Smt. Ekta Popat (info@ssdhouston.com) is a faculty member of Kala Bhavan, teaching Kathak. She is a disciple of Guru Smt. Shambhavi Dandekar, with training in the Benaras Gharana of Kathak. With over 25 years of experience, she hopes to give her students the same authentic training that she is fortunate to receive from her guru. Through discipline, focus, and fun, Ekta hopes to share her passion and love for Kathak with all her students.
Ekta is the Founder and Artistic Director of Storytellers School of Dance, Director of Kathak Program of Anjali Center for Performing Arts, and Director of Communications of Samskriti Houston.
Ekta aims to teach not only the technique and artistry of Kathak but also its rich spiritual and cultural context. These dances are not just artistic expressions but also embody values of discipline, respect, devotion, and humility. The Kathak curriculum adheres to the official syllabus of the Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India, ensuring that students receive structured and recognized training. Students take exams after each level and are assessed by an external examiner from the university. This ensures that students are not only trained in technique but are also prepared for formal academic evaluation in the field of Kathak.
Some of Ekta Popat’s Recent Performances include
