The Kathak Academy

TARANA DANCE ACADEMY, a premier Kathak institution under the guidance of Guru Sandip Mallick and Pt. Satya Narayana Charka, is located in Monroe Township, NJ. The inspiration to start the academy came from the realization that dance offered an excellent channel to introduce students to the rich cultural heritage of India. This is the central theme of Indian tradition building up dedicated disciples who effectively carry the message of the respected teachers. The Indian school of thought is built on the principles of Gurukula, which effectively demonstrated the Guru-Shishya Parampara, Proper Talim, Discipline, Regular Riyaz and Dedications, which are the guiding principle of our Gurus. Here at TARANA DANCE ACADEMY, dance isn’t just an activity, it’s a way of life.  
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Our Gurus

Our gurus are professional dancers who have a passion for dance, and for teaching others to dance. In addition to being highly accomplished in their fields, they are also energetic, positive and caring people. 
Pt Satya Narayana Charka

Pandit Satya Narayana Charka Ji 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 Shri R.K. Shukla, Smt. Maya Rao Ji, Pt. Shambhu Maharaj, Shri B.D. Verma and Pt. Birju Maharaj Ji. S.N. Charka Ji 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.
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Guru Sandip Mallick

Born in a family devoted to music, Sandip Ji has started Kathak Dance Training under the tutelage of Srimati Srilekha Mukherjee. Continuing the talim from his Guru, he also got in-depth “talim” from Pandit Birju Maharaj Ji, Pandit Ram Mohan Mishra, Pandit Chitresh Das, Guru Bela Arnab, Guru Bandana Sen, Srimati Saswati Sen and Pandit Vijai Shankar, all luminaries in Indian Classical Dance scenario. He has also undergone “talim” of rhythm from Pandit Kumar Bose.
The “talim” obtained from different stalwarts in the Classical Dance arena along with his own innovative imagination, has given Kathak Dance a new dimension.
Academically, a first-class Post Graduate in Dance from Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata and Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.) from The University of Calcutta. Nritya Prabhakar, Visharad and Upadhaya (with Gold medal).
Sandip Ji is also an auditioned artist of Doordarshan and an empanelled Artist of I.C.C.R.
He stood 1ST in the kathak competition conducted by W.B .State Music Academy and Doverlane Music Conferance .
Sandip Ji has got the production grant from the Govt. of India, department of tourism & culture for his production ‘Nritya Darpan’.
Three students have got scholarship from Ministry of Culture Govt. of India and one student is getting scholarship from CCRT.
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