DanceWeekend’25 Artist Feature:   Sukriti Sharma

Join Sukriti for a  Kathak Dance Fundamentals Workshop

⏰ Saturday, February 22, 2025 4 – 5 pm at City Dance Corps

🎟️  $15 minimum donation at the door (kids 8 and under are free)

About Sukriti Sharma: Sukriti Sharma began her Kathak training under the guidance of Guru Sh. Ashok Chakraborty and further refined her artistry under the esteemed mentorship of Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee Guru Sh. Krishan Mohan Mishra, the elder son of the legendary Pt. Shambhu Maharaj. She has completed an intensive 10-year training program in Kathak and holds a Post Diploma from the prestigious National Institute of Kathak Dance – Kathak Kendra, New Delhi, along with a degree from Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya, Khairagarh.
Recognized as a graded artist with Delhi Doordarshan, Sukriti has actively deepened her practice by participating in numerous workshops under renowned Kathak maestros, including Smt. Shama Bhate, Pt. Birju Maharaj, Smt. Alokparna Guha, Deepti Gupta, and Madhu Natraj Kiran. With extensive teaching experience in India and three years of tenure in Canada, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her students.
As a long-standing member of Padmashree Smt. Shovana Narayan’s repertoire ‘ASAVARI,’ Sukriti has performed at esteemed festivals across India and internationally. Her notable performances include Kathak Mahotsava, Surya Festival, Vasantotsava, Konark Festival, Khajuraho Festival, Kathak Mahotsava Canada (2016 & 2018), Carrasauga Festival, ArohaFest (2017-2019), The Great India Festival, and Angikam, among others.
She has been an integral part of productions choreographed by her gurus, including Sh. Krishan Mohan Mishra, Sh. Jai Kishan Maharaj, Smt. Asavari Pawar, Smt. Shovana Narayan, Smt. Maitryee Pahari, Smt. Malti Shyam, and Shailja Nalwade. In addition, she has collaborated with prominent Canada-based Kathak artists such as Hemant and Vaishali Panwar, Deepti Gupta, and Tanveer Alam.
Sukriti’s notable achievements include her participation in the danceAdvance Choreographic Mentorship Program by Sampradaya Dance Creations under Smt. Nahid Siddiqui and her solo debut at the festival “Momentum,” curated by Sampradaya Dance Creations. She recently toured India as part of ‘Mandala,’ a production by Sampradaya Dance Creations. Additionally, she was featured in the National Ballet of Canada’s ‘Sharing the Stage’ program as a musician in Tanveer Alam’s work Haziri. Most recently, she contributed to Tanveer Alam’s creative project Muhandis.

 

Description of workshop you are sharing at  DanceWeekend’25?
At DanceWeekend’25, I will be conducting a Kathak workshop, focusing on the fundamentals of Kathak. This session will introduce participants to the grace, rhythm, and expressiveness of the art form, covering essential elements such as Tatkaar (footwork), Hastak (hand movements) and Chakkars (spins). Through this workshop, I aim to provide an immersive experience, allowing dancers of all backgrounds to explore the beauty and intricacy of Kathak while understanding its deep-rooted connection to rhythm and music.
Workshop level/target audience and suggested attire and footwear

The workshop is designed for dancers of all levels—whether you’re a beginner looking to explore Kathak or an experienced dancer seeking to refine your technique. Kathak enthusiasts of all backgrounds are welcome, as the workshop will cover fundamental movements, rhythmic footwork, and Spins through dance. Suggested Attire and Footwear: Participants should wear comfortable, form-fitting clothing that allows for free movement, such as yoga pants, leggings, or a loose traditional outfit (churidaar or salwar) with T shirt or Kurta. Kathak is danced Barefoot. So, no footwear is required.

Do you have any up-coming performances/workshops/events you would like to share?
I, and a co-dancer, are curating a vibrant celebration of Holi, the Indian Festival of Colors, in March, embracing the spirit of joy, unity, and cultural richness. In May, I will be premiering a deeply personal solo work, a piece that holds profound significance to my artistic journey and self-expression.
What does dance mean to you?
For me, dance is a way to express what words cannot. It’s a form of storytelling, emotion, and connection. A space where I can be myself, reflect on my journey and share it with others through movement.

 

Come dance with Sukriti at DanceWeekend’25!

DanceWeekend ’25

photo by Ravi Singh