Smt. Shika Mohanlall Harrypaul

🪔 About

Smt. Shika Mohanlall Harrypaul is a prominent Kathak exponent, teacher, and choreographer based in South Africa. She commenced her Kathak studies in 1999 at the Institute of Classical Music & Dance, Kala Darshan, in Durban, under the rigorous guidance of Shri Manesh Maharaj. Her training instilled in her a unique style that harmoniously blends elements from the Jaipur, Lucknow, and Benares Gharanas. In 2005, Shika achieved her Rangmanch Pravesh, graduating as a professional Kathak dancer with a memorable solo performance at the Kendra Hall in Durban. She continued as a senior dancer for Kala Darshan for nine years, performing extensively in conferences and cultural events, and taking lead roles in acclaimed dance productions such as "Utsav" (2000), "Dance Of The Gods" (2002), "Sur Singaar" (2003), "Krishnaleela" (2004), "Dancing Ragas" (2005), and "Geet Milan" (2006). Following her relocation to Johannesburg in June 2007, Shika identified a significant demand for pure Kathak in the region. This led her to establish Darpan Dance Studios in Randburg in 2008, with the support of her husband, Ashwin Harrypaul, and the Randburg Hindu Cultural Society. Under her leadership, Darpan Dance Studios has staged several major Kathak productions, and Shika teaches her distinctive style across Gauteng, including Randburg, Midrand, Benoni, Fourways, and Roodepoort. She is also a resident adjudicator for the dance category in the Gauteng Annual Hindi Eisteddfods. Beyond teaching and performing, Shika Mohanlall Harrypaul is dedicated to the academic and cultural preservation of Kathak. In 2006, she authored and launched "Kathak Darpan – A Reflection of Kathak," a reference book for students of the art form. She is an internationally certified Kathak teacher and actively advocates for the formal inclusion of Kathak in South African school curricula, emphasizing its benefits for discipline, resilience, and holistic development. She continues to refine her art, currently learning from Dr. Puru Dadheech and Pt. Mukandraj Deo. Awards & Honours: Benoni Community achievement award for uplifting Hindu Culture through dance.