Passionate about preserving Indian classical dance while embracing modern fusion, Ritika Arora, in an exclusive chat with The Pioneer, shares her vision for bridging cultures through movement, her challenges in promoting Indian heritage internationally, and the power of dance as a tool for social change
Tejal Sinha
Dance is more than just a movement – it’s a language of the soul, a bridge between cultures, and a testament to dedication and artistry. Renowned Kathak dancer Ritika Arora embodies all these qualities, her journey weaving together tradition and innovation, discipline and creativity. From the vibrant city of Amritsar to the global stage, she has captivated audiences and inspired students through her mastery of Kathak and other dance forms.
Her love for dance began at a young age, influenced by the colourful Bollywood and Punjabi performances she grew up watching. Her passion soon transformed into a rigorous academic pursuit, as she earned both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Kathak from Guru Nanak Dev University. This formal education laid the foundation for her professional career, allowing her to excel not only as a performer but also as a teacher and choreographer.
Her professional journey started in 2014 when she began working as a Dance and Yoga Teacher at KIDZ Camp Public School. Later, she took on the role of Studio Manager and Choreographer at Pankaj & Preeti Dance Academy, where her talent and leadership skills truly flourished. One of her most remarkable achievements came in 2015 when she choreographed a Guinness World Record performance featuring 8,726 children in Amritsar. This wasn’t just a dance event; it was an anti-drug awareness campaign, using the power of movement to spread a vital social message. Reflecting on this experience, Ritika says, “The then Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar, Ravi Bhagat, highlighted that the record attempt was designed to raise awareness about drug abuse, which had devastated many lives in Punjab. The performance was a testament to how dance can be a force for social change.”
Beyond Kathak, Arora has explored a wide spectrum of dance styles, including Bollywood, Zumba, Bhangra, Bharatanatyam, Hip Hop, Ballroom and Western dance. She attributes her ability to balance these diverse forms to a strategic approach focusing on technical precision, cultural understanding and creative exploration.
In 2022, she took a bold step in her career by relocating to the United Kingdom, a move that expanded her artistic horizons and introduced her to new audiences. This transition, she explains, has had a profound impact on her creative vision. “International exposure has given me opportunities to collaborate with artists from different backgrounds. I now have an expanded audience and the chance to engage with the community on a deeper level. Teaching diverse age groups, including the differently abled and elderly, has reinforced my belief that dance is for everyone.”
Embracing her role as a mentor and entrepreneur, she founded Nrityaritika Dance Studio Ltd in October 2024, based in Ilford, Essex. With over eight years of teaching experience, she designed her studio to be a hub of artistic excellence, offering classes in multiple dance forms for students of all ages and skill levels. The studio also provides specialized services such as wedding choreography and Zumba sessions. More than just a training center, Nrityaritika is a platform for cultural preservation and community engagement. “We conduct special free sessions for senior citizens and actively promote traditional Indian dance forms like Kathak and Bharatanatyam, ensuring that these art forms continue to thrive in a globalized world.”
Her efforts to bridge cultures don’t stop there. Ritika’s collaboration with KSPARK Entertainment, founded by renowned dancer Karan Pangali, has further solidified her position in the international dance community. Additionally, her partnership with Madhu’s Ltd Company has opened up exciting performance opportunities. Through corporate tie-ups, entertainment projects, and educational initiatives, she is constantly exploring new ways to bring Indian dance to the global stage.
Organizing large-scale performances has been another defining aspect of her career. In addition to her Guinness World Record achievement, she successfully choreographed a Zumba and freestyle performance featuring 3,000 children. She recalls, “It was a monumental task that required meticulous planning, securing a venue, coordinating logistics, and ensuring safety measures. Collaborating with schools, community organizations, and volunteers was crucial. The event celebrated the energy and creativity of children while promoting health, unity, and the joy of movement.”
Setting ambitious goals is a hallmark of Ritika’s career. Whether it’s choreographing record-breaking performances or expanding her dance studio, she approaches each milestone with careful planning and perseverance. “Ambitious goals are best achieved by breaking them down into smaller, actionable steps. Engaging with the dance community for motivation and support is also essential. Self-reflection helps me assess my progress and refine my approach to challenges.”
As a classical Kathak dancer, she is deeply invested in the role of Indian dance in today’s modern, globalized world. She believes that while Kathak preserves tradition, it also serves as a catalyst for innovation. “Kathak has shown remarkable adaptability. Collaborations with Western dance forms like ballet and contemporary dance have led to innovative performances that highlight the universality of artistic expression.” She also emphasizes the importance of digital platforms in ensuring the preservation and accessibility of Indian dance for future generations.
Promoting Indian culture internationally comes with its challenges, including economic constraints, cultural preservation concerns, and audience engagement issues. However, Ritika has tackled these obstacles through digital outreach, collaborations with international institutions, and innovative marketing strategies. “We have adapted to changing audience preferences by making performances more accessible and engaging, often incorporating digital media and cross-cultural collaborations.”
One of her most fascinating artistic endeavors is her approach to integrating Kathak with contemporary dance forms while staying true to its roots. “Fusion must be approached as a research process. The key lies in preserving the intricate footwork, rhythmic patterns, and storytelling aspects of Kathak while experimenting with modern themes, technology, and cross-cultural elements.”
Looking ahead, she has ambitious plans for her dance studio and artistic career. She is currently working on projects involving corporate partnerships, entertainment collaborations, and new dance classes. She is particularly excited about her initiatives focusing on community engagement, ensuring that dance remains accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Despite her global aspirations, Ritika remains deeply connected to her Indian roots. Having worked extensively in both India and the UK, she hopes to bridge these cultures through dance. “By offering a wide array of dance styles, I create an environment where students can explore and appreciate both Indian and Western forms. This exchange fosters understanding and appreciation between different communities.”
For Ritika, dance is more than a profession – it is a lifelong mission. “My ultimate goal is to promote inclusivity, creativity and cultural diversity through dance. I want to leave a legacy by contributing to the evolution of teaching methodologies and choreographic techniques.”
She credits her biggest inspirations – Birju Maharaj and Madhuri Dixit – for shaping her artistic vision. Staying motivated in her craft involves a continuous process of learning, self-reflection and collaboration. “I attend workshops, engage with diverse dance communities and blend classical techniques with modern innovations. Most importantly, I never lose sight of why I fell in love with dance in the first place.”
To aspiring dancers, she offers invaluable advice: “Your greatest asset in dance is not technical perfection but your emotional authenticity and passionate commitment to the art. Embrace continuous learning, view challenges as opportunities for growth and never lose sight of your love for dance.”
Through her artistry, mentorship, and dedication to cultural preservation, Ritika Arora continues to make a profound impact in the world of dance. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of movement – an art that transcends borders, generations and traditions.
