Year: 2025-2026
DanceForce Member: James Lemons
Artist: Barkha Patel
Community Partner: Lake Placid School of Dance
Audience: 160
County: Essex

Lake Placid Center for the Arts (LPCA) is thrilled to welcome the renowned Barkha Patel Dance Company for a special week-long residency, culminating in a vibrant public performance on May 2, 2026. This initiative is designed to introduce the Lake Placid community to the rich traditions of Kathak dance through immersive workshops and a unique evening of performance, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and artistic appreciation.

Through the partnership of DanceForce member Ivan Sygoda, the Barkha Patel Dance Company will lead a series of interactive workshops from April 28 through May 2, 2026 at the Lake Placid School of Dance and in community settings. These workshops will provide local students and residents the opportunity to learn Kathak, a classical Indian dance form known for its intricate footwork and expressive storytelling. Participants will have the chance to showcase their new skills in a special community dance presentation during the company’s culminating performance.

The residency will conclude with an intimate performance on May 2, featuring a breathtaking selection of Sufi and Bhakti devotional works. Set to live music performed by four distinguished musicians, this evening will provide a deeply immersive experience. To enhance audience engagement, the event will also include a pre-performance gathering with traditional regional cuisine, creating an atmosphere of cultural exchange and connection.

This initiative marks an exciting expansion of LPCA’s outreach efforts, particularly in engaging the growing community of Indian descent in the region. By offering this program in an accessible, community-centered setting, LPCA aims to foster a welcoming space for cultural expression and artistic appreciation, while also introducing a new audience to the beauty of Indian classical dance.