Priya Pawar

🪔 About

Priya Pawar, an internationally acclaimed Indian classical dancer, was born and raised in Lucknow, India. Her journey in dance began at the age of four with Kathak training at the Bhatkande Maris Music College. She achieved her 'Nritya Vishard' (BA) in 1957 at the age of ten and continued her Kathak studies under the tutelage of the renowned Shombu Maharaj. In 1967, at seventeen, she received a Government of India scholarship to pursue further Kathak training at the Bharatiya Kala Kendra (now Kathak Kendra) in New Delhi, where she earned her 'Nritya Varidhi' (MA). During this period, she specialized in the Jaipur Gharana style under Guru Sundar Prasad and Kundanlal Gangani. Already an accomplished Kathak dancer, Pawar diversified into Odissi, undergoing intensive training for a year and a half with Guru Hare Krishna Behara in Delhi, and subsequently with the legendary Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. Her Odissi debut was a significant performance choreographed by Guru Hare Krishna Behera and presented by Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. Priya Pawar has enjoyed an extensive international performing career, touring across the USA, South America, Europe, Asia, and East and West Africa, both with her former husband, Kathak dancer Pratap Pawar, and as a solo artist. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) recognized her as a 'Top Grade' artist in 1972, leading to her representing India in various international delegations. As an educator, Priya Pawar began teaching at the age of 14. She co-founded the dance company Triveni, serving as co-director and a principal performer from 1980 to 1992, where she pioneered fusions of classical Indian dance with forms like Flamenco and Afro-Caribbean dance. In 1992, she established the Pushpalata Dance Company in London to provide a platform for UK-trained dancers specializing in Kathak, Odissi, and folk idioms. The same year, she founded the Pushpalata Academy of Dance & Music in Faridabad, India, aiming to foster a love for dance and music and develop professional performers. She also established Pushpalata Asociación para la Difusión del Arte de India in Madrid in 1998. Pawar is known for her choreographic and directorial work, including adaptations of Indian epics and collaborative projects. She currently resides in London. Awards & Honours: Nritya Vishard (BA) (1957), Nritya Varidhi (MA) (1967), Top Grade Artist (1972), Sera Bengli award (2023).