Jebunnesa Basar Initiative of Arts
The Samarpan...
Kathak stands as one of the most distinguished classical dance forms of ancient India. This dance style is noted for its complex footwork, elegant and rhythmic pirouettes, expressive hand gestures, facial expressions, and precise body alignment, all of which are enhanced by the dancer's control over numerous ankle bells.
Founded in 2018 by Acharya Shama, Samarpan Kathak Dance Academy (SKDA) is situated in Pennsylvania, USA. She possess over twenty years of experience in learning and performing, alongside more than a decade of teaching.
SKDA is dedicated to preserving the traditions of Kathak gharanas and Gurus, aiming to promote the richness of this Indian art form among aspiring international students. The academy seeks to help students realize their dreams of learning and performing while encouraging them to explore their creative potential.
About Allsama BK (Acharya Shama)...
Allsama BK, affectionately recognized as Acharya Shama within the artistic community, hails from India and is rooted in the Indian classical music tradition. She excel as a classical performer, concept choreographer, and educator in this dance form.
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Journey:
She possesses a distinctive and fortunate blend of the Jaipur and Lucknow Gharana styles of Kathak dance, supported by a solid academic background in both traditions. Her journey in Kathak commenced at the young age of three within the Jaipur Gharana. She achieved her initial qualifications in this style during the early phase of her training. Following the untimely passing of her Guru, she pursued and completed her academic credentials, earning a degree in Food Science and Technology, as well as a Master's in International Business. She established a commendable career in the food industry, working with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. Despite her demanding professional commitments, she continued to nurture her passion for Kathak by teaching students. Subsequently, she embraced the Lucknow Gharana, further enriching her artistic journey. She has always held the belief that her destiny as a Kathak artist was shaped by her late Guru, Kishan Lal Maharaj, while her development as a Kathak dancer was guided by Guru Pradipto Chakrobarty.
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Experience:
In her formative years, she showcased her talents as a graded child artist on Doordarshan, the public service broadcaster of the Government of India, specializing in Indian classical and folk dances. She has graced numerous esteemed Indian dance festivals hosted by well-known organizations across the country, delivering exceptional performances in both solo and group formats on significant stages. Additionally, she has conducted kathak workshops in both India and the United States and has created choreography across various dance genres, including kathak, folk, and fusion. Allsama BK (Acharya Shama) currently resides in Pennsylvania, USA, where she proudly established the 'Samarpan Kathak Dance Academy.' Her students have participated in and received accolades from various prestigious Indian art platforms in the United States.
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Work beyond:
Her present endeavors are focused on disseminating knowledge about India's ancient classical dance form, enabling dancers to delve into their inner selves. In an effort to promote and share the art of Kathak beyond India's borders, some of her visionary plans are to conduct specially curated workshops for specific age groups, to impact her students and their associates through her books written specially to inspire work on Kathak. Additionally, in2021, she had collaborated closely with her current mentor, Guru Pradipto, to launch a significant online festival which aimed to bridge the experiences and insights of established Kathak and Bharatnatyam practitioners with current learners and enthusiasts of the art form in the USA. The project was met with considerable success and garnered widespread acclaim. She is now dedicated to furthering her vision, which resonates with the passions of art enthusiasts.
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Follow her on Facebook and Instagram to learn about her upcoming works and projects.
"A Kathak artist delve into the expressional and story-telling element of the dance form, enabling him/her with a greater depth and mystery to their inner emotional life, which beautifully can support a more dramatic, moving expression in the performance."
