ESP Biography



AKANSHA KUMAR, ESP Teacher



Major: EECS+Management

College/Employer: MIT

Year of Graduation: Not available.

Picture of Akansha Kumar

Brief Biographical Sketch:

I am a sophomore at MIT and have been brought up in Chicago as well as India. Having studied in India for six crucial years of my life, I feel very closely affiliated with my culture and take pride in it. My life experience in India has taught me about my rich cultural heritage and history, which I want to spread to others. One of the main ways I have been connecting with Indian culture throughout my life has been through dance, an assortment of classical Bharatanatyam, Bollywood, and fusion dances.

Through Bharatanatyam, I have learned about and depicted several epics and inspiring stories. In Orchesis (high school dance group), I choreographed an Indian (diya) dance, an artistic performance mixed with classical elements, which was widely appreciated with a standing ovation, as it brought diversity to the show. Dancing to Bollywood music has been a hobby, which I picked up during childhood. In India, I was one of the lead dancers for the school production “Mirza Ghalib.” Also, I have performed in numerous talent shows, school assemblies and competitions. Currently in MIT, I am a dancer for Chamak, which specializes in Indian fusion dances, and Dance Troupe.

Dance creates a special bond with me and my culture. It is a passion which relieves me of all stress and brings joy to my life.



Past Classes

  (Clicking a class title will bring you to the course's section of the corresponding course catalog)

X4324: Bollywood, Bhangra and Hip-hop Fusion! in Splash! 2010 (Nov. 20 - 21, 2010)
Do you want to learn new dance styles, get an aerobic workout, and have fun all at the same time? Come learn some moves from Bhangra, Hip-Hop and Bollywood dance that will impress everyone on the dance floor. Bhangra is an energetic dance from the Indian state of Punjab and Bollywood dance is, well, the main dance of Indian pop culture. Fuse these dances together with Hip-hop and get a healthy dose of fun Indian culture!


A2888: Bollywood and Bhangra Fusion in Splash! 2009 (Nov. 21 - 22, 2009)
Do you want to learn two new dance styles, get an aerobic workout, and have fun all at the same time? Come learn some moves from Bhangra and Bollywood dance that will impress everyone on the dance floor. Bhangra is an energetic dance from the Indian state of Punjab and Bollywood dance is, well, the main dance of Indian pop culture. Fuse these two dances together and get a healthy dose of fun Indian culture!


P2025: Bollywood and Bhangra Fusion in Splash! 2008 (Nov. 22 - 23, 2008)
Do you want to learn two new dance styles, get an aerobic workout, and have fun all at the same time? Come learn some moves from Bhangra and Bollywood dance that will impress everyone on the dance floor. Bhangra is an energetic dance from the Indian state of Punjab and Bollywood dance is, well, the main dance of Indian pop culture. Fuse these two dances together and get a healthy dose of fun Indian culture!


Bhangra and Bollywood Dance in SPLASH (2007)
Do you want to learn two new dance styles, get an aerobic workout, and have fun all at the same ...