Prabir Datta

🪔 About

Prabir Datta is a prominent Indian classical dancer, instructor, and choreographer, primarily known for his expertise in Kuchipudi. His early interest in dance and music led him to train under several eminent gurus. He began his dance education with Late Shri Achyuta Narayan, a disciple of Late Shri Uday Shankar. Datta also delved into other classical forms, studying Kathakali for three years under Guru Govindan Kutti and Manipuri from Guru Nadia Singh at Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata. He further learned Chhau dance from Guru Krishna Chandra Naik of Mayurvanj, Orissa. His diverse training led him to work as a staff artist with esteemed institutions such as the Uday Shankar School of Dance in Kolkata, the Little Ballet Troupe in Gwalior, Shri Ram Bhartiya Kala Kendra in Delhi, and the Kuchipudi Dance Centre in Delhi. He eventually dedicated himself entirely to the Kuchipudi style, becoming a sincere and devoted male exponent under the tutelage of Padmabhushan Guru Smt. Swapnasundari, and is recognized as her senior-most disciple. For over two decades, he has been associated with Ms. Swapnasundari and her troupe, the Kuchipudi Dance Centre in Delhi, serving as a performer, instructor, and choreographer. Datta has choreographed several ballets, including "Ritusamharam" of Kalidas for the Kuchipudi Dance Centre, "Sahas Ka Darpan" for the ITC group, and "Ekta," a choreography proposal based on Nehru's "Discovery of India," which was selected for the All India Choreography Festival. He has performed at numerous prestigious festivals across India, such as the Ganga Mahotsav, Khajuraho Dance Festival, Kuchipudi Mahotsav, Konark Festival, Nisha–Gandhi Festival, Yakshagana Festival, and Taj Mahotsav. Beyond performing and choreographing, Prabir Datta heads the Music and Dance Faculty of Delhi Public School, Noida, and founded the cultural organization Nava Pallava in 2004, dedicated to promoting Indian music and dance. He has also contributed to research in dance, receiving Junior and Senior Fellowships from the Department of Culture, Government of India. Awards & Honours: Junior Fellowship (1996), Senior Fellowship (2000).