Bhim Dahal

Director / Instructor / Choreographer

 

Bhim "Anil" Dahal began his career in music and folk dance as a young child in Nepal. His classical training has been under noted artists Suresh Mishra, Manoj Suwal, Bidenda Gosh in Kolkata, Shela Mehta in Mumbai, and Bhawani Javada of the Kathak Kendra in Jaipur. Mr. Dahal's expertise is in the Jaipur gharana, or school, of classical Kathak. However, he is also recognized as one of the finest performers of Buddhist dances, namely the Manjushree and Lakhe, which are rarely seen outside of Nepal. He has choreographed productions in Bollywood, Kathak, and Nepali Folk dance for over 15 years. The tabla is his favorite instrument, but he also enjoys playing the dhime, dhol, madal, and flute as well. Mr. Dahal developed his talents on the tabla under the guidance of renowned master Homnath Upadhaya.

 

From 2002 to 2004, he became one of the most successful guest artists at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. for the Hamza and Himalayan exhibitions at the Sackler Gallery. His Kathak programs, interpretation of Sufi music, traditional Hindu temple dance, and diverse classes and performances became some of the most popular and highest-attended events in the museum's history.

 

In 2005, Mr. Dahal held student training in Jaipur, India. In the summer of 2007, Nepal Dance School was invited to perform in Cairo and Luxor, Egypt, thus promoting new ties between the Asian and North African communities and cultures.

 

Mr. Dahal currently choreographs and teaches all styles of dance, along with tabla, at numerous schools and organizations, as well as privately. He is involved in multiple projects and, together with his wife, Cordula, brings the richness and beauty of dance to children throughout the Washington, D.C. metro area through performances, demonstrations, classes, and cultural presentations, such as the Fairfax County Arts Council CAPS program.

 

Cordula Sturm Dahal

Co-Director / Instructor / Educator

 

Cordula Sturm Dahal, born in Germany and educated in France and the United States, brings her experience of traveling and living in over thirty countries to Nepal Dance School. She has trained in Oriental dance in Morocco and Egypt, and Indian dance in Nepal and India. Mrs. Dahal coordinates a variety of cultural education programs, such as Himalayan Journey, for schools and other organizations, and is currently authoring a manual for Kathak dance. She teaches children and adults in Fairfax County, and is the resident educator for NDS in the CAPS Program. Using her background as a historical researcher and translator, she helps children discover the relationship between the arts of dance and music, personal development, and a deeper appreciation of world cultures.

 

Her love for the unique and unusual extends to rare and traditional jewelry of various countries, which she has been collecting for many years. Together with her husband, Mrs. Dahal designs for their company, Sangrila Nepal, which specializes in fine sterling silver jewelry and handicrafts.

 

The Dahals travel extensively, and live for part of the year in Kathmandu. They are fluent in several languages and enjoy photography. Both share an abiding love for Himalayan traditions and cultural heritage, and work towards creating and supporting their own successful social and economic, local-level projects, primarily for women and children, in Nepal.

 

Additional Staff and Support for NDS

 

Tasherit, "Shanti" -- Assistant instructor and performer, trained by Bhim Dahal in Nepal, with the Kathak Kendra of Jaipur, and Shambhave Vaze of Pune, India.

 

Tarik -- Webmaster and technical manager for public programs.

 

Santoshi -- Costume designer in Nepal.

 

Antar -- Artist for "hands-on" program support materials.