Maithili Patel
Maithili Patel is an emerging Kathak dancer and choreographer based in New Jersey. Under the mentorship of her guru, Dr. Pali Chandra, she has been fortunate to share her work globally (Dubai Kathak Festival, Aalokam’s We R Dancing, Modhera Dance Festival).
Kathak, a storytelling dance form, allows her to weave narratives that reflect on contemporary human experiences while still staying true to her cultural roots. Maithili’s debut choreography, Dark Inside (2018), explored themes of mental illness and internal conflict, while Quantum Dances (2025), delved into concepts from quantum mechanics.
Having trained extensively in abhinaya, the art of expression, her piece Draupadi (choreographed by Pali Chandra) received acclaim at the New York Kathak Festival 2019, while her dance film Rise, resonated deeply at the Swiss International Kathak Festival 2020.
Through her work, Maithili continues to explore the depths of Kathak, using the form as a powerful medium for social commentary, emotional depth, and cultural storytelling. Rooted in tradition yet boldly contemporary, her artistic journey reflects a commitment to both honoring and evolving the rich legacy of Indian classical dance.