Welcome to Shambhavi’s International School of Kathak (SISK). Led by the esteemed Kathak Guru Shambhavi Dandekar, the institution is a beacon of tradition. Shambhavi ji as a Guru believes in training her students in her unique performance and communication style. While Shambhavi ji wholeheartedly supports dance certification exams, she views them not as the ultimate goal, but as a natural culmination of dedicated effort and training. With the same belief, she patiently and steadily grooms her students towards excellence, ensuring they perform only when truly ready. Shambhavi ji shapes well-rounded individuals to dance at their best ability. The curriculum goes beyond just technique, and delves into the concepts, history and theory of the dance form. Performances by local artists, visiting artists and Shambhavi ji’s own students are regularly hosted at SISK. This not only enriches the learning experience, but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the art form. The singular aim behind the training activity at SISK is to channelize Kathak training to nurture good human beings and responsible global citizens. The mission of SISK is to promote Kathak dance across the globe to enrich the quality of life through the pursuit of dance.
In-Person Classes
In-Person classes at SISK are conducted at the spacious 1400 sq. ft. SISK Dance Studio in the San Francisco Bay Area (Sunnyvale, California). Shambhavi ji personally trains students ranging from intermediate, to pre-professional levels, as well as Kathak teachers. Beginner level classes are conducted by assistant teachers under the supervision of Shambhavi ji, using the video tutorials that are specially created by her, as instructional aid. We accept adult students only. Children are welcome to train at partner schools affiliated with SISK, which are run by Shambhavi ji’s senior disciples.
Fresh students
New batches for fresh students start every semester. Classes are once a week for one hour. Get in touch with us by filling out the contact form, to know the schedule.
Students with previous training
If you have previously trained in Kathak, or are currently training elsewhere, and you would now like to start training with Shambhavi ji, share your training background through the contact form and we will take you through the next steps. Classes are once a week for one hour.
Class recordings
One of the advantages of in-person classes at SISK is that every class is recorded on Zoom. In case you happen to miss a class, you receive the link to review and be prepared before the next class. This is especially helpful for professionals with irregular schedules, expecting mothers, new mothers, and students with time constraints.
Student performance glimpses
Online Classes
Online classes at SISK are only for intermediate and advanced level students who have been learning Kathak for 3 or more years. All batches at SISK are hybrid. New students are accepted into an ongoing batch after an audition and creating a customized training plan. At present, students residing in the USA from outside the Bay Area, students from India and many other countries train with Shambhavi ji through online classes. Many Kathak teachers also use this facility to hone their teaching skills.
Remote students at beginner level are admitted into SISK’s Distance Learning Program.
Distance Learning Program
SISK’s Global Distance Learning Program (DLP) is the first program ever which aims at facilitating the learning of Indian Classical Kathak Dance by crossing the barriers of geographical location and time zone. It includes the privilege of training with world renowned Kathak maestro Guru Shambhavi Dandekar through specially curated pre-recorded video classes.
A great combination of asynchronous and synchronous classes: Four video lessons are delivered as private YouTube links at the beginning of every month. Length of each class is 50-60 minutes. Aside from these classes, Shambhavi ji personally teaches every eighth class. This Nuance Class is critical for movement correction, practice and to address questions. Students get a chance to dance with fellow students, which creates a harmonious community.
For residents of the SF Bay Area, attendance at the nuance class is required at the SISK Dance Studio, while remote students join over Zoom.
Success story: Since its inception in 2021, hundreds of students from all parts of the world have enrolled in DLP.
Witness the achievements of DLP students through their performances here:
Fill out the contact form to know more details and admission process.