SMT. SHIVA MATHUR
‘Teachers are born, not made’
Guru Smt. Shiva Mathur is the Artistic Director of the Shivangini Academy of Performing Arts. This unique school focuses on 3 artforms – Tabla, Dholak and the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak. Currently the academy has a strength of more than 200 enthusiastic students, ranging in age from 5 years to 70 years. Mrs. Mathur’s inimitable and pragmatic style of teaching has won her several laurels and recognition in the local community of Houston. Leading the largest Kathak academy in the city, she is a recipient of Outstanding Achievements Award for Cultural Activities in Greater Houston, awarded to her by India Culture Center in 2017.
In her 25 years of teaching, Smt. Shiva Mathur has produced and directed several acclaimed dance-dramas including Shakuntala, Charulata, Ashirwaad, Rituchaar, Kathakaar, and Khidki amongst others. Her major achievement was marked by her school’s selection to participate in several workshops led by the legendary Maha Guru Padma Vibhushan Late Pt Birju Maharaj ji and his disciple Vidushi Saswati Sen ji.
Very humbly, Mrs. Mathur offers her namaskar to her primary guru - her own grandmother Late Smt. Shanti Sahai Nalini who was a renowned literary figure in Uttar Pradesh, India. Being a distinguished artist in a multitude of classical arts including vocals, poetry, Kathak, Tabla and Dholak, she took upon herself to initiate and cultivate her granddaughter from the tender age of 4, as if she could foresee her destiny! Smt. Shanti Sahai also gave her the opportunity to learn from several gurus from the acclaimed institutions of Lucknow. To be raised in such an artistically rich environment was an absolute blessing for Mrs. Mathur and soon she became one of the youngest teachers in her grandmother’s academy at the age of 16!
These cosmic predestined experiences under the shadow of such powerful gurus, is the sole reason why Guru Smt. Shiva Mathur has fully understood her journey as a vessel chosen to distribute the precious knowledge given to her. As a dedicated teacher, Mrs. Mathur strives to cultivate an artistic environment where students can express their individual creativity while learning skills that enable them to develop a deep bond with our rich heritage and values.
Ms. Tarika Nath
Tarika Nath is a Kathak dancer, performing artist, and dance educator based in Houston, Texas. Tarika received her training under her Guru and mother, Smt. Shiva Mathur, and continues to guide students as the principal mentor of the academy. Furthermore, she has been fortunate to complete additional training at Kalashram Delhi under the guidance of Padma Vibhushan Pt. Birju Maharaj & Vidushi Saswati Sen.
As an emerging artist of the new generation, Tarika utilizes the unique intricacies of the Lucknow Gharana to highlight contemporary themes within traditional storytelling. Drawing inspiration from her mother, she aims to reinforce the importance of physical, mental, and spiritual health in her teachings, encouraging students to prioritize self-growth in their artistic journey. She is lovingly referred to as “Tarika Didi” by younger students, assisting the Guru with spreading the knowledge of the arts across multiple generations.
Tarika has been given the opportunity to perform in various prestigious venues across North America, such as Madison Square Garden (NYC), Native Earth Performing Arts (Toronto), Wortham Theatre Center (Houston), and most recently, as a soloist at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre (New York Kathak Festival).
In addition to furthering the cause of Shivangini Academy, Tarika is a CFP® professional currently working as a Lead Financial Planner at Morgan Stanley.