Uma Dogra (Kathak Exponent)

Uma Dogra, a leading Kathak exponent, is one of the most powerful and compelling dancers of India. Honoured as Pandita ,Uma Dogra is the senior-most Ganda Bandh Shahgird of Late Pt. Durga Lal ji the legendary kathak Maestro from Jaipur Gharana. Uma Dogra has been enthralling audiences all over India and abroad for more than 45 years now.

For her great contribution as a dancer, teacher and choreographer she has been conferred with the Prestigious awards.

• ‘Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar’ ( Award ) for 2014 by the Govt. of India

 

• ‘Maharashtra Gaurav Samman’2015 by Govt. Of Maharashtra.

 

• ‘Maharashtra Sanskriti State Award (Rajkiye Puraskar)’ in 2009 by Govt. of Maharashtra.

 

• ‘Honorary membership of Min-on Concert Association Tokyo Japan’ for spreading Peace and culture through her Dance 2008

 

• ITM University, Raipur presented her with an Honorary Doctorate of Arts in 2016

Born in a distinguished family with a rich cultural heritage, Uma was initiated into the field of Kathak when she was barely seven years old. She had her early training in the Lucknow school of Kathak under Smt. Reba Vidyarthi at Kathak Kendra, New Delhi. Her quest of enriching her art with the dynamic technique of the Jaipur School led her to the leading light of the Jaipur Gharana, Pt. Durga Lal ji. Having imbibed from her gurus the best of both traditions she has successfully enriched it with the stamp of her own personality – thus creating a style that is authentic and distinctly her own. Her perception of dance has also been enriched by her study of vocal under her father Pt. Motiram Sharma who was a sitar player and a disciple of the legendary Pt. Ravi Shankar ji.

Endowed with a dynamic personality and a highly imaginative mind, she brings to Kathak not only a mastery of technique that is a fruit of meticulous training, but a total involvement in dance, a profound confidence and a joyous spontaneity that infuses her performance with rare intensity and authority.

Her dance has taken her to Japan, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, USSR, Zambia, Kenya, Mauritius, Spain, France, Holland, Bahrain, Doha, UK, University of Alberta in Canada, Atlanta, University of Florida Gainesville, Stanford University, University of Los Angeles, Dallas, New York, Washington, Atlanta, Houston, all in USA.

Promoter & Organiser :

Uma Dogra is the founder and Managing Trustee of Samved Society for Performing Arts. To promote Indian classical dance and music, she founded the Samved Society for Performing Arts in 1990. Right from its inception, SAMVED has been working earnestly and conscientiously towards its goal, bringing to the audiences, the dignity and beauty of classical dance and music. In a span of 26 years, it has made an identity for itself as one of the premiere cultural organisations in Mumbai.

The society holds Pt. Durgalal Festival of dance and music and the Raindrops Festival of Indian Classical Dance. For the last 26 years.

1- The Pt.Durgalal Festival
Pt. Durgalal Festival is a shraddhanjali to the great mentor. Held in February each year, the festival features renowned artistes of the music and dance fraternity.

2- Raindrops Festival :
Held during the monsoon behest month of July, The Raindrops is the Festival of Indian Classical Dance. Giving the young dancers a confident stage, the festivals main aim is to bring newer talents to the audiences’ forefront.

‘Guru (Teacher) “Uma Dogra’s School of Kathak’

Uma Dogra has been passing the tradition of classical dance for the last 26 years and has trained many young beautiful dancers. Some of her disciples who have been performing and enthralling the audiences: Indrayanee Mukherjee, Sarita Kalele, Geetanjali Sharma, Ranchana Parulkar and Sayali Shetey

Filmmaker:

Uma Dogra has made a film in memory of her guru
‘Nirwana Through Dance’Pt. Durga Lalji.
Uma Dogra has also appeared in several films on dance: Nritya Bharti- by Dr. Kanak Rele , Kamayani – by Film Division.

Author and Publisher:

‘IN PRAISE OF KATHAK’ a book is written by Uma Dogra, It talks about her journey as a dancer and the elements of kathak. Veteran actress, dancer and Member of Parliament Smt. Hema Malini released ‘In Praise of Kathak’ on Jan 30, 2015.

Uma Dogra follows her mentor Dr. Daisaku Ikeda’s mission of promoting peace and happiness through art and culture.