Smita Vadnerkar

🪔 About

Smita Vadnerkar is a highly respected figure in Indian classical dance, particularly known for her significant contributions to South Asian dance in the United Kingdom. She is the Artistic Director of Nupur Arts, an organization she founded approximately 35 years ago, based in Leicester, UK. Under her leadership, Nupur Arts has become a prominent institution dedicated to promoting and nurturing various South Asian classical dance forms, including Bharatanatyam and Kathak. Vadnerkar's extensive career, spanning over three decades, has been marked by her pioneering work in developing and championing South Asian dance. Her dedication to artistic excellence and cultural understanding was formally recognized in 2021 when she received the prestigious One Dance UK Lifetime Achievement Award in South Asian Dance. This award celebrated her profound influence on the South Asian dance landscape and her commitment to training and mentoring young dancers. Nupur Arts, under Vadnerkar's guidance, offers a range of dance classes and provides professional development opportunities, fostering a new generation of artists. The academy has also been selected to join Arts Council England's National Portfolio Organisation for 2023-2026, further cementing its role in the UK's cultural sector. Awards & Honours: Lifetime Achievement Award in South Asian Dance (2021).