Shambhavi’s International School of Kathak (SISK) recently celebrated its tenth anniversary with a special edition of its flagship show, Darpan. Unlike traditional performances, Darpan takes an introspective approach, serving as a mirror for the students to gauge their progress as artists and for the guru, Shambhavi Dandekar, to reflect on her role as a teacher.
The fifth edition of Darpan featured a variety of performances, including a dance film, hybrid performances with virtual dancers, and pieces like Nritya Keli and Barkha, showcasing the beauty of Monsoon through Kathak’s movements. Shambhavi’s solo performance, Abhinaya, carried an emotional theme around Holi and love, with a subtle social message. The dancers also took on a rhythmic challenge, performing to fusion music composed by Tabla maestro Bickram Ghosh.
Shambhavi aims to provide the audience with exposure to classical arts, believing that appreciating art at a sensory level is essential. She hopes that the audience experiences a state of meditation and inner bliss during her performances, emphasizing the abstract nature of Kathak and its multiple interpretations.
Darpan also paid homage to the ancient guru-shishya parampara, showcasing pieces choreographed by Shambhavi’s mother and guru, Pandita Maneesha Sathe, as well as compositions inspired by Pandit Jasraj and Taalyogi Pandit Suresh Talwalkar. The show highlighted the deep bond between a teacher and student, emphasizing the dedication and intensity required for mastery in performing arts.
Reflecting on SISK’s ten-year journey, Shambhavi expressed satisfaction in instilling life values in her students through Kathak. The school focuses on building a strong community culture and values the synergy created when students learn together. SISK offers innovative programs like the Gurukul Retreat and Global Distance Learning Program to keep the guru-shishya tradition alive and make Kathak accessible to enthusiasts worldwide.
Shambhavi’s dedication to preserving the guru-shishya tradition and passing on the intensity of her training to her students has been incredibly rewarding. Despite challenges and changes, she remains committed to ensuring that Kathak becomes a transformative experience for all who embrace it. Through SISK, Shambhavi continues to inspire a new generation of dancers and enthusiasts to appreciate the beauty and tradition of Kathak.
