Aikā is a Kathak-based work that shifts the responsibility of generating mood, lyricism, tempo, and rhythm onto the dancer, rather than relying on live musicians or pre-composed scores. This experimental approach challenges Kathak’s traditional dependence on external accompaniment, placing the body at the center of both movement and sound.

Responding to the homogenization of the South Asian diaspora, where diverse identities across countries, religions, and value systems are often collapsed into a single category, the work reflects on visibility, and shared space. It considers how we move without truly seeing or being seen, and what it means to assert individuality within collective identity. Informed by this theme, the piece intentionally incorporates diverse dance practices to expand its expressive and embodied vocabulary.

Priyanka Tope is a Kathak artist, choreographer, vocalist, and educator based in Hamilton. She trained under Pandita Archana Joglekar and has continued for over a decade with her mentor, Parul Shah.

Grounded in the understanding that art is inherently political, Priyanka’s choreographic practice seeks to extend this idea by centering human experience and empathy. Bridging traditional Kathak with contemporary perspectives, she explores how shifts in format, storytelling, and movement can inspire diverse audiences toward responsibility and meaningful change. Her work has been shaped by guidance from Denise Fujiwara and Kristina and Sadé Alleyne.

Priyanka is also actively building a Kathak community in Hamilton, a city that has not historically had a robust presence of the form. She held her first student showcase last year and continues to expand her school and student base.