National Institute of Kathak Dance
(Constituent Unit of Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi)
Under Ministry of Culture, Government of India
Kathak Kendra, the National Institute of Kathak Dance is a premier Dance institution of the country, dedicated to promote the practice, development and awareness of Kathak Dance as a performing art tradition, as well as a component of the rich classical heritage of the nation.
Kathak Kendra was established in 1964 as a Constituent Unit of the Sangeet Natak Akademi. Training in Kathak Dance forms the very core of its existence. Kathak Kendra aims to carve highly skilled performers of the art who are the next generation of learned Guru-s, Choreographers and above all, intelligent advocates of the art-form. A talented and dedicated team of Guru-s forms the strong pillar of training at the Kathak Kendra.
At the Kendra, a classical tradition is seen as a constantly evolving body of practices, attitudes, beliefs, skills and arts. Through its yearly programme of seminars, performances, workshops and lecture demonstrations, the Kendra endeavors to keep the dialogue and debate alive in order to foster this spirit of growth, diversity and evolution.
Since the Kendra is a Constituent Unit of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi, its management vests in the Executive Board of the Akademi which is assisted by an Advisory Committee. Presently Shri Suman Kumar is the Director of the Kathak Kendra.