Darpan Kathak Specialists

At Darpan Kathak Specialists, we believe that Kathak is not just a dance form, but a way of life. We strive to instil in our students a deep appreciation and respect for the art of kathak and to help them develop the discipline, focus and dedication required to excel in this demanding form of dance. At Darpan we begin this journey with kathak as a dance education equipping students with skills theoretically and practically. Whether you're a beginner looking to explore the beauty of kathak, or an experienced dancer seeking to deepen your knowledge and hone your skills, Darpan Kathak Specialists offers an unparalleled kathak education in South Africa. Providing high-quality teaching pedagogy, fostering discipline, and contributing positively to the individual through dance. Shika Bhen is recognised and registered with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). She has created a comprehensive Kathak curriculum following ISTD standards offering primary to advanced levels and conducting periodic assessments via the ISTD, our international kathak board of examinations. Certification recognised in 59 countries worldwide, students can progress in kathak from primary to vocational levels in kathak dance studies set by international standards. About the Creative Director:
Smt. Shika Mohanlall Harrypaul

Her Academic and Dance Qualifications include:

- Registered ISTD Member - Classical Indian Dance Kathak
- Postgraduate Certificate of Education
- Diploma in Kathak Dance Shastra
- Bachelor of Arts Degree in Health and Social Sciences specializing in
Psychology and Counselling
- Diploma in management accounting and finance
- Kathak Dance Certificate of Merit -Rangmanch Pravesh

Shika Harrypaul began her studies in Kathak dancing in 1999 at the Institute of Classical Music & Dance, Kala Darshan (Durban). Under the strict discipline of Shri Manesh Maharaj, Shika was groomed individually with intense training. She follows her Guru’s unique style that blends Jaipur, Lucknow and Benaras Gharanas. The year 2005 marked the year of her graduation as a professional Kathak dancer. Shika’s Kathak graduation (Rangmanch Pravesh) was an elaborate display of pure Kathak that kept audiences spellbound which became an ever-memorable solo performance at the Kendra Hall – Durban. Shika went on in 2006 to compile a book on Kathak titled “Kathak Darpan” – A Reflection of Kathak. The book was to aspire and be used as a reference book for all students practising the art form. She launched this book with a Kathak dance recital as a professional solo artist and author in this fine art form. Shika remained a senior dancer for Kala Darshan for 9 years until her relocation to Johannesburg in June 2007. Shika by then had performed extensively for conferences and cultural events. She has also played lead roles in highly acclaimed dance productions namely Utsav – The year 2000, Dance Of The Gods – the Year 2002, Sur Singaar – the Year 2003, Krishna Leela – The year 2004, Dancing Ragas – The year 2005, and Geet Milan – The year 2006. Shika relocated to Johannesburg and upon her arrival, she realized the thirst for this art in Johannesburg, especially in its pure form. Shika established Darpan Dance Studios in 2008 in Randburg. Darpan has expanded to Midrand and Benoni and recently Mondeor and Lenasia. Shika was also the resident adjudicator for the dance category in the Gauteng Annual Hindi Eisteddfods. Shika as well as her students have danced for several religious and charitable organizations in Durban, Cape Town and Gauteng. Shika’s lessons in dance go beyond the theories and practicals. She constantly encourages her students to uplift society and make a positive difference to our fellow South Africans. She has become a role model to Women and Children in her community by displaying sacrifice, perseverance, passion and courage. Her attitude of leading by example has gained her support that goes across all ages, races, gender and cultural diversities

Shika is proud to have single-handedly produced major shows providing hundreds of aspiring dancers a platform to showcase their talents. Her continuous and unforgettable contribution to Kathak in Gauteng as a Creative Director of Darpan-Kathak Specialists is as follows:
Kathak ki Dhun - year 2011
Kathak Masti - the year 2013
Taal Saundariya - year 2014
Kathak dance workshop - the year 2014
Rhythm & Poetry - the year 2015
Taal aur Rang - year 2017
First Classical Kathak Dance school to offer
An All Male only class -2018
Natwari - kathak workshop - 2018
Atman the trilogy - The Search - 2018
The Journey - 2018
The Celebration - 2018
Purusham Gauteng - year 2019
Taiyaari - Readiness- kathak workshop 2019
Kathak Mahotsav - Gauteng 16 Feb 2020
Dance Reboot - Step in Style- 2022
Rhythmic Raptures- Dancing thru' Traditions n' Trends - 2023
Dancing with Jitesh Ranchod in a Bollywood dance workshop (Dhindora) - 2023
Launch of Kathak Chronicle - Darpan's Rising Stars - Mandeera and Sudhata Jurakan - August 2024
Arvash Sewpaul - September 2024
Jitesh Ranchod - October 2024
Raksha Govender - November 2024
Kajal Dehaloo - December 2024
Garba Workshop - Fundraising event for Shree Nath Dham - September 2024
ISTD Exam Workshop - March 2025 and December 2025
Kathak Chronicles - Sriyam Kisten - June 2025
Anjali Baichoo - July 2025
Shikha Bhargava - Septmeber 2025
Kathak Canvas - Showcasing our Story - August 2025
Kathak Dance Workshop - Conducted by Kristina Luna - August 2025
Kathak Chronicle - The Collaboration - International enagement with Kristina Luna and Shika Harrypaul - August 2025
Garba Workshop - Fundraising for Shree Nath Dham - September 2025

*watch this space for more is yet to come*