Gauri Jog

🪔 About

Gauri Jog is a renowned Indian classical Kathak dancer, choreographer, and research scholar based in Chicago, USA. Born in Nagpur, India, in 1970, she began her Kathak training at the age of five in 1975, giving her first performance at seven. She received intense training from Guru Madan Pande of the Lucknow Gharana, who emphasized rhythmic footwork, and also studied under Lalita Hardas of the Jaipur Gharana, known for abhinaya (expression). Additionally, she trained with Madhurita Sarang of Mumbai and attended workshops by eminent Kathak gurus, including Pandit Birju Maharaj. Jog earned her "Visharad" from Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Mumbai, in 1988, equivalent to a graduate degree. She also holds a Bachelor of Science and Nutrition and a Master's in Education from the University of Nagpur. She is recognized for her command over rhythm, powerful pirouettes, crisp footwork, and creative choreographic skills, making her an exponent of both the Lucknow and Jaipur gharanas. In 1999, Gauri Jog founded the Indian Dance School in the Chicago area, a charitable organization dedicated to promoting Kathak dance and Indian cultural heritage. The school has provided basic dance training to over a thousand students and has staged more than 450 dance shows in North America and India. Jog is particularly popular among the younger generation for her unique approach, which combines traditional Kathak with elements of Bollywood steps and Yoga, while respecting classical boundaries. She has also explored fusions with other dance forms such as Flamenco, Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Mexican, and American Ballet. Her notable choreographic creations include "Krishna Leela," "Shakuntala," "Jhansi Ki Rani," "Kathak Yatra," "East Meets West," and "Fire – the Fiery Tale." She started teaching Kathak online in 2003, making quality dance education accessible to a wider audience. Awards & Honours: Modeling and More Championship (2007).