Kathak is one of eight classical dance forms originating from India. It is associated with technical precision, grace, and storytelling. Its history is rich, referenced in many Indian scriptures including the Mahabharat (Adi Parva: Arjuna- Vanavasa Parva). It has seen transformation overtime but retains conviction to pure dance and expression.

• My introduction to 'ta-thei-tat'
  I was first introduced to Kathak at the Dancing Nikita Company based in Berkshire - one of the UK’s leading providers of a range of Indian dance styles. Here I began and continue to pursue my training with Nikita Thakrar, disciple of Guruma Shila Mehta. Nikita taught me the alphabet of the form, and her enthusiasm towards the same has certainly been key to making Kathak a fundamental part of my life. I will always credit her for adding fuel to my passion for dance - a medium through which we have been able to develop a close friendship also. She is herself well known for elegant movement and captivating expressions, aspects which are empathised in her approach to teaching alongside sharing experiences of how dance matures overtime. Nikita is also credited for incorporating core techniques from the classical arts within her unique style of semi-classical Bollywood. She is always signposting opportunities. It is in this way that I was first exposed to teaching dance myself, but more importantly, came into contact with Guruma Shila Mehta
• About Shila Mehta

  Referred to as ‘Guruma’ by her students, Shila Mehta is an internationally renowned Kathak dance artist. She regularly performs across India, the United States, Canada, the Middle East, United Kingdom, and Europe. A rarity of attributes, she is celebrated for her versatility that spans the breadth of the art. Her expressions mesmerise and her presentations of technical aspects of dance are effortless. Not only a performer, choreographer and teacher, she also composes music, and has authored academic works in the area. Through her institute - Nupur Zankar Academy of Performing Arts and Research Centre Mumbai, India- Shila Mehta has gained recognition for being the stimulus for the development of the next generation of performers, teachers and dance scholars alike.

  
  Having had one off experiences of learning with her, I decided to continue developing under Guruma’s guidance to compliment my progression within the arts. As a teacher, she takes a holistic approach; sharing knowledge of the arts, alongside grooming the personal attributes of students. Her attention to detail is unparalleled, something which has certainly challenged me to new extremes. Committed to maintaining high standards, she has studied the body from both an aesthetic and psychological perspective and understands perfectly how to help students navigate their own body and emotions. She also actively encourages students to bring their wider skills into the arts so as to communicate the benefits of creativity to different groups. For me this has resulted in the efforts to integrate research within the arts, alongside pursuing further opportunities to perform and teach.
• Kathak Classes
  Under Guruma Shila Mehta’s guidance, I am pleased to be offering Kathak dance classes within Swindon Wiltshire, following the structured syllabus ‘Practicals in Kathak’ (conceived and authored by Shila Mehta).
• Connecting with Rhythmn
  Laya (tempo) and taal (rhythm) are essential elements of Kathak. The dance works within a specific time frame as defined by the taal and thus requires sound understanding of the complexities of the Hindustani music system. I regularly work with three established tabla artists to support and enhance appreciation of laya and taal. This includes Aniruddha Mukherjee (Kolkata India)- groomed under Pandit Debashish Mukherjee and Pandit Subhankar Banerjee- an artist who needs no introduction within the Kathak field. Amritpal Singh Rasiya - senior disciple of Pandit Yogesh Samsi and fast gaining recognition as one of the UK’s leading tabla players. Jon Sterckx, a skilled percussionist acknowledged for his contribution to traditional as well as contemporary fusion music. Jon was introduced to the tabla under the tutelage of Harjinder Singh Matharu, Shivanand Bhandari, and Kailash Nishad.