Episode Notes

(0:02:33) Teaching in Toronto

(0:04:33) When her students don't practice

(0:05:51) Managing expectations of students and parents

(0:09:11) Developing patience for new teachers

(0:12:54) How do you teach differently in Canada

(0:15:27) Preparations done before class

(0:22:52) Kathak background and training

(0:32:27) Writing and securing Grants: The process

(0:34:32) Keeping things simple

(0:37:10) Building confidence in yourselfd

(0:40:49) Taking and processing advice

(0:42:42) Evolution as a Kathak practioner

(0:47:04) Kathak outreach

(0:50:17) Tips for Kathakas moving to a new country

Now based in Toronto, Sukriti Sharma first started studying in Delhi, India with Guru Ashok Chakraborty and continued her training with Guru Krishan Mohan Mishra – the elder son of the renowned late Pandit Shambhu Maharaj – until 2010. During her decade-long study of Kathak, she was awarded a Post Diploma from India’s premier institute Kathak Kendra, located in New Delhi, India. To further deepen her knowledge, Sukriti has attended a variety of workshops and explored different facets of the form with masters such as Shama Bhate, Pandit Birju Maharaj and Madhu Natraj Kiran. However, the best way for Sukriti to continue her practice has been to teach others. Sukriti started teaching Kathak in India, and continues to share her passion for Kathak with students in Canada since 2017. As far as her professional career goes, Sukriti has been a part of Asavari, Padmashree Shovana Narayan’s repertoire company for 4 years. She has also performed in a range of arts and culture festivals including Kathak Mahotsav in (Delhi, 2011), Surya Festival (Kerala, 2012), Konark Festival (Konark, 2013), Aroha Fest (Ottawa; 2019) and Angikam (Toronto, 2021). Sukriti also worked with well-known Canadian dance artist Deepti Gupta in her production “Self Portraits with Amrita.” Currently, she’s being mentored by famous Kathak exponent Nahid Siddiqui, as part of a Choreographic Residency Program offered by Sampradaya Dance Creations.