About The Director

 

Pandit Satya Narayana Charka is an esteemed dancer, choreographer and teacher specializing in Kathak dance. He is a versatile artist whose life and achievements have been colorful and international. He studied under Pt. R.K. Shukla, Dr. Maya Rao, Pt. Shambhu Maharaj, Shri B.D. Verma and Pt. Birju Maharaj. Pandit S.N. Charka graduated in classical dance from the Government College of Music and Dance, Hyderabad, and Kathak Kendra, New Delhi. He received his post graduate degree from the Natya Institute of Choreography.

In 1969 the Indian Ministry of Defense appointed him as the "Staff Artist" with its Song and Drama Department. From 1969 to 1972 he taught at the American Foundation and the American International School in New Delhi. From 1972 to 1975 he gave performances and taught as a visiting professor in Japan and Hong Kong. In 1976 he was appointed by the ICCR, Government of India, as head of the Dance Department of the Indian Cultural Center of Suva, Fiji. A corps of his pupils performed at the 1976 Pacific Festival of Arts in New Zealand. His students were also chosen to dance before Queen Elizabeth during her Silver Jubilee tour of the South Pacific Region.

During 1980-81, Pt.S.N. Charka was guest teacher at the Bodenwieser Dance Center, Sydney, and a demonstrator for teachers in the Department of Education, N.S.W., Australia. Between 1977 and 1981 he reached a pinnacle in his career when selected as the premier artist in major festivals like "Shell National Folkloric Festival" and "Christmas at the Open House".

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Pandit S.N. Charka's concerts in many cities throughout the U.S. and Canada have consistently drawn standing ovations from American audiences. He teaches and performs regularly on the East and West coasts. At the same time, the demand for his talents by a worldwide audience draws him to visit other countries. Since 1981, Pandit S.N. Charka has been the director of the East-West School of Dance in Monroe, NY.