Initiated into the art of Kathak at an early age, Divya Goswami Dikshit stands today as an artist anchored to the roots of traditional dance forms. Held in high esteem amongst the inner circle of Kathak performers, it has been her endeavour to reach out and spread the beauty of dance to a wider diaspora nationally and internationally. In these fast changing times, Divya stands still in her belief that dance and Kathak in particular, takes us closer to our roots, our inner self and leads us of inner peace. Multifaceted, her passionate appreciation of traditional art forms has led her focus her talent in dance, art, drama and creative therapy. Divya’s compositions are steeped in deep understanding of history, mythology and spirituality. In essence she today harnesses her talent to express the art forms in a meditative performance of dance.
Divya has been initiated into the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak under the able guidance of Guru Yogini Gandhi, at the Kalanidhi Institute. Having a good command over both, the rhythmic (nritta) and emotive (nritya) aspects, Divya has been performing and imparting training to students for over fifteen years now. She has performed at numerous concerts and lecture demonstrations in India and abroad. Divya is a recipient of the prestigious National level Title ‘Shringar Mani’ conferred by the Sur Singar Samsad, Mumbai. She has also won many state and national level competitions. To further enhance her creativity and promote Indian Classical Arts, Divya has established ‘Anaahad’, a creative venture showcasing her versatility, as a dancer, teacher, artist, dramatist and creative therapist. Under the banner of Anaahad, she has been holding exhibitions to promote her art in painting and creative designing.
Currently she is also working in a programme organized by the Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi, to enhance the creativity and overall ability of children in Government schools through ‘Children’s Theatre Workshop and Festival’. Besides dance, Divya has also excelled in academics. She is a double Post Graduate in Economics and Finance. She has been a visiting lecturer of the management discipline at various national institutes like - College of Military Engineering, International Business School and DINA Institute for four years.
Divya is the daughter of Brig. Vikram Goswami, VSM (Retd) and Geeta Goswami. He belongs to the glorious 4 Garhwal Rifles, accredited for its battle at Nuranag. Divya's mother is an educationist and had been a teacher with the Kendriya Vidyalaya for over 18 years. Divya is married to a Sapper officer, Lt. Col Varun Dikshit who is from 119 Assault Engineers, a Bombay Sapper regiment.
Divya has performed on several occasions including:-
- ‘An evening of Kathak’ organized by Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi, Chandigarh 2014.
- ‘Natyanjali’ Dance Festival organized at Natraj Perur (Shiva) Temple, Coimbatore 2013.
- Shiva Temple of Sine Arts, Coimbatore 2013.
- ‘Atmabodh’ organized by ‘Naman Dhyan Kendra’ and ‘Anaahad’ at Bal Bhawan, Chandigarh 2012.
- Nehru Wangchuck Cultural Centre organized by Indian Embassy, Thimphu, Bhutan 2011.
- Army War College, Mhow, 2010.
- Jodhana Fort Resort, Nagaur, 2010.
- Raindrops Dance Festival 2009 under the aegis of Samved Society, Mumbai.
She has also performed along with her Guru, Smt. Yogini Gandhi at several Dance Festivals including:-
- International Council for Cultural Relations, Mumbai 2010.
- Abhivyakti at Pune, Deval Club Kolhapur, Darpana Ahmedabad, Mumbai, 2010 and 2011.
- Gandharva Maha Vidyalaya, Pune, 2010
- National Defence Academy, Pune, 2010