Abhay Shankar Mishra

Abhay Shankar Mishra is one of the leading exponents of Kathak dance in the world today. A mesmerizing performer, dynamic teach and a creative choreographer of Kathak, Abhay currently lives and works in London, UK. He was born into a family abound with musical traditions and trained under world-renowned Gurus, including Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj (Lucknow Gharana), Smt Urmila Nagar (Jaipur Gharana and late Pandit Pandey Maharaj (Banaras Gharana). He draws on his vast experiences to beautifully amalgamate all there Gharanas in his performances and work.

Abhayji was awarded the status of an ‘A’ grade artist by the national Indian TV channel, Doordarshan. He is an empanelled performer and teacher by the ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations). He has worked as a senior dancer in the production unit of Kathak Kendra (Delhi) and has performed internationally in countries such as UK, USA, Germany, Austria, France, Spain, Italy, China, North Korea, South Africa and India.

He has performed in numerous major festivals such as the Khajuharo Dance Festival, Kathak Mahotsav, Andhra Festival, Kalka Bindandin Jayanti in India. Additionally he has been invited to the International Kathak Festival in Chicago (USA), Darpan (Allarakha Foundation) at the Queen Elizabeth Hall (London), Naad Festival to name a few. Also he performed with Drishtikon dance Foundation for the Prime minister and President of India commemorating 50 years of Independence that was broadcast in 156 countries. Abhay choreographed and performed with his senior students for His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales and teh Duchess of Cornwall.

For the past 13 years Abhayji has been working as the resident teacher at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in London and also visiting teacher at the Shankara Dance Academy (USA). As a successful teacher, he trains his students to perform at the highest standard.