Founded in Tradition, Inspiring through Innovation

Shivam Arts School of Kathak Dance was founded by noted artistic director and choreographer Punam Kumar. Mesmerizing audiences for over 35 years, Shivam Arts has established itself as a cornerstone of Indian culture and heritage in Southern California.

Students at Shivam Arts are trained with love, patience, and individual attention. The emphasis of the training is to instill proper technique and understanding of rhythmic patterns while paying close attention to hand, eye, and body coordination and posture. Disciples of Shivam Arts regularly participate in the school’s annual dance recitals where they demonstrate their progress and mastery.  Instruction at Shivam Arts often culminates in a solo Kathak dance debut, or “Samarpan,” in which senior students showcase their rigorous training accompanied by a live musical ensemble. This concept was first pioneered by Punam Kumar in 1993.

Punam’s dance philosophy is to keep the tradition alive while freeing the imagination for exploration. She works to maintain a fine balance between graceful body movements and energetic footwork.

The school now has students ranging from 4 years old to young mothers and seniors. Students of the school receive a variety of experiences and exposure to Indian culture and heritage through their dance training and performances.

CURRICULUM

  • Students will participate in recitals, theatrical productions, and public performances of repute.

  • Private/Semi-Private classes available upon request and can be customized for your needs.

  • Students can take exams to achieve Kathak certification.

  • When rigor and passion are applied, a student’s training can culminate in a solo dance debut or “Samarpan.”

Classes are offered for children of all ages and adults/seniors. We also promote dance through workshops, lecture demonstrations, short-term training, and school assemblies. Techniques taught include pranam, tatkar and various footwork patterns, stances, tal – rhythmic structures, hastaks – hand gestures, chakkars – spins, abhinaya – expressions and padhant – recitation of dance compositions (boles). Shivam Arts also exposes students to basic storytelling elements.