Jyotika Dayal Paust

🪔 About

Jyotika Dayal Paust is an accomplished Indian classical artist, recognized for her contributions as a Kathak dancer, Hindustani classical vocalist, composer, and choreographer. Born in Benares, India, she embarked on a comprehensive artistic journey that spans over two decades of successful performances both in India and internationally. Her rigorous training in Hindustani Classical vocal music includes a Post Diploma from Shri Ram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, New Delhi, where she studied under the guidance of Lt. Pandit Amarnath and Lt. Smt. Shanti Sharma. She further honed her vocal skills with Ust. Mashkoor Ai Khan and Ust. Akhtar Nawaz of the Kirana Gharana. In Kathak dance, Jyotika Dayal Paust commenced her training at the age of eighteen under Smt. Reba Vidyarthi, a distinguished dancer of the Lucknow Gharana. She subsequently earned a second Post Diploma in Kathak from Kathak Kendra, New Delhi, under the tutelage of Smt. Vaswati Mishra. A recipient of the Senior Scholarship from the Ministry of Human Resource and Development, Government of India, from 1995 to 1998, Jyotika Dayal Paust has maintained an active performing career. Since 1998, she has been an integral member of the Musical Ensemble of Benares, contributing not only as a singer and Kathak dancer but also as a composer and choreographer. Her multidisciplinary talents are also showcased in the Kathak-Flamenco Project, an innovative fusion of Indian and Spanish music and dance. Her performances have graced numerous prestigious festivals across India, including the Yuva Mahotsav, SwatchaGanga festival, Darpan Music Society Festival, and various private concerts. Internationally, she has performed in Europe, Mauritius, and at festivals in Germany such as Herbst Messe and the Percussion Festival, as well as the Mediterranean Festival in Genova. Beyond her performance career, Jyotika Dayal Paust has also contributed to arts education, serving as a Classical Vocal guru at the esteemed Shri Ram Bharatiya Kala Kendra from 2010 to 2016. She also explores her artistic expression through choreography, having created pieces like a tarana in five and a half matra. Awards & Honours: Senior Scholarship.