Acharya Shama

🪔 About

Acharya Shama, also known as Allsama BK, is a dedicated Kathak dancer, performer, concept choreographer, and educator. Hailing from India, she is rooted in the Indian classical music tradition and possesses a distinctive blend of the Jaipur and Lucknow Gharana styles of Kathak dance. Her journey in Kathak began at the tender age of three within the Jaipur Gharana, where she received her initial qualifications. She trained under the late Pt. Kishan Lal Maharaj (Jaipur Gharana) and completed her academic qualifications in Kathak from Pracheen Kala Kendra, India. Later, she became a student of Kathak Guru Pradipto (Lucknow Gharana), a disciple of Jai Kishan Maharaj, son of Padma Vibhushan Pt. Birju Maharaj. Acharya Shama has over twenty years of experience in learning and performing, alongside more than a decade of teaching. In her formative years, she was a graded child artist on Doordarshan, performing Indian classical and folk dances. She has graced numerous esteemed Indian dance festivals organized by the Government of India and other reputed platforms, delivering exceptional solo and group performances. She has also conducted Kathak workshops in both India and the United States and has created choreography across various dance genres, including Kathak, folk, and fusion. Beyond her dance career, Acharya Shama holds a degree in Food Science and Technology and a Master's in International Business. She established a commendable career in the food industry, working with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, while continuing to nurture her passion for Kathak by teaching students. In 2018, Acharya Shama founded the Samarpan Kathak Dance Academy (SKDA) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, where she currently resides. Prior to this, she guided Kathak students in India until 2016 at 'Samarpan Kala Kendra', an Indian classical dance school founded by her Guru Pradipto Kumar. SKDA is dedicated to preserving the traditions of Kathak gharanas and promoting the richness of this Indian art form among aspiring international students. Her students have participated in and received accolades from various prestigious Indian art platforms in the United States.