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Years of Experience
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About
Nilima Devi MBE is a highly respected and influential figure in Indian classical dance, recognized as one of the leading exponents of Kathak in the UK. Born in Vadodara, India, she pursued her passion for Kathak, earning a B.Mus. in 1973 and an M.Mus. with Distinctions in 1975 from the College of Performing Arts, M.S. University, Vadodara. Her training was…
Journey Timeline
1973
Completed B.Mus. in Kathak
1975
Completed M.Mus. in Kathak with Distinctions
1979-1980
Performed extensively in Germany
1980
Moved to Leicester, UK
1981
Founded Centre for Indian Classical Dance (CICD) — Established in Leicester to promote Indian dance and culture.
1988
Solo Kathak performance and choreographed 'Kathak Katha'
1989
Choreographed 'The Ugly Duckling'
1991
Choreographed 'Triangle'
1993
Choreographed 'Rainbow' (by Kumudini Lakhia)
1994
Choreographed 'Kathak Double Bill'
1995
Choreographed 'Melory'
1996
Choreographed 'Kathak Gharanas'
2000
Choreographed and performed 'Flaming Feet' — Innovative collaboration of Kathak and Irish dance and music.
2001
Choreographed and performed 'Katha Kahe so Kathak (Kathak Tells a Story)'
2003
Choreographed 'Nrityam' and 'Images'
2005
Choreographed 'Urjah' — Used two Indian classical dance styles (Kathak and Bharatnatyam) based on the Maha Mantra Gayatri.
2008
Invited to perform Kathak dance in Italy — Performed at Siena University as part of a conference on Women and Law.
2013
Received MBE award — Honoured for services to dance and developing awareness among diverse communities.
2019
CICD secured National Lottery grant for 'Poshak Puralekh' project — Innovative project focusing on CICD's archive of Indian classical and folk dance attire.
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Awards & Honors
- 2013 · MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) — British Crown
Media Coverage
- CENTRE FOR INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCE – Leicester
Pukaar Magazine
- UK queen's honour for NRG danseuse
Times of India
Dance School
Students
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