Pooja Ovalekar

🪔 About

Pooja Ovalekar is an accomplished Indian classical Kathak dancer, teacher, and choreographer, deeply rooted in the Lucknow Gharana. Her Kathak journey commenced at the age of eight under the tutelage of Guru Smt. Priyanka Abhyankar in Nagpur. She achieved her Visharad Purna from Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya before pursuing advanced training with Guru Nayantara Parpia at Tridhara. Further honing her skills, Ovalekar was a Post Diploma student at Kathak Kendra, Delhi, where she trained under Guru Smt. Malti Shyam ji. She holds a Master's in Performing Arts (Kathak) from Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune, graduating as a Gold Medalist and University Topper. Ovalekar is also a senior CCRT scholarship holder under Pt. Jaikishan Maharaj ji. Beyond her dance education, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics, a diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from Symbiosis, Pune, and a Diploma in Theatre Acting, which enriches her expressive performance style. Throughout her career, Pooja Ovalekar has performed across India and the USA at prestigious venues such as the Sangeet Natak Akademi, Kathak Kendra, and Rasik Ranjani Sabha. She has choreographed and presented several original works, including "Laya Bhakti," "Samay Ka Chakra," and "Hope," each exploring profound themes through Kathak. Her performances include "Nrityanjali" showcases, a duet at "Prayaas" in 2019, "Navaarambha," and appearances at the Pune Kabir Festival. In 2022, she spearheaded "Maitri," a 10-city Kathak workshop and performance tour across India. As an educator, Ovalekar is the founder of Pravah Dance Productions, through which she teaches over 50 students globally. She is also a core faculty member and senior performer at Tridhara Institute of Kathak, specializing in teaching beginner-level children and adults. Additionally, she founded "Dancepiration - an inspiration to dance" in Thane, offering Kathak, semi-classical, and Bollywood dance classes. Pooja Ovalekar is also passionate about social change, having led workshops for Teach For India, various NGOs, and as a Baithak Foundation fellow. Awards & Honours: Senior CCRT Scholarship, Gold Medalist and University Topper.