Samiksha Sharma Arun: Weaving the Rhythms of Kathak Across Borders

 

In the world of Indian classical dance, where every movement is a sacred gesture and every rhythm a story, Samiksha Sharma Arun has carved a unique path that transcends borders, generations, and traditions. A devoted disciple of Kathak, she has transformed her passion into a powerful medium of cultural exchange, artistic excellence, and education. From the temples of India to international stages in Uzbekistan and Spain, Samiksha’s journey exemplifies the timeless grace of Kathak and its potential to inspire across cultures.

Early Life and Initiation into Kathak

Born in Gwalior, a city steeped in music and cultural heritage, Samiksha Sharma began her Kathak training at the tender age of eight. Under the initial guidance of Shri Purushottam Nayak, her foundational years were marked by discipline and a deep spiritual connection to the art form. Recognizing her extraordinary potential early on, she was encouraged to pursue professional training, which led her to the prestigious National Institute of Kathak Dance (Kathak Kendra) in Delhi.

At Kathak Kendra, Samiksha’s artistry was honed under the mentorship of Pt. Rajendra Gangani, one of India’s most revered Kathak maestros. With years of rigorous training in the Jaipur Gharana style, she mastered the intricate footwork, swift pirouettes, expressive abhinaya (acting), and the rhythmic complexities that define the classical tradition.

Academic Pursuits and Scholarly Depth

Samiksha’s devotion to Kathak extends far beyond the stage. Her academic journey is a testimony to her scholarly approach to dance. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Kathak under the guidance of Dr. Purnima Pande at Raja Mansingh Tomar Music and Arts University, Gwalior. Her doctoral research is focused on a comparative study between Indian Kathak and Uzbek classical dance traditions—a unique endeavor that seeks to bridge two rich cultural worlds through movement, expression, and shared history.

International Exposure and ICCR Cultural Ambassador

A shining example of India’s soft power diplomacy, Samiksha was appointed as a Dance Teacher-cum-Performer under the aegis of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). For four years, she served at the Indian Cultural Centre in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. During this tenure, she not only performed extensively but also taught Kathak to hundreds of local students, effectively becoming a cultural ambassador for India.

Her book, introducing Kathak in the Uzbek language, became an essential reference for her students and a symbol of cross-cultural collaboration. She was often invited by embassies and international forums to showcase India’s classical heritage, and her performances in countries like Spain, Norway, and Venezuela were met with admiration and respect.

Artistic Choreography and Stage Innovations

As a choreographer, Samiksha Sharma is known for blending tradition with innovation. Her production “IDAM HRITAM IDAM SHASHWATAM”—a thematic exploration of spring across eras—was widely acclaimed for its poetic storytelling and vibrant choreography. Another standout creation, “IZM”, merges Kathak with Uzbek classical dance forms, presenting the legendary love saga of Sheerin and Farhad in a dynamic, cross-cultural framework.

These productions are not just performances; they are philosophical narratives brought to life through rhythm and expression. Samiksha’s ability to stay rooted in Kathak’s classical grammar while embracing the spirit of experimentation has set her apart as a forward-thinking artist.

Founding Gurukul Kathak Kendra

With a vision to nurture the next generation of dancers, Samiksha established the Gurukul Kathak Kendra in the National Capital Region (NCR). The institution follows the guru-shishya parampara (teacher-disciple tradition), offering rigorous training in Kathak. What makes her approach unique is her ability to blend academic precision with spiritual depth, ensuring that her students not only learn the technique but also understand the soul of the art form.

She regularly conducts workshops across India and abroad, with her students performing at prestigious venues and earning accolades for their discipline and grace. The Gurukul has become a vibrant space where tradition meets modern pedagogy.

Literary Pursuits and Poetic Expression

Samiksha is also an accomplished writer. Her Hindi poetry, often inspired by her experiences in dance and travel, reflects deep introspection and a spiritual connection with art. Her writings explore themes of womanhood, divinity, and the transient beauty of life—all subjects that also find expression in her choreography.

In addition to her poetry, her scholarly contributions to dance literature have enriched the Kathak community. Her research papers and presentations at national seminars often spark valuable discourse among dance academics and practitioners.

Awards and Recognitions

Over the years, Samiksha Sharma Arun has received numerous accolades recognizing her contribution to the arts. Whether it’s state-level awards for her performances, appreciation from foreign governments during her cultural diplomacy work, or praise from the Kathak fraternity, her journey is filled with milestones that speak of her commitment and excellence.

Her recognition is not merely based on technical prowess but on her ability to make Kathak relevant to contemporary audiences. In an age of digital distractions, she has succeeded in captivating the attention of young learners, global art enthusiasts, and traditionalists alike.

Preserving Tradition in a Modern World

One of Samiksha’s greatest achievements is her ability to keep Kathak relevant without diluting its essence. In a rapidly globalizing world, classical arts often face the challenge of survival amidst fast-paced, commercial entertainment. Through her performances, pedagogy, and outreach, Samiksha has played a pivotal role in reasserting the cultural value of Indian classical dance.

Her work is a clarion call for a return to roots—not in a regressive sense, but as a pathway to self-discovery, spiritual evolution, and cultural pride. Through her global lectures, dance dramas, and community engagements, she advocates for art as a tool for peace, identity, and dialogue.

The Future Ahead

As Samiksha continues her artistic journey, she envisions an academy that not only trains dancers but also produces scholars, researchers, and cultural ambassadors. Her future projects include a multimedia dance film on the Ganga, exploring the mythology, environmental crisis, and spiritual legacy of India’s holiest river through Kathak.

She is also in the process of developing a digital archive of rare Kathak compositions and cross-border dance collaborations that can be accessed by students and researchers worldwide.