Aishwarya Srivastava’s journey as a Kathak dancer started at a very early age. She started dancing to fulfill her mother’s dream of becoming a dancer which she couldn’t accomplish due to some obstacles. After undergoing Kathak training under Monisa Nayak, Aishwarya soon realised her deep passion for Kathak. She started rigorous Kathak training under Monisa Nayak, and since then its been 14 years and her passion for Kathak has grown 10 folds. Like her Kathak classes, Aishwarya also started teaching Kathak at a young age of 18 years. Apart from performing in various events and shows, Aishwarya now runs her own Kathak studio where she trains new dancers and promote Indian Classical Culture and all about Kathak as a classical dance form.
A warm and hearty congratulations to Aishwarya!
Here is an excerpt of the interview with Aishwarya:
Q 1. How and when you started to work as a Kathak Trainer?
Ans 1. My association with Kathak began at quite a tender age of 6, when I got selected in the auditions by Prerna Sharamaliji organized by Gandharava Mahavidyala. It was my mother's dream to become a dancer which she failed to accomplish due to various reasons. This is when my mother decided to make me a Kathak dancer. When I started I was the youngest of all the dancers. I received my initial training under Ms. Kanchan Mardan, after which I began the long vigorous riyaz under guru Monisa Nayak. I've dedicated 14 yrs of my life in learning and teaching Kathak and wish to continue forever. I've imbibed within myself the essence of Jaipur Gharana. I hold a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Kathak from Gandharava Mahavidyala, ITO, New Delhi.
I started teaching Kathak when I was just 18 by assisting my guru. Soon I started teaching students at my place and also started giving home tuitions. This is when i started managing my expenses on my own. I've also worked as a teacher at 'Khanak Institute of performing arts '. I have assisted Monisa Nayak at various Spic Macay events at schools and colleges for kathak lecture demonstrations. I have also performed at various shows like ‘Khanak Dhara' at Shri Ram Centre, duet recital at LTG auditorium, Lokrang festival Bhopal, Abhinaya Utsav, Dhrupanrang, Nritya Sandhaya, Krishan Rang, AIIMS Delhi, Hindu College, Maharaja Surajmal College, Lady Irwin, BITS Pilani, IIT Kanpur and many more. I am a member of Monisa Nayak troupe and repertoire artist of ‘Khanak Institute of Performing Arts'. I am running Kathak classes at my studio at Civil Lines in order to promote Indian Classical Culture. I work to create awareness and promote among the masses the idea and essence of classical dance form. My parents are the most crucial part of my journey. They have been very supportive for me all the while.
Q 2. What do you think makes a great Kathak Trainer?
Ans2. For me teaching students in the most flexible and disciplined way makes a perfect Kathak Trainer. I am a follower of guru Shishya Parampara and I try to teach Kathak to my students the way I have been taught by my guru Monisa Nayak. I get 100% positive response from my students because I try to make teaching fun where the student find it easy to express his/her doubts.
Q 3. How you came across UrbanPro?
Ans 3. When I started running Kathak classes I was searching for a platform where I could promote my classes, that's when I found UrbanPro’s website and I registered as a Kathak Trainer.
Q 4. How UrbanPro platform helped you to expand your Kathak classes?
Ans4. UrbanPro holds a major place in promoting my classes. It's just so easy and not complex. I became a Kathak professional at UrbanPro and started getting enquiries very quickly. Each day I get some 5 enquiries for dance classes. My students which I got with the help of UrbanPro posted their reviews on my profile which made my profile look strong and trustworthy.
Q 5. What do you think you wished you had known early on UrbanPro?
Ans 5. I wish I would have known about UrbanPro in the very beginning of my career. This would have immensely helped my business to reach great heights.
Q 6. What percentage of your work comes from UrbanPro?
Ans 6. 50% of my work comes from UrbanpPro. And I'm very thankful to them for creating a platform where meeting people's need is so easy.
Q 7. One advice that you would like to give to new Pros on UrbanPro.
Ans 7. I want to tell all the professionals at UrbanPro that this a platform where you can reshape your business and make great money. Stay updated and keep replying to the enquiries as soon as you can.
About the trainer: Aishwarya Srivastava’s Kathak classes are enthralling and magical and that’s exactly what her students love about her Kathak training classes. Devoted, supportive and methodical, Aishwarya gives individual attention to each student and makes her classes a truly Kathak learning sessions. An excellent Kathak dancer herself, she inspires her students to give the right expressions and do all the moves with grace. Young or old, every student of her just love the experience of learning the great Indian Classical dance form from Aishwarya. She had been practicing Kathak for the last 14 years and had been an inspiring Kathak trainer for the last three years. She holds a Master’s degree in Kathak from Gandharava Mahavidyala, ITO, New Delhi. She performs Kathak dance in various events and runs an institute herself.
