Interview with CDI Teacher Samyukta Patil

INTERVIEW WITH SAMYUKTA PATIL, CDI’s newest faculty member.

• Why are you passionate about being a teacher of kathak and the tradition of Pandit Chitresh Das?

I think to completely dwell in an art form, one needs to teach it. This is the best way to advance in a field that you are passionate about, and my love for kathak and dance in general, is what takes me to this path.
I also find the tradition of Pandit Chitresh Das is unique as this is where i got introduced to Kathak yoga. I have just started to understand and apply this in my dance and already feel elated and am eager to learn more. I look forward to carrying this tradition further by helping and encouraging others in this field.

• What are you looking forward to most with teaching?

I consider teacher to be a responsible student. I am not only looking forward to better myself and to discover more things to learn as I teach, but also to help students and motivate them in the art of Kathak.


• How has the teaching training process been thus far and what were your most important learning experiences?

I have been fortunate to get the opportunity to TA with 2 of the senior most teachers at CDI , with Anita Di for almost 3 years and with Preeti Di for more than a year. Its been a great learning experience for me to observe them teach and handle the students as well as improve on my skills with all the valuable corrections given by them to the students.

• What has been most impactful for you as a student of kathak at CDI?

My path to kathak started here at CDI, and I have been learning with Asavari Didi for the past 5+ years. Its been an awesome experience learning with her and I look forward every class to learn something new or even just to have 11/2 hr of training and doing something that I love and with a group of people and teacher who are passionate about the same.

But along with training and developing my skills in this art form, what has influenced me the most is Dadajis principles. I started noticing this from day 1, for example, Sadvyavahaar and Tehzeeb. Whether its interaction between student and teachers or even a simple act like bowing, before entering the classroom. I felt this principle creates a positive environment and gives a best platform for learning. Witnessing these principles in one form or the other in classes and applying them on a day to day basis has been the a really positive experience.