AWARDS
1961:Adjudicated
the "Best Classical Dancer" in the All-India Music and Dance
Competition, Hyderabad.
1964:Adjudicated
the "Bhat" (Premier Artist) title in classical dance by the
Andhra Pradesh Artist Social and Cultural Co-operative Organization, Hyderabad.
1965: "Awards of Merit" in the
3rd Andhra Pradesh India University Youth Festivals - representing Osmania
University, Hyderabad
1974:Adjudicated
the "Cultural Ambassador" title at the Asia University, Tokyo
1977:"Awarded
Plaque" by H.M. the Queen Elizabeth Silver Jubilee Celebrations at
the Sydney Opera House, Australia
1987:"Pandit"
by Arya Spiritual Center of N.Y. Confirmed by Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati,
Ananda Ashram, N.Y.
1992:"Acharya"
of Dance and Dance-Drama by Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati, at the occasion
of Shakuntala premiere performance, Ananda Ashram, N.Y.
1994:"Sanskriti
Bhushan" - by Pt. Ram Lal, at the occasion of Ramayana performance,
Ananda Ashram, N.Y.
PRESS COMMENTS
Pandit
Satya Narayana Charka: dancing into global hearts …a raconteur who has
taken Indian stories to different parts of the world through his dance.
(he) has made Kathak accessible to hundreds of American students… Pt Charka
and his students from the US were recently in Bangalore on the invitation
of Natya Institute of Kathak and Choreography, which was also part of
their four-city tour in India. … Pt Charka himself performed two pieces,
enthralling the gathering with his flawless moves, expressions and an
agility that belies his age …"It's culture which makes the business of
living richer," (he says). "It is this force that prompts me to keep
the torch of culture lit in our hearts and minds"… With a cultural
ambassador like Pt Charka, the East indeed does meet the West!
Deccan Herald, Bangalore India
NATIONS UNITE IN PASSIONATE MUSIC AND DANCE SHOW
For Mr. Charka, this was the second such collaboration. He says the audiences connect because of the strong narrative and emotional content. "What we express with our faces is as important as our dancing" he explains "Kathak and Flamenco dance are both based on telling stories"
Times Herald, upstate NY
Pandit
Satya Narayana Charka implements narrative gestures and subtle eye movements
alongside Del Conte's fluid turns and seductive flourishes. Intertwining
their bodies as they do the dance styles they are mixing, the four dancers
execute identical footwork combinations, pairing the clicks of nailed
heels with the jingle of ankle bells.
The Village Voice, NYC
Satya
Narayana Charka brought to his dancing power, intelligence and a variety
of acting moods which mark him as a truly creative artist. The technical
brilliance of his dances is matched by the beauty of his costumes. His
has been an important contribution to the world of art.
Beth Dean, Sydney Opera House
Breathtaking,
superb, classic...all credit to Satya Narayan Charka...
The Indian Express, Bombay
Satya
Narayana Charka's dances are swirls of vivid color...his Kathak duet with
Fumiko Yazawa is believed first of its kind by Indo- Japanese artists.
The Japan Times, Tokyo
His
Kathak rises to a sparkle when he suddenly leaps to demonstrate...
Decon Herald, Banglore
Charka's
dance...I had the impression of being present in a graceful dream...
Whole Life Times, New York
Charka
held the audience spellbound as he displayed his magical footwork with
lightning speed...
India West, California
Throughout
his performance Charka stunned the audience with his whirlwind spins and
intricate footwork. At times he was able to vibrate his body while standing
in a straight position almost to the point of levitation...
The Beacon, Tennessee
"Festival
of India"...Charka's Kathak dance has evolved to the highest degree
of virtuosity...
Staten Island Advance, New York
Kathak
Mahotsav...Charka in the title role convincingly brought out the nobility
as well ask the psychology of Karna...
The Hindustan Times, New Delhi
Guru
Maya Rao's Natya Institute of Kathak & Choreography celebrated 30th
anniversary...announced a dance drama on Karna in Kathak style in Bangalore
on May 13th, 1995...Charka developed Karna as a dance drama ...highlighted
positive aspects of character...set an example for choreography ...very
significant...
Indian Express, Bangalore, India
Download or view 2005 Events
Highlights:
Shakuntula Video Production
Ramayana Dance Drama
Kathak Dance Recital by legendary Kathak Maestro Padma Vibhushan, Pandit
Birju Maharaj
Special Guest: Guru Smt. Maya Rao
Kathak Dance Classes
Dance-Drama Productions
Photo Gallery (coming soon)
Past Events:
Parampara
Krishna Leela
