DR. SAPNA NAIK Unwavering Dedication Toward Bharatnatyam

Many individuals dedicate their lives to their work, but only a few truly commit to honing their passions.

- Seeia Prabhu

Dr. Sapna Naik, an inspirational Bharatanatyam lecturer, is one such individual who has devoted her life to her passion for dance. As a little girl living in Vasco-da-Gama, Dr.Sapna was introduced to the world of dance at an early age and was encouraged by her aunt to take part in cultural competitions, where she often conquered first prize, this continued until she completed her tenth grade. During one such event, Dr. Sapna's talent caught the eye of a well-known musician, who suggested her father enroll her in formal classical dance training.

This is when Dr. Sapna's journey in dance education truly began in 1991. She explains that from the moment she started her classes, she has never looked back. She recalls having immense support from every family member. Alongside her dedication to Bharatanatyam, Dr. Sapna continued pursuing her formal education, struggling yet balancing both equally. She even received a scholarship in the field of dance, which further encouraged her to pursue her Master's in Performing Arts from Bangalore University. Even away from home, the spirit of dance was deeply instilled in Dr. Sapna; she dedicated her weekends to the training of Abhinaya with Smt.Sumana Nagesh in Bangalore.

For most individuals, a master's degree would be a sufficient qualification in the art of dancing; however, Dr. Sapna is no ordinary individual. She believed in proving her prowess not just through performances on stage but also through academics. In 2017, she cleared the National Eligibility Test (NET) Examination, and in 2023, she attained a Doctorate of Philosophy in Performing Arts (Dance), becoming the first person from Goa to possess such high qualifications in the field of dance.