Pandit Shambhu Maharaj Kathak Academy
The fond memories of Pt. Shambhu Maharaj, the great exponent of Kathak, is the inspirational force behind the establishment of the institute. In1954 Pt. Shambhu Maharaj ji was invited to Delhi by Smt. Nirmala Joshi to impart knowledge in Lucknow Gharana of Kathak & in 1956 he received the Padma Shri Award by Dr. Rajendra Prasad ji. It is an endeavor to relive the dreams of Maharaj ji in bringing Kathak to a certain glorified pedestal. The institute Pandit Shambhu Maharaj Kathak Academy was set up in 1999 by his daughter in law Vaswati Misra, who has trained more than 1000 dancers since its inception. The hallmark of the institute is its training methodology. These principles were formulated by its director and are based on the many years she spent as a teacher, first at the Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra and later at her alma mater Kathak Kendra, New Delhi.
Courses Offered:
The academy offers two courses, General & Certificate
Both the general and certificate courses basically follow the same syllabus. The difference lies in the approach of the student and the amount of time they are willing to devote to practicing and improving technique rather than in the teaching methodology.
A student, in the general course, can move at a pace best suited to their individual abilities. Though the institute will push them to do their best they will not feel the pressure of taking examinations. A lot of people learn dance for the sheer joy of it with no thought to future prospects. Not everyone wishes to take it up as a career option as not everyone is suited for it. For those students who may eventually want to take up dance seriously either at university level, in the study of allied subjects like dance therapy, as performers, choreographers or indeed those who may choose to themselves become teachers, the certificate courses are useful. For everyone else, we believe, it is not needed. The final decision of course is the parents and the students but, the risk of failing in exams is always there and must be accepted.
General Course:
The General Course has been designed for students who are keen to learn but do not want to go through the formal pressure of exams. They do however, undergo an internal annual assessment. The course is open to anyone above the age of seven and after a period of two years students may either opt to continue in this category or take an entrance test that qualifies them to join the certificate course.
The general course syllabus is flexible and designed to suit the abilities of the students.
Certificate Course:
The certificate Course has three levels – Diploma, Vishaarad & Nipun
Every level of certification requires the student to take an entrance exam, the syllabus for which is available in the office along with the admission forms. These exams are held twice a year – December and May. Students, who opt for the Certificate Course, should collect and fill in the form one month prior to the exam, failing which they will be unable to take the exam. Students are at liberty to take this exam as many times as required.
Each of the certificate courses follows a syllabus and students are required to take annual examinations. The panel of evaluators is made up of experts from various fields of the performing arts. Those students found deserving are given scholarships if required. At the end of each certification course the students are required to perform solo before an invited audience.
Students who complete Nipun may be offered a place in the Dhwani Repertory.
NOTE :
Academy also offers online individual classes with senior teacher and director.
Apart from the two mentioned courses we also offer
Bridge Course General: A specially designed course for adults / older students.
Ankur : An orientation one year course for young children—- Age 6 yrs
A Special six month SHORT TERM course is offered for overseas students