nupur zankar academy of performing arts & research centre

Nupur Zankar Academy Of Performing Arts & Research Centre, which has its roots in Kolkata, India since 1983 and is now a Registered Charitable Trust under the Bombay Trust Act, 1950.

It has been providing high quality dance education for over 30 years. Registered with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), the Institute supports both home and international students in establishing themselves as teachers and performers in the Classical art form of Kathak. Students of Nupur Zankar have been acknowledged at esteemed festivals and national competitions, and perform regularly at annual and commissioned events across India and the West. Many have embarked on full time professions within the arts, and others balance teaching and performing in addition to respected careers in different disciplines. Students learn under the Institute’s structured syllabus that focuses on the breadth of the Kathak repertoire, resulting in a well-rounded skill set.

With the untiring efforts and creative ideas of its founder member and Artistic Director Smt. Shila Mehta, with the blessings of Gurus- Pt. Vijai Shankar, Pt. Prahlad Das, Pt. Chitresh Das, Pt. Birju Maharaj, Pt. Suresh Talwarkar, Guru Darshana Jhaveri & Guru Asha Joglekar and with support from all well-wishers and friends, it has established itself as a respected institute in the world of art & artists.

Nupur Zankar Academy Of Performing Arts & Research Centre has established itself as a leading provider of Kathak Dance Education. 

The institute seeks to continue to act as an exemplar in the field of dance education by training the next generation of teachers and performers in Kathak. Its success is based on two driving principles:

Providing high quality dance training:

  • A structured dance curriculum
  • Learning aids including the course text and music CD
  • Exposure to eminent artists from different fields

Supporting personal development:

  • Offering regular performance opportunities to build confidence
  • Personalized learning plans including non-exam and exam-based options

Nupur Zankar USA Activities

Now forming a base in New Jersey-USA, students of all ages and cultural backgrounds are invited to explore the transformational potential of dance. We also welcome interest from professional dancers wishing to pursue collaborations, and continuing professional development.

COURSE INFORMATION

Introduction to Kathak

For students having no prior experience

Continuing Professional Development

For Performers seeking to:
- Explore specific themes in more detail
- Audition to perform with the company's professional group

Kathak for Improvers

For students having some knowledge of Kathak dance

Personalised group or private sessions available including choreography for special occasions



Kathak Master Class

For advanced dancers

Examination routes through association with an Indian Board





Founded by the internationally renowned kathak dance artist and choreographer – Shila Mehta. The company runs classes, courses, workshops. performances and lecture demonstrations in Kathak dance, Chaitanya yoga dance and folk dances of India. The company strongly believes in understanding the traditions with a view to imbibe the correct spirit of innovations. The classes stick strictly to the disciplined classical training of Kathak with a training to pay respect to other culture and heritage, literature, dance styles and forms along with its own.