Atsuko Maeda

🪔 About

Atsuko Maeda is a prominent Kathak dancer and choreographer based in Tokyo, Japan, recognized as one of the leading Kathak exponents in the country. Her journey in Kathak began at the age of six, and she became a devoted disciple of the renowned Kathak maestro Smt. Kumudini Lakhia ji, training under her at the KADAMB institute in Ahmedabad, India, for two decades. Maeda received an ICCR scholarship from the Government of India in 2006, which facilitated her intensive study at KADAMB starting in 2007. In 2007, Atsuko Maeda founded and became the director of Kadamb Japan, an institute based in Tokyo dedicated to teaching and promoting Kathak dance in its traditional style. She is passionate about teaching Kathak and frequently performs in international and cultural exchange programs between Japan and India. Since 2022, she has also served as a dance teacher at the Indian Embassy Tokyo Culture Center VCC. Maeda is known for her innovative choreographic works that integrate Kathak with Japanese traditions, such as "Fox Rain" and "Amabie," and she is credited with pioneering the concept of "Tokyo Gharana." She annually hosts the "Amrut Manthan" dance performances and has produced Indian classical art stages like "India, Dancing Alone." Her contributions to Kathak have been recognized with awards, including the 1st Prize in Kathak at the ICCR Pratibha Sangam Competition in 2022 and the Grant of Ade Award from ICCR in 2019-2020. Awards & Honours: 1st Prize of Kathak, Pratibha Sangam Competition (2022), Grant of Ade Award, Life Time Achievement Award.