Maeri Dance

Late Guru Smt. Alka Shah

The variety of dance styles that Alka Shah learned is well demonstrated by her accomplishments. She learned Bharat Natyam from her Guru Shri. Chandrakant Hadkar and Kathak from the Late Shri. Chaubeji Maharaj.

She performed numerous classical and folk dances throughout India. In 1976, during an Independence Day celebration at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, she won the Rashtrapati Award (given by the President of India) for a Rajasthani folk ghoomar dance. In 1979, Alka Shah choreographed a critically acclaimed semi-classical dance ballet, entitled “Kamdev Dahen,”
written by the world-renowned poet Smt. Maya Govind.

In the late 1980's, Late Guru Smt. Alka Shah started her own dance school in New York known as Nritya
Kendra, where she taught Bharat Natyam, Kathak, and all-India folk dance. She composed pieces for numerous community festivals, including Mahavir Ahimsa Varsh celebrations for the Bharatiya
Vidya Bhavan and the United Nations. She has also generated many of her own dance productions.
 

Alka Shah organized and choreographed a week-long Jain Center of America-Pratistha Mahotsav festival, including two dance ballets, a drama, and numerous folk items. In 2010, Alka Shah revived her nritya-natika “Kamdev Dahen” and produced it in conjunction with CRY America, a nonprofit organization affecting the lives of children all over India.

Dozens of Guru Alka Shah’s students successfully completed their Arangetrams. She has left a vibrant legacy by sharing her knowledge of Indian art and culture with so many. Her teachings go beyond the dance studio and will forever remain in our hearts.