Deeksha is a leading Kathak dance institution located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, committed to preserving and promoting the timeless tradition of this classical Indian art form. Founded and led by Dr. Sreyashi Chakravarty, a distinguished Kathak dancer and teacher, in 2022, Deeksha offers a supportive and inspiring space for students of all ages to immerse themselves in Kathak's rhythm, grace, and storytelling. Through expert instruction, engaging workshops, and captivating performances, Deeksha cultivates a deep appreciation for Indian classical dance while encouraging its students' artistic growth, cultural understanding, and discipline.

The Institute

Deeksha: Gurus' Blessing Passed on to the Community

Deeksha is the result of a deeply felt inspiration and a heartfelt tribute to Prof. Sreyashi Chakravarty’s gurus, Guru Shanta Chakraborty and Padma Shri Guru Rani Karnaa.

Sreyashi grew up in a home where art was everyday currency: her mother, Guru Shanta Chakraborty, the first disciple of Kathak Dance Legend Padma Shri Guru Rani Karnaa and a Dakshinee-School (Kolkata, India) trained vocalist- spent decades performing Kathak alongside Guru Rani Karnaa, repertory work with the Creative Dancer Duo of India Gurus Sadhan Guha and Poly Guha, and stage collaborations under Uday Shankar–style maestro Guru Mamata Shankar. At four, Sreyashi joined Rani Karnaa‑ji’s class, where the legendary guru teased, “Beta, I’m your Grand‑Guru‑Ma.”

Padma Shri Guru Rani Karnaa traced her lineage to decades of dedication to learning and understanding Kathak Dance under India’s premier Kathak dynasties- Pandit Achchan Maharaj Ji of Lucknow Gharana (father of Pandit Birju Maharaj Ji) and Pandit Sundar Prasad Ji of Jaipur Gharana, and spent 20 years studying Odissi with Param Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra.

Sreyashi trained and performed with her mentors until Shanta‑Devi’s passing in 2013 and Rani‑ji’s in 2018, absorbing a rich blend of Kathak, Odissi, creative dance, and music.

Reviving her mother’s academy name, Deeksha in Albuquerque is Sreyashi’s param sadhana, a Sanskrit term for the highest dedicated pursuit—a living thank‑you she now offers to the community.