Arti Manek

🪔 About

Arti Manek is a prominent Kathak dancer, teacher, and the visionary founder of the Shankara Dance Academy (SDA) in Brea, Orange County, California, USA. She established the academy in 2010 with the explicit mission to preserve and promote Kathak, an ancient classical Indian dance form rooted in North India. Manek's rigorous training in Kathak was undertaken under the esteemed tutelage of Abhay Shankar Mishra, a leading exponent of Kathak and a direct disciple of the legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj, at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in London. Through the Shankara Dance Academy, Arti Manek has made a significant contribution to the proliferation and appreciation of Kathak in Southern California, impacting thousands of lives by introducing them to this intricate classical art form. The academy has successfully enrolled and trained hundreds of students, many of whom have achieved Rang Manch Pravesh, a significant milestone signifying their readiness for professional stage performances. Manek's commitment to educational excellence is evident in the structured Kathak curriculum offered by SDA, which was designed in consultation with Abhay Shankar Mishra and integrates the fundamental principles and best practices from the Lucknow, Jaipur, and Banaras gharanas. Beyond her role as an educator, Arti Manek is also recognized as a choreographer and producer of various folk and classical dance productions within the Los Angeles area, frequently showcasing local talent. Her academy regularly organizes Kathak events and recitals, providing a platform for her students and fostering collaborations with renowned artists. Notably, in 2015, SDA hosted a Kathak extravaganza featuring performances by Pandit Birju Maharaj, Saswati Sen, and Abhay Shankar Mishra. In 2019, her students captivated audiences with a dance drama titled "Dashavtar". Manek's dedicated efforts have been pivotal in elevating Kathak as an art form and inspiring dance enthusiasts throughout the region.