Nilima Devi MBE

🪔 About

Nilima Devi MBE is a highly respected and influential figure in Indian classical dance, recognized as one of the leading exponents of Kathak in the UK. Born in Vadodara, India, she pursued her passion for Kathak, earning a B.Mus. in 1973 and an M.Mus. with Distinctions in 1975 from the College of Performing Arts, M.S. University, Vadodara. Her training was under the tutelage of esteemed gurus including Narendra Patel, Prafulla Oza, and Pandit Sunderlal Gangani. Devi's dance career commenced with extensive performances in Germany between 1979 and 1980. She then relocated to the UK in 1980, where she identified a lack of facilities for Indian classical dance. This led her to establish the Centre for Indian Classical Dance (CICD) in Leicester on January 1, 1981, an institution she has since led as its Founder and Artistic Director for over 40 years. Through CICD, she has dedicated herself to promoting Indian culture through dance, educating the public on Indian dance forms, and nurturing numerous young Kathak dancers, many of whom have become teachers and performers themselves. Her artistic contributions extend to extensive performances as a soloist and in collaborations with Bharatanatyam and Odissi dancers across India, Germany, Japan, and the UK. Devi is also a prolific choreographer, creating innovative works that often blend traditional Kathak with contemporary dance and music. Her commitment to Indian dance and cultural development was recognized with an MBE award in 2013. Awards & Honours: MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) (2013).