Dr Shambik Ghose: I introduce myself as a researcher, teacher and choreographer. I have had the privilege of sharing my expertise nationally and internationally in the domain of classical and contemporary artistic practices and performances for more than 23 years. I hold a Diploma in performing arts in Musical Theatre Dance from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, an MA in choreography and a Ph.D. from Leeds Beckett University.  

I, with my wife Dr Mitul Sengupta and our dance company Rhythmosaic, articulate in research and practice that brings a multicultural and dynamic perspective to the artistic sphere that is born out of differences in experiences and diverse creative cultures. I am interested in investigating practices that emerge at the cusp of cultural hybridity. Although my practice draws from the rigour of essentialist knowledge systems of Kathak, Jazz and codified contemporary dance techniques, the artistic outcome is a constructive critique of those systems through a hybridised representation of such structured systems of knowledge.  

Exploring my practice through the lens of critical pedagogies, I have had the privilege of choreographing, co-directing and presenting works for many established artistic establishments throughout the globe, such as Phoenix Dance Theatre, Royal Danish Playhouse, Beijing Dance Theatre, Beijing Dance LDTX, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Off Jazz Dance Company (France) and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for YDance Scotland.  

On joining the Artist Advisory Group, Shambik says:

“I was motivated to join this exciting group to learn from, engage with and contribute to the ever-changing creative landscape of West Yorkshire and to accommodate inclusivity, diversity and dialogue.”

Image: Swarup Dutta