India, Feb. 8 -- Kathak is a conversation between the dancer and the audience, a story told through movement and expression. But this time, it was the pauses, the stillness and the quiet moments that spoke the loudest.

This year's Dastaan-e-Kathak explored The Dance of Silence, an idea that might seem unusual for a form known for its intricate footwork and storytelling. But as the evening unfolded, it became clear that silence is not an absence, it carries weight, emotion and meaning. Every stillness, every moment when the ghungroos stopped, told its own story.

The evening opened with Kathak performances by Ravi Yadav, Aamrapali Bhandari, Gaurav Bhatti and Shivani Varma. Their movements held a quiet strength, their expressions drawing t...