Archana Kumar

🪔 About

Archana Kumar is an Indian classical dancer, choreographer, and actor, known for her versatile work across Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and modern dance forms. She began her journey in Indian classical dance nearly two decades ago, training in Bharatanatyam for seven years before embracing Kathak, which she has practiced since 1996. Her Kathak training was under renowned gurus Smt. Maya Rao, Smt. Chitra Venugopal, and Munnalal Shukla, and she attended workshops with Pandit Chitresh Das, Pandit Birju Maharaj, and Smt. Kumudhini Lakhia. Since 2000, Archana has actively explored techniques of modern dance and improvisation, collaborating with well-known modern dancers and choreographers in Seattle. In 2004, she founded the Manasarovar Kathak School, where she teaches children and adults of all ages and backgrounds. She also established her dance company, 'Arch Ensemble,' in June 2007. Archana has performed extensively both locally and internationally, with venues including Tokyo, Shanghai, Bangalore, Delhi, Vancouver, Kelowna, U.A.E., Bend, Oregon, and Vashon Island. Her academic engagements include serving as adjunct faculty at Cornish College of Arts, Seattle, and Northwestern University, Evanston. Recognized for her contributions, she received the Spandana Award in 2011 for exceptional contributions to Kathak. Archana Kumar is also noted as the first Indian to be certified as an Irish dance instructor in 2022. Awards & Honours: Spandana Award (2011).