Guru (late) Prof. Shri. Vijay Shankar Singh Bhadoria was regarded as the blessed Kathak Exponent with natural inborn artistic talent. He had the privilege of opting out for the art in its dance form. At his tender age of eight, he started learning Kathak. He was inducted to the art of Kathak under the tutelage of Guru Shri Vikram Singhji – the senior most Disciple of Achchan Maharaj (Birju Maharajji’s father) at Bhatkhande Sangeet Mahavidyalay, Lucknow.
Later on, Kathak Maestro Guruji Lachchu Maharaj (Birju Maharajji’s uncle) took him under his wings at Kathak Kendra, Lucknow. Under his tutelage, Vijay Shankar Singh underwent his rigorous advanced training in Lucknow Gharana Kathak in the perfect Guru Shishya Parampara.
In the domain of Jaipur and Raigarh Gharana Kathak Dance, he was blessed to have learnt under the great Kathak legend Guru Kalyandas Mahant ji- One among the widely known and esteemed duo of Raigarh palace. Under his able direction Vijay Shankar Singh completed his Bachelors and Masters degree in Kathak at Indra Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalay Khairagarh. By the expert Gurus Shri Kale Khan Sahab and Mahendra Pratap Singh ji, he obtained special training in the elaboratenesses of Hindustani classical music in its both senses of construction and calculations in the laya (rhythm) and his fortune made him able to obtain training in playing Tabla and Pakhawaj.
He won several awards for his artistry dancing proficiency. He participated in all major dance festivals in India and abroad.
By the blessings of his Gurus, Vijay Shankar gained professionalism as a wonderful Performer, Choreographer and Guru. His Choreography of Grand Dance Dramas include Excerpts from ‘Ram charit Manas’, kalidasa’s ‘Shakuntalam’, ‘Rithu Samhar’, ‘Meghdoot’, ‘Kumar Sambhav’ and so on. As Dance Director at Caravs, Jabalpur, he Choreographed Dance productions on various topics from Bible as ‘Lord’s Prayer’, ‘Birth of Christ’, ‘Preachings of Christ’, ’10 Commandments’ and so on. His dance productions were shot into documentaries by CARAVS. Vijay Shankar Singh also served as Lecturer at Bhatkhande Sangeet Mahavidyalay, Jabalpur. He was then absorbed by Sangeet Kala Kendra, Bhilwada as ‘A’ Grade Professor where he trained many students who confidently took dancing as their profession and run their own institutions. Vijay Shankar ji retired from Government Music College, Bhilwada.
As Paramaguru at Jathiswaraalaya, he was a guiding force to Jathiswaraalayans giving advanced training to several Kathak aspirants in Chennai. He was a gem in the field of art… We miss him immensely today and seek his blessings everyday !!
We miss you Master !!
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