decorated with style and grace.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Anjuli Shiwraj
Anjuli Shiwraj is the Founder and Artistic Director of Shivanjali Arts. Being a professional Kathak dancer, visual artist, makeup artist, and costume designer; Anjuli decided to create Shivanjali Arts: an organization to promote Indian Arts and culture as well as performing arts.
Anjuli has been dancing in the Greater Toronto Area as well as internationally for many years. Anjuli has danced for numerous organizations, charities, and has been a part of several dance companies, including: Tarana Dance Company, Natya Arts, and Panwar Dance Productions. Anjuli is trained in both Lucknow and Jaipur Gharanas of Kathak. She has had the distinct honor and privilege of training under notable dancer Alokparna Guha. She has also trained with Pt. Birju Maharaj Ji and his foremost disciple Smt. Saswati Sen Ji in numerous dance workshops in North America, as well as recently she learned a beautiful piece online with Pt. Rajendra Gangani. Anjuli has also received professional level training in Jaipur Gharana, as a company dancer with Panwar Music and Dance Productions. She has toured with their production of "Shakuntala" and Also Taken part in their debut performance on Krishna, among many of their other stage performances including Mosaic: Rajasthan Calling.
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Teaching has become one of Anjuli's greatest passions and seeks to pass on what she learned with utmost humility. It is her goal to not only nourish the upcoming generation, but also encourage anyone of any age to pursue their love of the arts.
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Anjuli provides Kathak, and folk dance classes for all ages online, and studio in Ajax, as well as dance makeup classes, costume design and rental, and dance performance training through Shivanjali Arts.
