Just 8, Ishika performs Kathak like a professional

Practising Kathak after school for two hours daily has become a passion rather than just a routine for Ishika Rathore, an 8-year-old resident of Indirapuram. A sweet and adorable kid, Ishika's love for dance seems to be getting stronger and stronger day by day.
Unique in her own way, she feels very proud in choosing Kathak and not hip hop, jazz, salsa, etc. Ishika's mother Kavita Singh Rathore says, "She chose Kathak herself and does not like western dance forms at all. From beginning, she has been in love with this classical dance form and is quite passionate about it."

Keen observer
Ishika is a keen observer and has learnt Kathak well by closely observing the steps. She has bagged many prizes in various school competitions and has participated in various state-level competitions as well. She recently topped a competition organised by Sangeet Natak Academy for Kathak dancers from all over UP in the age group of 8 to 15 years. She has performed at various places like Mumbai, Chandigarh, Pushkar, Mount Abu, etc. 

Learns responsibly
She is nowadays practising hard for performing before Uttar Pradesh CM Mayawati in February. Her guru Pandit Pulkit Mishra says, "Ishika is quite passionate about Kathak and learns it responsibly. She is a very keen child and wants to learn more and more. This quality will take her to the glory for sure." 

Broke world record
Ishika has made her parents and teachers proud by breaking the world record of circling 100 times in a minute. She has also topped the prathama exam of Kathak organised by Bhatkhande Sangit Vidyapith, Lucknow.

Wants to be like guru
Ishika feels proud to be trained by her guru and aspires to be like him one day. Ishika adds, "I admire my guruji and Pt Birju Maharaj ji as they both have inspired me to come to this level." She also loves to listen to music.

Future plans
Ishika wants to become a renowned and successful Kathak dancer one day and make her parents and guru proud.
—Priyanka Narula