My Story of Sharing the Timeless Art of Kathak
Anushka Nilanjani Ekanayake is a distinguished Kathak dancer, choreographer, with over a decade of experience in Indian classical dance and a media personality from Sri Lanka, now bringing the elegance and rhythm of Indian classical dance to Japan.
Trained under esteemed gurus in India, Anushka brings the grace, rhythm, and storytelling essence of Kathak to audiences and students in Japan.
An alumna of the prestigious Bhatkhande Music University in Lucknow, India, Anushka is a double graduate in performing arts (Kathak), having completed both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees under a coveted ICCR scholarship — a testament to her talent and dedication.
Anushka’s training was deeply rooted in the Guru-Shishya Parampara, under the legendary Pt. Arjun Mishra of the Lucknow Gharana — a direct disciple of the iconic Pt. Birju Maharaj. Her refined technique, emotive storytelling, and graceful movements reflect this rich lineage. Anushka also holds the esteemed title of “Nritya Nipun” one of the highest accolades in Kathak, and is a “Visharadh” in vocal music, reflecting her holistic approach to the performing arts.
After returning to Sri Lanka from India in 2008, she founded the Anushka Kathak Dance Academy, where she nurtured a new generation of dancers, preparing them for performances, exams, and national stages. Her groundbreaking work as the producer and lead performer of Sri Lanka’s first-ever Kathak dance drama, “Daskon – Pramila” received critical acclaim and marked a turning point in the country’s classical dance scene.
In parallel with her dance career, Anushka also served as a visiting lecturer at the University of Visual and Performing Arts and Kelaniya University in Colombo, contributing to academic advancement in the field. Her talents further extended into media as a celebrated TV presenter and news reader, earning her the prestigious “Rajya Sammana” state award recognizing her as Sri Lanka’s finest voice in broadcast journalism.
In 2019, Anushka embarked on a new journey in Japan, where she continues to share her art through performance and education. Her participation in Tokyo’s prestigious “Amruth Manthan 15” and emotionally charged Durga Puja and Pt. Birju Maharaj tribute performance, Namaste India events ,Tokyo Dance Residency, Ahamadabadh Dance Residency ,India resonated with diverse audiences, establishing her presence in Japan’s multicultural artistic landscape.
As the founder and artistic director of Nritya Nippon – Anushka Kathak Dance Academy, she has created a cultural bridge between India and Japan, nurturing a vibrant community of dancers who are inspired by tradition yet open to creativity. Through her academy, Anushka has introduced the beauty of Kathak to people of all ages and backgrounds, teaching with dedication, cultural depth, and an inclusive spirit. Her teaching blends rigorous classical training with joy and expression, making the art form accessible and enriching.
インドのバトカンデ音楽大学で舞台芸術と声楽を学び、学士・修士課程を修了。故ビラジュ・マハラジの一番弟子の一人である、アルジュン・ミシュラに師事し、国内外の権威ある舞台に数多く出演。スリランカに帰国後「アヌシュカ・カタック・ダンス・アカデミー」を設立し、スリランカ初のカタック・ダンス・ドラマを制作、演出、主演。また、大学の客員講師やTVアナウンサーとしても活躍。2019年、アヌシュカは東京に拠点を移し、日本の生徒たちにカタックを教え、国内外の名高い舞台での公演に向け、その育成に心血を注ぎ、芸術性豊かな伝統を守り続 けています。
Nritya Nippon – Anushka Kathak Dance Academy の創設者兼芸術監督として、彼女はインドと日本の間に文化の架け橋を築き、伝統に触発されながらも創造性を受け入れる活気あるダンサーのコミュニティを育んできました。
I teach traditional Kathak from the Lucknow Gharana, following the Guru-Shishya tradition passed down by Pt. Arjun Mishra.
Yes, I welcome students of all levels, including complete beginners with no prior dance experience.
Absolutely. Both solo and group performances are available for cultural, private, or corporate events.
Yes, I offer online sessions and workshops for international students and those unable to attend in person.
I was so blown away by how beautiful my teacher Anushka was — that’s what got me into the world of Kathak.She’s really kind and teaches each of us with so much care. I try to soak up every bit of the grace in her movements and expressions during lessons!
Anushka先生の美しさに圧倒されたことがKathakの世界に入ったきっかけです。先生は生徒一人ひとりに丁寧に教えてくれます。動きや表情の美しさのエッセンスを間近で見ながら、ひとつでも多く得たいとレッスンに集中しています！