What is your dance background, both in terms of your training and your professional experience?

Dancing just came naturally to me. From my childhood, I used to be on the school stage for poem recitals, debates and plays and never had a stage fright. I always used to enjoy dancing but did not get any opportunity or time to get training in any dance style while I was completing my education. After completing my undergraduate degree from the University of Delhi, India and Computer Systems training, I started working in the field of Information Technology. Later on, I moved to USA to further my career prospects in 1998. Attained PMP (Project Management Professional) Certification and completed MBA from the Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota.

My destiny and passion for dance inspired me to begin learning Kathak from Rita Mustaphi of Katha Dance Theatre in 2004. After ten years of rigorous training under Rita Mustaphi, I had the opportunity of a lifetime to get further training directly from the legendary and Padma Vibhushan-awardee Pandit Birju Maharaj in New Delhi, India. During the intensive six months training in Guru-Shishya parampara (Teacher-Disciple tradition), I stayed, traveled and performed with Pandit Birju Maharaj & Company in several states in India.

I am a recipient of ‘Travel & Study’ grant from the Jerome Foundation to research and study traditional Kathak dance in India. I also participated in the Chicago’s International Kathak Festivals in 2004 & 2009. Attending conferences and workshops conducted by the Kathak exponents from all over the world was a great learning experience. I have been performing locally, nationally, internationally and had the fortune to perform at some of the prestigious places for example Madison Square Garden, New York, The Ordway Center for Performing Arts in Saint Paul, Minnesota & The Khajuraho Dance Festival, India.

When and why did you begin teaching?  

I started teaching Kathak in 2009. I love sharing the craft that I have acquired by observing my gurus. My ultimate goal in teaching Kathak dance is to cultivate inner peace, a positive attitude and composure through expressions. I feel blessed to practice and share various aspects of a ‘Kathakaar’ – a storyteller – by expressional and rhythmic Kathak compositions with my students.

Who and/or what have been your biggest inspirations as a teacher?  

As my first Kathak Guru/teacher Rita Mustaphi inspires me! My students inspire and teach me something new every week. Their unmatched energy gives me the utmost joy. My other teaching inspirations come from the Kathak Maestro himself, Pandit Birju Maharaj, and Vidushi Saswati Sen. I was fortunate to observe and sometimes assist Pandit Birju Maharaj and Saswati Sen in their classes and workshops during my Kathak training in India. Pandit Birju Maharaj’s perseverance, sincerity, passion for teaching, and incorporation of daily life examples into his teaching are admirable. I believe teaching is a continuous learning process for a teacher.

How would you describe your teaching style?

I would say my teaching style is a mix of being both warm and demanding. My love and passion for dance reflect in my teaching style. I provide caring and emotional support but also have high expectations from my students. Having said that, I make sure my students are having fun in the classroom by finding the right balance between their artistic development and enjoyment. I try to be a positive role model so my students not only learn this beautiful form of Indian classical dance but also use discipline and practice in their lifestyles.

What do you hope your students take away from your class?

I hope when my students leave the classroom they feel energized and eager to come back to the next class. I also hope every dance practice session is a stress reliever for my students after their busy day at school or at work. Finally, my hope is that they take away a joy and happiness from dance that will ultimately provide a more focused approach in whatever they choose to do.

Do you have any key phrases or expressions you often use in your classes?

I use many phrases, for example: “follow your hands,” “use a lot of wrist for all hand movements,” “relax and smile,” “understand the meaning of each word for the expressional dances so you can emote and perform them properly,” and “you have to enjoy the dance, only then audience will enjoy your performance.”

What do you love most about teaching? What’s the hardest part of your job?

Teaching has been a sacred and elating experience for me. By teaching, I learn and by learning, I get inspired to teach more. I would say the hardest part of my job is to learn and try to understand different students’ perspectives. It is definitely hard to match kids’ exuberant energyJ!

What advice do you have for other dance teachers who wish to make an impression on their students?

Set clear goals and expectations with your students / parents