"Kathak and Kindness": Arshia Sharma Reflects on Her Journey with Classical Dance and Empowering Young Girls in India
1. Your journey with Kathak started at a very young age. How has learning this classical dance form shaped your identity and personal growth over the years?
I began learning Kathak at the age of three. Initially, it was just a hobby, but as I immersed myself in the art form, my passion for Kathak deepened, and I began to appreciate its cultural significance. Attending a boarding school where no one was familiar with Kathak, I initially hid my passion for the dance, fearing others' opinions. In my junior year, I started sharing my love for Kathak with my community. Over the years, Kathak has profoundly shaped my identity and contributed to my personal growth. It has instilled a strong sense of cultural pride and taught me valuable life lessons, including the importance of confidence and resilience. As I have grown as a dancer, Kathak has helped me develop into a confident young woman.
2. You have learned from several esteemed Gurus. Can you share a memorable lesson or piece of advice from them that has resonated with you in your dance journey and personal life?
Under the guidance of several esteemed Gurus, I have evolved into the dancer I am today. One particular piece of advice that has resonated with me is the importance of maintaining composure and learning to be professional during stressful situations. The preparation for my Manch Pravesh, my first major performance, was indeed a challenging phase. The pressure to meet high standards and strive for perfection created a lot of stress during rehearsals. However, my Guru, Moumita Banerjee, taught me the art of maintaining my composure and learning to be professional, a lesson that significantly contributed to my growth as a dancer.
3. This summer, you made history with your Kathak Rangmanch Pravesh ceremony which featured for the first time ever, an entirely First Generation Indian American group of musicians. This was a culmination of talent and years of discipline on your part. Was there a moment from the dance you were most proud of?
During my Manch Pravesh, I took immense pride in my speaking portions and recitations. The task of memorizing the explanations for specific parts of the dance, such as the story of Makhan Chori and the explanation of Durga Paran, initially felt overwhelming. I was unsure about maintaining my composure after dancing and then transitioning to speak clearly into the microphone. However, with practice and determination, I successfully narrated and explained these elements to the audience throughout my performance.
4. During the summers of 2019 and 2020, you volunteered and documented the life of girls in the remote region of Yamkeshwar, a village in Uttaranchal under an AIF grant program. What motivated you to pursue this, and what did you learn from the experience?
From a young age, my parents instilled in me the importance of helping others and sharing the lives of those who are less privileged. Volunteering in Yamkeshwar was an incredible experience, allowing me to learn from the girls in the village and gain insight into their lives and challenges. I maintained contact with some of them, continuing to learn from their experiences. Volunteering for the betterment of girls in underserved communities is a cause close to my heart, and I am committed to advocating for greater attention and resources for them. This experience strengthened my resolve to work with AIF and other organizations dedicated to improving girls' lives in remote regions.
5. As you prepare for college at Northeastern University this fall, what key lessons you learned from your parents/family in building a meaningful and purposeful life that you hope to bring to your college career?
My parents have worked incredibly hard to provide me with opportunities, instilling the values of dedication and hard work. They taught me that success is achievable through persistent effort, as evidenced by my Kathak journey, where sustained practice enabled me to complete Manch Pravesh.. They also emphasized the importance of balance, encouraging me to prioritize academic and extracurricular achievements, personal growth, and well-being. As I begin my college journey, I am committed to applying these principles and approaching my studies with dedication while seeking personal development and community engagement. Additionally, their emphasis on compassion and service has inspired me to continue volunteering and supporting others, a commitment I plan to uphold at Northeastern. These lessons of hard work, balance, and compassion will guide me in building a meaningful and purposeful life during my college career.