Kathak dancer Archana Kumar presented a modern fusion dance item- SAMAI that mesmerized the audience. — Planet Guru Correspondent, Gunjan 2005

SAMAI’s solo excerpt was so great to watch at On the Boards, 12MM (Dec 4th & 5th 2005) I look forward to viewing a full evening’s work very soon. You have brought a great new vernacular to dance in Seattle. — Tim Summers, Artist Trust, Board Member

Over the last few years as the former Artistic Associate at On the Boards theatre, I have watched Archana Kumar, as a beautifully skilled dancer; develop into one of the most original emerging choreographer in Seattle, Washington. Her collaborations have stood out within the experimental showcase of 12 Minutes Max, as clear and insightful. Archana is able to mix her cultural history and traditions, while bringing in personal experience to generously offer a universal transformation for the audience to see and be a part of. I highly recommend the choreographic work of Archana Kumar as she wholeheartedly shares human experience through her distinct voice as a woman and artist.
—Michèle Steinwald, Director, 44 Arts Productive

I have seen Archana perform on a number of occasions and she is a beautiful and captivating performer. She conducted a master class/lecture demonstration on Kathak dance for my World Dance class at Shoreline Community College recently, which many proclaimed to be the highlight of their experience for the quarter. Currently Archana is working with me on a new contemporary dance that I am choreographing. It is a great pleasure to work with her because she is eager, highly imaginative, and physically strong and adapts quickly to new ideas. Her recent composition “Teen Taal” with Ying Zhou stands out, beautifully blending classical Indian rhythm with strong & physical movement compositions. I highly recommend her collaborative works for any project she would be interested in pursuing. — Karn Junkinsmith, Artistic Director, Karn Ensemble

There is an authentic curiosity and endearing playfulness between these two collaborators as they explore interfaces between their cultures and the American one they both find themselves in. In “Exploring Teen Taal”, Archana experiments with the Indian rhythmic cycle of 16 beats, seemlessly integrating intricate footwork, with the full-body athleticism of western contemporary dance. —Christy Fisher, Arts LAUNCH Coordinator