Love Kathak dancing? Never seen it but want to? Go see Indian classical dance maestro
Birju Maharaj (pictured right) and his dance troupe in concert July 6 at Raleigh's BTI Center. Maharaj, the principal dancer, is internationally renowned as the "greatest living exponent of North Indian classical Kathak dance," having toured worldwide for both performances and lecture- demonstrations. Dance director and composer for the Bollywood blockbuster
Devdas, Maharaj is the recipient of the Sangeet Natak Academy Award and honorary doctorate degrees from Banaras Hindu University and Khairagarh University.
Kathaks, originally a caste of storytellers, sang the legends of an age while accentuating the lyrics with intricate gestures and expressions, which evolved into the contemporary dance form.
Maharaj and his dancers will grace the stage of the Fletcher Opera Hall at 7 p.m. Seats are $15, $25, $50 or $100. For advance booking, call Sharma, 851-0225, Hasita 846-6410, or Mihir (866) 960-6364. --Danielle Purifoy