In an attempt to fulfil her mother’s dream, Sakshi took the plunge to learn Kathak and emerged successful with her dedication. She aspires to open a dance institute of her own and inspire students to learn Indian classical dance.

Sakshi Seth is a Kathak teacher at Natwari Nritya Mala. She also teaches semi-classical dances at a dance studio in Ahmedabad.

Sakshi hails from Rajkot and is currently residing in Ahmedabad. She received her Master’s Degree in Performing Arts (Kathak) from Upasana University.

Recalling her childhood, Sakshi says that her mother was always keen on pursuing Kathak but couldn’t pursue it owing to a lack of support from her family. She then had a dream of making her daughters learn Kathak and Bharatanaytam, says Sakshi.  So, her mother sent her to Kathak classes, but Sakshi remained uninterested and felt bored in her initial days of learning the dance form.

Sakshi started learning Kathak when she was in the 2nd grade. She learned the classical dance form from her dance mentors and soon realised that Kathak was not just about appearing for exams. Upon growing up, Sakshi was not sure if she should choose Kathak as a profession or pursue something else alongside it.

However, Sakshi always remained influenced by the dancers she used to watch on television. But even then, she had not decided to pursue dance as a career or become an artist. After continuous practice and a year of attending classes, Sakshi's interest in Kathak gradually grew, and she completed her ‘visharad’ in Kathak.

Discussing her struggles, Sakshi shares that while her Kathak practice was going on, she met with a severe accident in which her cervical spine got a crack. Thereafter, Sakshi was informed by her doctors that she could no longer pursue dance. But by God’s grace, she recovered, but then was faced with the problem of appendicitis. A year was wasted due to her health issues, and Sakshi had to work harder to get back on track.

When asked about her mistakes, Sakshi shares that there was a time when she felt demotivated and dropped Kathak for six months. She regrets wasting her time and wishes she had shown some dedication to not giving up on her passion.  Looking back, Sakshi shares that she wanted to take science but wasted two months to make a decision. On that note, she advises everyone to do what makes them happy.

Talking about her role models, Sakshi says her biggest inspiration is her mother, because of whom she entered the field of classical dance. She also considers the legendary performer, the late Pt. Birju Maharaj, her role model. Sakshi is also thankful to her dance mentors and wishes to follow in their footsteps. She feels inspired by the saying, "Focus on your action and not on the results."

When stressed, Sakshi wears her precious pair of ghungroos and dances her heart out, which also fills her with positivity. She listens to the music and practices in front of the mirror.

Sakshi advises aspiring dancers to keep practising, without which success is impossible in the field of art.