SADHANA - The Grace through Kathak

Production Synopsis:

SADHANA – The Grace through Kathak is a full-length solo work by Kim Khoo exploring the disciplined practice of an artiste at the heart of Kathak. First presented in 2016 by TFA Inner Space Dance, the Sadhana series draws upon the Indian classical concept of dedicated learning as the pathway to artistic and personal transformation. This performance presents a unique repertoire of compositions by Paramita Maitra and the late Kathak maestro Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj. Accompanied by live tabla, sarangi and sitar, it unfolds through Kathak's traditional repertoire, seamlessly blending expressive storytelling, intricate rhythmic compositions and fluid chakkars (pirouettes). Through the interplay of nritta (pure dance) and nritya (expressive dance), the work embodies humility, surrender and mastery. Rarely seen as a complete solo Kathak presentation in Malaysia, SADHANA celebrates perseverance transformed into grace.

Production team list:

Dancer: Kim Khoo

Musicians:
• Paramita Maitra (Bol Padhant)
• Rohini Shetty Umesh Shetty (Bol Padhant)
• Vick Ramakrishnan (Tabla)
• Sangeet Mishra (Sarangi)
• Kumar Karthigesu (Sitar)

Kim Khoo’s Bio

Kim Khoo began her dance journey at the age of three with ballet training at the Federal Academy of Ballet. At the age of five, she expanded her studies to tap dance and later trained under the guidance of the late Lee Lee Lan. Her passion for movement led her to pursue a Bachelor of Dance (Performance) from the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (ASWARA), Malaysia. Over the years, Kim has performed extensively in both local and international productions, touring countries including Australia, Singapore, India, the United Kingdom and China. In 2019, she further broadened her artistic exposure through the Marameo Dancers Training Program in Berlin, Germany, where she trained in ballet and contemporary dance. In 2022 and 2023, Kim was awarded Second Prize in the Pratibha Sangam Global Competition (Kathak category), organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). In 2025, she participated in the ROOTS Intensive in Birmingham, United Kingdom, conducted by the Aakash Odedra Company. The programme provided opportunities to train and exchange ideas with artists from internationally acclaimed companies, including Akram Khan Company, Alleyne Dance Company and Ahmed Khemis Company, as well as renowned practitioners Po-Nien Wang and Kesha Raithatha. Alongside her performance career, Kim is committed to dance education. She currently serves as a part-time ballet instructor at The Great Dance Academy and the Federal Academy of Ballet, and as a part-time dance lecturer at Taylor’s University.

Company Profile:

TFA Inner Space Dance (ISD) is the professional performing wing of The Temple of Fine Arts (TFA) International, established in 2005 as a platform for dancers and musicians pursuing the arts as a profession. Evolving from TFA’s strong educational foundation, ISD bridges rigorous classical training with contemporary performance practice, forming an integral part of its ecosystem of teaching, learning and creation. Its debut production Inside Out received critical acclaim and multiple BOH Cameronian Arts Awards, establishing the company’s artistic impact in Malaysia. Revived in 2017 under the artistic direction of Umesh Shetty, ISD continues to develop original works rooted in classical Indian traditions while engaging with contemporary movement languages and again received multiple accolades at the 15th BOH Cameronian Arts Awards for Inner Space Dance Conversations. Driven by discipline, philosophy and collaboration, ISD creates performances that are both culturally grounded and globally relevant, while actively expanding access to the arts through education, partnerships and community engagement.

YouTube / Facebook / Instagram links:

TFA Inner Space Dance Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tfainnerspacedancecompany/
TFA Inner Space Dance Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InnerSpaceDance/