Youth Company
Young students at Chhandam who demonstrate exceptional abilities and who approach their study with self-drive, commitment, and a desire to pursue excellence, are recommended to audition for the Chhandam Youth Dance Company.
CYDC is an elite pre-professional troupe, ages 12-18, under the tutelage and artistic direction of internationally renowned kathak artist, Rachna Nivas, and Assistant Director, Ahana Mukherjee. The program champions excellence in dance, youth leadership, and creative discovery. Students rigorously train 5 hours/week in addition to home practice. CYDC has performed nationally in numerous prestigious venues and festivals, including the WorldWideWomen's Girl's Festival, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco Symphony Hall alongside students of the San Francisco Ballet, Philadelphia Youth Festival, International Kathak Festival in Chicago, and many others. CYDC also serves as a platform for teens to become advocates and rising young leaders in the arts and to be a part of a global movement to elevate and keep relevant Kathak and classical Indian art.