TKP 032: Sujata Banerjee
Sujata Banerjee is one of the most respected Kathak artists of UK: a choreographer, performer, teacher, mentor and educator. Her knowledge and command over the dance form of Kathak are particularly visible in her work. Sujata has toured all over the world, performing and teaching as a solo artist. She set up her own dance company in UK, in 1985 and created many innovative projects while remaining deeply rooted in the Kathak style. Sujata has her own Academy and teaches students of all levels including professionals. Her sense of humour, positivity and charismatic attitude puts all learners at ease and she is able to get the best out of all students. She is trained as a sports scientist and brings a unique approach to dance training. She believes that dancers should maintain a ‘safe dance practice’ to have an injury free dancing career. Dancers benefit greatly from her unique approach to teaching during their training period and as preparation for performances. Sujata mentors many teachers at different parts of the world and has trained many successful dancers who are now performing professionally. In 2016, she received an honorary lifetime membership award from People Dancing UK for her exceptional contribution to dance. In 2017, Sujata was nominated and shortlisted for One Dance UK’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards. Sujata has been involved in creating the ISTD Kathak syllabus, and is Chairperson and a senior examiner of the Classical Indian Dance Faculty of the ISTD.
Find her on
https://www.instagram.com/sujatabanerjeedancecompany/
https://www.facebook.com/sbdcuk/
Show Highlights
(0:06:15) Focus on the process
(0:01:54) Kathak as a subject
(0:14:41) ISTD Syllabus Benefits
(0:19:39) ISTD and Kathak Gharanas
(0:22:27) Pedestal
(0:34:55) Type of Feedback
(0:42:29) Kathak in Kolkata
(0:51:00) Learning to Play the Piano
(0:53:38) Attitude of a dancer
(0:56:16) Sujata Banerjee Dance Company
(1:00:59) Thriving In the Deep End
(1:05:50) Dance Productions