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
Shri R.K. Shukla, Smt. Maya Rao, Pt. Shambhu Maharaj, Shri B.D. Verma
and Pt. Birju Maharaj. 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, 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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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, S.N. Charka has been the director of the
East-West School of Dance in Monroe, NY.
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Download Pandit Charka's Profile Recently featured on the web and in the press.
By Shri Bhasyam G. Iyengar
