Kathak, a classical Indian dance form from northern India, has its roots in ancient storytelling traditions. It seamlessly weaves intricate footwork, expressive gestures, and graceful movements to narrate stories, often drawn from Hindu mythology. This dance form encompasses elements of rhythm (nritta), expression (abhinaya), and pure dance. Renowned for its dramatic spins (chakkars) and fluid storytelling, Kathak combines technical precision with profound emotion, resulting in a mesmerising performance.
Several Bollywood movies, such as Baiju Bawra, Umrao Jaan, Taal, Aaja Nachle, Madhumati, and Bajirao Mastani, have beautifully showcased the elegance and intricacy of Kathak dance. Kathak received significant patronage during the Mughal era, which greatly influenced its evolution.
Sanskriti—A School of Indian Performing Arts in Sydney, owned & run by Ms. Sakshi Kumar, presented a stunning showcase of Indian cultural dances, including Kathak and Kuchipudi, on 30 November at the Pennant Hills Community Centre. The event, part of their second annual function, Jalsaa, featured performers from the school ranging in age from 3 to 60 years.
During the event, the inaugural Sanskriti Samman award was presented to Guru Shri Ramana Karanam, the esteemed founder of Mayura Dance Academy. The occasion was graced by distinguished guests, including Mr. Mark Coure MP, Member for Oatley & Shadow Minister for Multiculturism, Councillor Sreeni Pillamarri , City of Parramatta, Councillor Indu Balachandran and Councillor Barbara Ward—Ku-ring-gai Council, Mrs. Mala Mehta OAM—Founder IABBV, Mr. Anuj Kulshreshta—Director, Opera Events, ace musicians Mr. Maharshi Raval and Mr. Pirashanna Thevarajah, Mr. Harmohan Walia, Ms. Swati Mukherjee- Sydney Kali Temple and Ms. Shoba from Hindi Council of Australia.
Sakshi Kumar is a highly skilled Kathak dancer, renowned for her graceful performances and strong dedication to the classical Indian dance form. Her exceptional talent has earned her permanent residency in Australia. Sakshi has honed her craft with dedication, bringing the beauty and intricacy of Kathak to audiences in Australia and beyond.
Sakshi Kumar is a disciple of Pt. Jai Kishan Maharaj (s/o Pt. Birju Maharaj ji) and Guru Smt. Shama Bhate. She has a Master of Arts in Kathak and a topper alumnus of Kathak Kendra, New Delhi. She has served Embassy of Kyrgyzstan as a Kathak teacher and performed for more than two years. She is a graded artist of Delhi Doordarshan.
Her performances are a blend of traditional and contemporary expressions, where she brings the ancient art form of Kathak to life with its rhythmic footwork, graceful spins, and emotive storytelling. Sakshi’s ability to weave intricate narrative threads through her dance, coupled with her technical precision, has earned her recognition in the Indian classical dance community in Sydney.
As a dancer, choreographer, and actor, she has performed internationally at prestigious festivals and even at the President’s House in India during former U.S. President Barack Obama’s visit. Her extensive work spans Bollywood songs, TV serials, short films, and theater in both Australia and India. Notable highlights include her performance in the song Mohe Rang Do Laal from the movie Bajirao Mastani her performance as a Kathak dancer in the film “One by Two” and her portrayal of Lady Capulet in the English play Romeo & Juliet.
Sakshi Kumar is deeply enthusiastic about passing on the rich tradition of Kathak to the next generation of dancers. Her commitment to preserving the tradition while embracing new creative possibilities makes her a dynamic force in Sydney’s cultural scene. Her students delivered a graceful performance that evening, with costumes bursting in a riot of colours.
Sakshi is widely acclaimed for her collaborations with dancers and musicians, skillfully blending Kathak with other art forms to craft innovative performances that captivate audiences across cultures. Her jugalbandi with Kuchipudi dancer Meghana Karanam was a mesmerising spectacle, beautifully showcasing the harmonious fusion of two distinct styles and together with Sakshi’s solo performance on the Thumri ‘Mohe Chedo Na’ which was met with rapturous applause and praised for its grace and emotive expression, were the highlights of the evening.
Through her performances and teachings, she continues to inspire countless individuals to embrace and celebrate the rich heritage of classical Indian arts, ensuring they remain alive and thriving in Australia.
At the conclusion of the performances, the artists were presented with certificates and gifts, and the guests expressed their heartfelt appreciation, extending their best wishes for continued success to Sakshi Kumar.
More info: https://sakshi-kumar.com
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