Indian Dance School - Schaumburg, Illinois

Nitika N. C.

I have been learning Kathak from Gauri Tai at Indian Dance School for over a year and it has been a fascinating journey. I have learnt as much about the dance as about myself through this journey. While I do the classes online once a week, I feel part of the bigger community at the school because of the opportunities to join in person sessions when I need to. The flexibility for me as a working mom is what keeps me at it and Gauri Tai is so understanding and supportive of working parents, even during our travels to India she would find a way to do the class.
Recently, we celebrated 25th year anniversary of the school through a 2.5 hour long performance spanning 20+ dances involving dancers aged 4 - 60. It was a privilege to celebrate with Gauri Tai and her students, some of whom have been with her for 22 years.
I feel fortunate that this community of dancers has welcomed me and are teaching me the beautiful art of kathak dance.

Supriya J.

I have been an online student of the Indian Dance school for the past 6 years and have had a wonderful experience. Guru Gauri Jog is fun and strict at the same time . I find the online teaching very good to follow. I have participated in 3 annual recitals and have enjoyed them thoroughly.
I highly recommend the Indian Dance School for students wishing to learn kathak!

Sarah V.

Gauri Jog and her students performed Classical Indian Dance at our library for Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage month. Gauri presented an informative and engaging program, sharing the rich cultural history of India, as well its beautiful, colorful and energetic dances. She even taught attendees how to do some of the dance moves! I highly recommend her for classes and community programming.

Preeti L.

Attended and participated in the show for the first time on 08/31/24 and loved it. Glad to be a part of the school and appreciate Guru Gauri Jog accepting me as her student!

Aishwarya R.

Guru Gauri Jog seamlessly incorporates the unique stylistic features of both the Lucknow and Jaipur Gharanas of Kathak. Her mastery of these styles is evident in her teaching—grace and elegance from the Lucknow tradition and careful attention to technicality from the Jaipur tradition. To this end, she emphasizes lightness and fluidity in hand and body movements, while also stressing precision in footwork and sharpness in eye movements (Drishti bhedh). This synergistic approach has helped me appreciate movement as poetry, while enhancing my own bodily awareness and concentration through the mathematically complex rhythms of the feet.

As an online student, I am afforded exclusive attention, allowing guru Gauri Jog to refine my Kathak movements with a degree of clarity and nuance that arguably, I could not get in an in-person group setting. Our sessions are recorded. Furthermore, I am able to send her recordings of my own dance pieces (e.g., different thodas or teehais), allowing her to review my work independently and offer feedback in a follow-up session.

As a choreographer, she is unparalleled. Under her guidance, my ability to listen to and identify rhythm in complex musical pieces, as well as determine tatkar or Kathak footwork—that appropriately reflects this rhythm—has dramatically improved. Her deep understanding of both the theoretical and creative expressions of Kathak has allowed her to effortlessly fuse Kathak with other dance forms (e.g., Flamenco) as well as neatly incorporate it into modern contemporary Bollywood music—creating a dynamic, soulful experience that transcends this art form.

I am ever grateful to have found her as my guru. My experience with Kathak under her guidance has extended beyond the dance floor, influencing both my personal and professional life. Her emphasis on lightness and precision have helped me approach challenges in my life with a similar balance of ‘letting go’ and a growing self-discipline, enriching my life in ways I never anticipated.

Thank you, Gauri aunty, and a deep bow to you with all my heart!

Ryan D.

Gauri Jog came and gave a presentation for the library. It was great. We learned about India, dance, and traditions and were treated to some Kathak performances throughout the presentation. If your organization is interested in showcasing diverse and cultural topics this would be a great addition.

Samantha H.

Gauri Jog and the Indian School of Dance performed at the DeKalb Public Library as part of our largest event of the year, 8 Countries in 1 Day. They were excellent! The event had over 1,100 people attend, and the most packed area of the library was the performance hall. Without the performances, including the Indian Dancers, the event would not have been nearly as successful. We strive to bring the culture of 8 different countries to our community on this day, and with the help of the Indian School of Dance, we achieved this. Gauri and her team were easy to work with and incredible at their art. If you are looking for professionals with a passion for displaying their talents and culture, consider booking the Indian School of Dance for a performance at your venue!

Jose G.

Gauri and her Indian Dance School came last week to kick off our new Cultural Program with residents of Arbor Terrace in Naperville. In honor of Indian Republic Day, Gauri educated us about India and its culture through music and dance. We totally recommend her Program for Seniors.