About Us
Guru Antara Datta
Antara Datta started learning Kathak at the tender age of five from Srimati Laxmi Bannerjee in Kolkata, India. She holds a double diploma in Kathak from the Bangiya Sangeet Parishad in Kolkata and the Prayag Sangeet Samiti in Allahabad, India. She received advanced training in the Lucknow gharana of Kathak from “Sringar Mani“ >Srimati Anuradha Nag. To hone her skills further Antara Datta also received training from Kathak maestro Lt. Pandit Birju Maharaj and continues under Vidushi Saswati Sen, during her annual trips to India at Kalashram, New Delhi. In addition, she regularly visits Mahagami (a dance Gurukul in Aurangabad, India) to receive intensive training from Guru Parwati Dutta.
Antara receives Taal Vidya training from Guruji, Pandit Divvang Vakil. Antara has performed extensively in both India and abroad and is the Artistic Director of Anga Kala Kathak Academy and Anga Kala Dance Company. She also serves as the President of Arts Without Borders. Antara taught Kathak as an adjunct faculty in Cornish College of Arts Seattle, WA in 2010, Kent State University Kent in Winter 2014, and University of Akron, in OH Winter 2017.
About Us
The Anga Kala Kathak Academy was founded with the sole purpose of imparting students & enthusiasts an exceptional training in the classical art form of Kathak; while also inculcating the values, traditions and culture it embodies.
We provide our students a stimulating, supportive and multi-cultural environment to explore the physical, intellectual and spiritual benefits of this ancient art-form. We wish to enrich our community through performances & demonstrations; and also foster personal growth and cultural exploration through our workshop and outreach activities.
We are unique
Authentic techniques
We’re devoted to nurture the nuances and grace of this very beautiful dance form in all our students. Without compromising its authentic technique, Smt. Antara Datta’s innovative choreography has also joined Kathak to seemingly unrelated dance forms such as tap-dance, flamenco, and ballet.
Student oriented lessons
We train students across all age-groups, starting with age 5. Our lessons are student-oriented and are based on age-group, familiarity with Kathak, and learning style. All our students progress through upper levels of Kathak, as they develop their skill as a dancer.
Certification program
The academy offers certification program in Kathak, accredited to ISTD (www.istd.org). Students have an option to receive a formal diploma in Kathak. As students graduate, they are recognized with certification of accomplishment for each grade. While participation in certification is optional, it is a great asset for young students to start preparing early for their college applications; and for anyone seeking to become a professional in the field of dance.
Showcase opportunities
Every other year, the school organizes a recital where there is opportunity to collaborate with world class professional musicians, dancers, and instructors. Also there are opportunities of performing in numerous community events throughout the year.
About Anga Kala Dance Company
Anga Kala Dance Company is the academy’s sister unit with the mission to popularize Kathak in the community through local performances, collaborations with other music and dance schools, and development of high-quality productions, and to provide exposure to the next generation of Anga Kala Kathak Academy students and senior artists to preserve the art form and its rich heritage. It trains the qualifying participants to develop as classical Kathak performers, alongside their regular education.
