Abhay Shankar Mishra

🪔 About

Abhay Shankar Mishra is a leading exponent of Kathak dance, renowned globally as a mesmerizing performer, dynamic teacher, and creative choreographer. He currently lives and works in London, UK. Born into a musical family in Benaras, he is the youngest son of Tabla Shiromani late Pt. Gama Maharaj (originally Pt. Ramayan Prasad Mishra). Mishra received extensive training under world-renowned Gurus, including Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj (Lucknow Gharana), Smt Urmila Nagar (Jaipur Gharana), and late Pandit Pandey Maharaj (Banaras Gharana). He holds an MA in Kathak and skillfully amalgamates the distinct characteristics of all three Gharanas in his performances and choreographic works. Beyond his prowess in Kathak, Abhay Shankar Mishra is also an accomplished Tabla and Pakhawaj player, holding a 'Prabhakar' qualification in Pakhawaj. He has accompanied major artists, including his Guru Pandit Birju Maharaj ji and Geetanjali Lal, in dance performances. His career includes serving as a senior dancer in the production unit of Kathak Kendra in Delhi. He has been an empanelled performer and teacher by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) since 1995 and was awarded the status of an 'A' grade artist by the national Indian TV channel, Doordarshan, since 1998. Mishra has performed internationally across numerous countries including the UK, USA, Germany, Austria, France, Spain, Italy, China, North Korea, South Africa, and India. He has graced prestigious festivals such as the Khajuraho Dance Festival, Kathak Mahotsav, International Kathak Festival in Chicago, Darpan, and Naad Festival. Notably, he performed for the Prime Minister and President of India commemorating 50 years of Independence and has choreographed and performed for His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, and the Duke of Kent. As an educator, Abhay Shankar Mishra has been a resident teacher and Head of the Kathak Department at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in London for almost two decades. He is also a visiting teacher at the Shankara Dance Academy in the USA, where he is also the Founder and Director of Shankara Music and Dance Academy (SMADA). He is known for training his students to the highest standards, including preparing them for their Rang Manch Pravesh (debut performance). His wife, Kakoli Shankar Mishra, is also a Kathak exponent. Awards & Honours: Fellowship for research on 3 Gharanas of Kathak (1998), 'A' grade artist (1998), Empanelled performer and teacher (1995), First Place in Kathak Senior Category (1987), Scholarships (1986).