Ida Ghatge

🪔 About

Ida Ghatge is an accomplished Kathak dancer, choreographer, and psychologist with over 20 years of experience in dance. She began her Kathak training at the age of five under the tutelage of Guru Shri Harish Gangani and Radhika Karandikar. Ghatge has trained across all three major gharanas (styles) of Kathak – Lucknow, Jaipur, and Banaras – and specialises in the Jaipur gharana. She holds a diploma and a bachelor's degree in Indian Classical Dance. Additionally, she attended the Terence Lewis Dance Academy in Mumbai. After moving to Melbourne, Australia, Ida Ghatge pursued higher education, completing her Honours in Psychology at Melbourne University and later a Master's in Clinical Psychology, becoming a registered psychologist. As a performer, she has graced stages across India, Europe, Australia, and the United States, including collaborations with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and a performance in the award-winning short film "Twin Flame." Ghatge is the Creative Director of Sapphire Dance, a prominent Bollywood company in Australia, and teaches Kathak and Bolly-Kathak (a fusion of classical and commercial Indian dance forms) at Studio J in Melbourne. She also offers private lessons, master classes, and group workshops. Through her art and psychological background, Ida Ghatge champions mental health, challenges stereotypes, and empowers communities of colour.