About Pandit Charka

Pandit Satya Narayana Charka is Director of the East-West School of Dance in Monroe, NY.

He has studied under Pt. R.K. Shukla, Smt. Maya Rao, Pt. Shambhu Maharaj, and Pt. Birju Maharaj. Pt. Charka is recognized as one of the foremost exponents of Indian classical dance. He has presented numerous ballets and traditional Indian dance recitals both domestically and internationally. He also served as a cultural representative appointed by the Government of India in Japan, Australia and the Fiji Islands. In addition, he was selected as the premier artist in major festivals at the Sydney Opera House for four consecutive years.

Over the last 25 years, he has presented numerous traditional dance recitals as well as dance dramas, bringing myth to life for today's audiences. Since 1981, he has been the director of the East-West School of Dance, New York, based at Ananda Ashram, while expanding his teaching activities in the wider New York metropolitan area and presenting performances internationally. He is a very caring Guru and is untiring in his efforts to spread the beauty of Kathak dance.