Instructor Profile

Itisha Jacob is a dedicated Kathak artist, trained classical dancer, and passionate dance educator with a strong academic foundation in Indian classical dance. With a deep appreciation for India’s rich cultural heritage and a commitment to preserving the traditional essence of Kathak, she continues to develop her artistic expression through rigorous training, performance, and teaching.

Her journey in Kathak reflects a blend of discipline, dedication, creativity, and a profound respect for the Guru-Shishya tradition. She believes that classical dance is not merely a performing art but also a beautiful medium of storytelling, emotional expression, rhythmic exploration, and cultural connection.

With her academic qualifications, professional training, and teaching experience, Itisha strives to inspire students to discover the beauty of Kathak while developing a strong foundation in technique, rhythm, grace, and artistic expression.

Academic Excellence in Performing Arts

Itisha Jacob holds a Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) and a Master of Performing Arts (MPA) from the prestigious Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya, Khairagarh. Demonstrating her dedication to academic and artistic excellence, she secured an A Grade in both her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Her academic journey has helped her develop a deeper understanding of classical dance, its technical foundations, artistic principles, and traditional significance. Through her formal education, she has strengthened her knowledge of Kathak as both a performing art and an important part of India’s cultural heritage.

Her educational achievements reflect her commitment to continuous learning and her determination to refine her skills as a dancer, performer, and teacher.

Advanced Training at Kathak Kendra, New Delhi

To further enhance her knowledge and practical expertise, Itisha is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Kathak at Kathak Kendra, New Delhi.

This advanced training represents her continued dedication to artistic growth and professional development. She remains committed to deepening her understanding of Kathak’s intricate movements, rhythmic patterns, expressive techniques, and traditional repertoire.

Through continued learning and disciplined practice, she aims to strengthen her artistic abilities and bring greater depth, precision, and authenticity to her performances and teaching.

Doordarshan-Graded Kathak Artist

Itisha Jacob is a Doordarshan-graded artist, a distinction that forms an important part of her artistic profile. This recognition reflects her engagement with the professional world of Indian classical performance and her dedication to the Kathak tradition.

As a classical dancer, she values the importance of maintaining technical accuracy while expressing the emotions, stories, and cultural meanings embedded in Kathak. Her artistic approach combines respect for tradition with a sincere desire to continue growing as a performer.

Learning Under the Guidance of Her Guru

Itisha is a disciple of Shri Ravi Prakash, under whose guidance she continues to develop her understanding and practice of Kathak.

The Guru-Shishya tradition holds a special place in Indian classical arts, emphasising dedication, discipline, humility, and the transmission of artistic knowledge from one generation to the next. For Itisha, learning from her Guru is an important part of her ongoing journey as a Kathak artist.

She values the importance of consistent practice, attention to detail, and respect for the traditional foundations of the dance form. These principles also influence her approach to teaching and nurturing students.

Three Years of Kathak Teaching Experience

With three years of teaching experience, Itisha Jacob is passionate about sharing the art of Kathak with students who wish to explore Indian classical dance.

Her teaching approach focuses on helping learners develop a strong foundation in fundamental movements, footwork, posture, hand gestures, coordination, rhythm, and expressive storytelling. She understands that every student learns differently and believes in guiding learners according to their individual abilities and progress.

Her classes aim to create a positive and encouraging learning environment where students can develop discipline, confidence, musicality, and an appreciation for classical dance.

Whether students are beginning their Kathak journey or looking to refine their existing skills, she encourages them to approach the art form with patience, dedication, and a willingness to learn.

Her approach emphasises the essential elements of Kathak, including:

• Tatkaar and Footwork: Developing rhythmic accuracy, clarity, speed, and control.

• Body Posture and Movement: Building correct alignment, balance, grace, and coordination.

• Laya and Taal: Understanding rhythm, timing, and the relationship between movement and music.

• Chakkars and Technique: Practising turns, balance, precision, and controlled movement.

• Mudras and Abhinaya: Exploring hand gestures, facial expressions, and emotional storytelling.

• Traditional Repertoire: Understanding the structure and presentation of Kathak compositions.

• Stage Confidence: Encouraging expressive performance, concentration, and artistic presentation.

Through these elements, she seeks to help students appreciate both the technical discipline and expressive freedom that make Kathak such a distinctive classical dance form.