98+
Years of Experience
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Students Taught
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❖ Guru Parampara ❖
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Madame Menaka, born Leila Roy on October 15, 1899, in Barisal, East Bengal (now Bangladesh), was a pioneering Indian dancer and choreographer in the Kathak tradition. Her father, Pyare Lal Roy, was a Bengali lawyer trained in England, and her mother was British. She received her early education at Loreto Convent in Darjeeling and later studied Western music…
Journey Timeline
1899
Born Leila Roy — Born in Barisal, East Bengal (October 15)
1927
Met Anna Pavlova — Met Russian ballet dancer Anna Pavlova in London, who encouraged her dance career.
1928
First solo recital and began teaching — Performed her first solo recital in Bombay and started teaching dance at the Haffkine Institute.
1935
European Tour began — Her Menaka dance company began a tour of Europe.
1936
Won awards at Berlin Dance Olympiad — Her company won several trophies, including first prize for 'Dev Vijay Nritya', at the International Dance Olympiad in Berlin.
1938
Appeared in films — Her company and choreography appeared in 'Der Tiger von Eschnapur' and 'Temples of India'.
1941
Founded Nrityalayam — Opened a residential dance school in Khandala.
1947
Passed away — Died on May 30, aged 47.
Photo Gallery
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Video Library
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Signature Performances
Signature repertoire pieces will be showcased here.
Performance Map
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Awards & Honors
- 1936 · First Prize for Indian Ballet 'Dev Vijay Nritya' — Berlin Dance Olympiad
- 1936 · Several trophies — Berlin Dance Olympiad
Media Coverage
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