Kathak Virtuoso Rita Mustaphi, Who Trained Under the Legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj, Wins 2025 Ernie Award

Rita Mustaphi, a celebrated Kathak dancer and founder of Katha Dance Theatre (KDT) in Minnesota, or as she is affectionately known as Rita di, has been named the 2025 winner of the prestigious national Ernie Award. Rita di is no stranger to the world of performing art in the U.S. and in India. She has won several accolades over the years — three McKnight Fellowships for choreography and dance, Leadership Award from the Council of Asian Pacific Minnesotans, Lifetime Achievement Award from the India Association of Minnesota and many more including the Education Award from the Ordway Center for Performing Arts in 2012. 

The ‘Ernie’ Award is given to an individual working ‘behind the scenes’ within the infrastructure of the national dance community, who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership, outstanding value in the ecosystem, and whose achievements have influenced and significantly advanced the work of artists and supported their creativity. Rita di joins a small group of winners for the organization’s 2025 awards, which “have been given to extraordinary leaders in the dance ecosystem, both artists and administrators, over the past thirty years.” The awards will be formally presented at Dance/USA’s national conference on June 17 in Chicago.

Her artistic journey began in Kolkata, India, and New Delhi where she trained under the legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj, one of the foremost exponents of Kathak. She moved to USA and later founded Katha Dance Theatre in 1987, blending traditional Kathak with contemporary sensibilities. Her work has been showcased nationally as well as internationally, including performances at Carnegie Hall and the prestigious Kathak Dance Festival in New Delhi, India. 

Her thematic focus often extends to environmental issues, as seen in “Nature’s Revenge,” a production that uses Kathak to explore humanity’s relationship with nature.

Mustaphi’s choreography often explores themes of empowerment, social justice, and cultural heritage, resonating deeply with diverse audiences. KDT’s projects like “The Hungry Stones,” an adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore’s work, and “Black Candle,” which celebrates the poetry of Maya Angelou, have been hailed as landmark performances and choreography, inspiring a new generation of dancers, as witnessed year over year on stage, under her tutelage and guidance.

Under Rita di’s leadership, KDT has grown into a vibrant community – the school provides a nurturing environment where students learn intricate footwork, graceful movements, and the art of expression. It also serves as a bridge between cultures, showcasing the universal appeal of Kathak through performances and collaborations. Through KDT, Mustaphi has also emphasized community engagement and education. The company tours extensively, increasing Kathak’s presence and fostering cultural exchange. Additionally, KDT’s outreach programs and classes make Kathak accessible to individuals who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience this classical art form.

Over her career, she has choreographed more than 50 original works, showcasing Kathak’s versatility and its ability to tell compelling stories. Her collaborations extend beyond dance, involving musicians, poets, and artists from various cultural backgrounds. 

One of her standout productions, “Rubaiyat – Life in a Day,” inspired by Persian poet Omar Khayyam’s Rubaiyat, showcases her innovative approach to Kathak. This production fuses Indian and Persian artistic traditions, bringing centuries-old poetry to life on stage. Collaborating with composer Maryam Yusefzadeh, Mustaphi created a unique translation of the Rubaiyat to ensure its rhythm and meaning were faithfully represented. The result was a mesmerizing performance that highlighted the philosophical depth of poetry and the universal appeal of Kathak.

“Of Equality,” inspired by the poetry of Kazi Nazrul Islam, a writer and activist from the early 20th century, draws parallels between historical struggles for equity and modern-day challenges faced by marginalized communities. Through a mix of Kathak, spoken word, and live music, Mustaphi seamlessly weaves together themes of racial, cultural, and gender equity. The production features original compositions by acclaimed musician J.D. Steele, incorporating North Indian, East African, and African American musical styles, creating a rich tapestry of sound and movement.

Her thematic focus often extends to environmental issues, as seen in “Nature’s Revenge,” a production that uses Kathak to explore humanity’s relationship with nature and the consequences of environmental neglect. 

---

Kuhu Singh is a writer with interest in social justice, cultural and political matters, in the U.S., India, and beyond.