Dr. Jyoti Bharti Goswami, a Kathak professor at Rajasthan Sangeet Sansthan in Jaipur, has dedicated over 25 years to the art of classical dance. Despite growing up in a family of medical professionals, Dr. Jyoti found her calling in Kathak, a passion supported by her parents and guru, Pandit Girdhari Maharaj. Her journey was not without challenges, including early reluctance and communication struggles. Through perseverance, she earned a Ph.D. in Kathak and performed on both national and international platforms.

Dr. Jyoti Bharti Goswami is a prominent Kathak professor at the Rajasthan Sangeet Sansthan in Jaipur. She has dedicated over twenty-five years to the art of dance. Her journey began at a very young age, driven by a passion that is different from others.

Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Jyoti has performed extensively both nationally and internationally, collecting numerous state and national accolades in Kathak. Her commitment to her craft and the support of her parents and guru, Pandit Girdhari Maharaj, were pivotal in her success.

Growing up in a family with a medical background, Dr. Jyoti initially aspired to join the medical field. However, destiny had other plans. While she considered pursuing medicine, her parents nurtured her passion for dance, a path not commonly encouraged for girls at the time. She urges all parents to fully support their children's dreams and aspirations.

Recalling her childhood memories, Dr. Goswami describes her early years as quite ordinary, influenced heavily by her family's medical background. Initially aspiring to follow a similar path, she joined a dance institute to learn classical dance as a hobby, unaware of the dedication and devotion Kathak would demand.

Her academic journey is impressive, marked by a Master’s degree in Sociology, a triple MA, and a Ph.D. in Kathak Dance. Alongside her studies, she managed to maintain a job starting in 1989, showcasing her ability to balance multiple commitments.

While in sixth grade, Dr. Jyoti began to struggle with the physical challenges of Kathak, finding it tough and somewhat monotonous. Initially disenchanted, she sought to abandon her classical training in favor of folk dance. However, her mother encouraged her to continue, reminding her that the fees had already been paid for a year. Despite her reluctance, she attended the classes but often skipped them, which did not go unnoticed.

One day, her father learnt from her guru that she had been skipping classes. This pivotal moment prompted a significant shift in Dr. Jyoti's attitude. From that point on, she committed herself to learning Kathak seriously and began to experience accomplishments in the art form, marking the beginning of a profound and rewarding journey in dance.

In addition to her journey in dance, Dr. Jyoti faced challenges related to her communication. She once spoke at a very high pitch, which prompted her guru to help her work on her voice and personality. This guidance became a defining moment, teaching her not just about dance but also about how to communicate courteously and effectively. The relationship between guru and student proved pivotal; under this mentorship, she learnt the importance of knowing when to speak and when to listen.

Dr. Jyoti emphasizes that success in any field, particularly classical dance, hinges on one's attitude. Achieving goals requires clarity of purpose, honesty, discipline, and diligent effort. She firmly believes that hard work and dedication are vital for aspiring classical dancers. According to her, no shortcuts exist on the path to success. She recounts countless hours of practice—sometimes up to eight hours a day—and the injuries she has faced along the way.

Dr. Goswami observes a growing trend among aspiring dancers who believe that learning from platforms like YouTube is sufficient. However, she firmly asserts that no digital resource can replace the essential guidance of a guru in the art form of Kathak. According to her, the nuances of hand movements and the correct application of force in dance cannot be effectively conveyed through online videos. She emphasizes that true mastery of dance involves introspection and personalized direction that only a skilled guru can provide.

Dr. Goswami emphasizes the necessity of learning the intricate nuances, movements, and expressions that are inherent in classical dance, elements that online resources simply cannot teach. For those aspiring to build a career in Indian classical dance, she strongly recommends enrolling in professional courses at reputable institutes. She believes adherence to and respect for one’s teachers is crucial for proper guidance and development.

At the Rajasthan Sangeet Sansthan, where she teaches, the curriculum is designed for aspiring dancers who wish to pursue a serious career in classical dance. The institute offers an eight-year diploma course for students in 9th grade, while those seeking a degree must have completed 12th grade. Given the rising number of inexperienced individuals opening coaching centres, Dr. Jyoti advises prospective students to thoroughly research and seek quality mentorship in Kathak dance. She stresses that guidance from knowledgeable mentors is crucial for navigating the complexities of classical dance.

In today’s highly competitive environment, Dr. Jyoti emphasizes the importance of diversifying one's skill set. She believes that pursuing multiple fields can enhance an individual's adaptability and success in life. If someone aspires to excel in any discipline, they must be fully dedicated and committed to their chosen path.

She underscores that dedication, practice, and consistency are fundamental qualities needed to achieve success in any field a person chooses to pursue.

Dr. Jyoti views music and dance as beautiful pathways that transport individuals to a different realm, where negative emotions like jealousy dissipate. She likens this transformative experience to yoga, noting the numerous physical and mental benefits it brings to one's life. Furthermore, she believes that deeply engaging in art forms is a profound practice that fosters a connection to the divine. According to her, to attune yourself to a higher spiritual direction, one must immerse themselves in the expressive and meditative qualities that art provides.