About Abhinav Shankar Mishra

Following the Family Blood

Abhinav Shankar Mishra is a young and aspiring Kathak dancer whose remarkable dedication to his craft is a testament to his deep-rooted passion for the art form. With his ancestral origins in the culturally rich city of Benaras, Abhinav was born and raised in London, UK, where he effortlessly blends the profound influences of his Indian heritage with the diverse cultural experiences of his upbringing in a global metropolis.

Born in 2002 into a family that is deeply entrenched in the classical arts, Abhinav is the torchbearer of a legacy that spans over 200 years of unparalleled mastery in Hindustani classical dance and music. His parents, Dr. Abhay Shankar Mishra and Smt. Kakoli Shankar Mishra, are both revered Kathak maestros whose contributions to the art have been widely recognized and celebrated. From the tender age of 4, Abhinav was taken under their expert tutelage, where they meticulously nurtured his budding talent and passion for Kathak.

Over the years, through relentless practice and unwavering dedication, Abhinav has honed his skills to perfection. His journey from a young, eager learner to a passionate performer has been marked by countless hours of disciplined training and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

He is trained in all three major gharanas of Kathak: Lucknow, Jaipur and Benaras. Abhinav has completed his Post Diploma in Kathak, a Diploma in Performing for Kathak and has achieved his Rang Manch Pravesh in July 2024. Maintaining his love for Kathak, he also has sound knowledge of Tabla whilst also learned Mridangam by Sri M. Balachandar in England.

Whilst still in his teens, Abhinav has performed in many occasions in a wide variety of countries, such as, England, Scotland, America, India, Kenya, etc. He also undergoes training of choreography and teaching under his father and Guru, Dr. Abhay Shankar Mishra.

For multiple years, he has been capable to uphold the requirement of music production for performances by his parents and their students. He has now been professionally editing music for Classical Kathak and has been highly appreciated for it.

Even when not performing, Abhinav remains an integral part of his family's artistic endeavors by contributing his technical expertise to their shows. His comprehensive education from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, where he earned a BA in Production and Technical Theatre for Stage and Screen, has equipped him with a diverse skill set that extends beyond dance. Abhinav's role in the technical side of production includes stage management, lighting design, and sound engineering, ensuring that every performance is executed with precision and excellence. His ability to seamlessly blend artistry with technical acumen not only enhances the overall quality of the performances but also provides invaluable support to his family. This dual involvement in both the creative and technical realms allows Abhinav to have a holistic understanding of the performing arts, making him a versatile and indispensable asset to any production.

Deeply in love with the art form, Abhinav aspires to showcase his talent to a global audience. His dream is to elevate Kathak to new heights, honoring and advancing his family's legacy while inspiring future generations of dancers. With unwavering dedication, Abhinav is committed to preserving and evolving the rich tradition of Kathak for a contemporary world.