Aloka Prava Kanungo

🪔 About

Born on November 26, 1955, in Cuttack, Odisha, Shrimati Aloka Prava Kanungo is a distinguished Indian classical dancer, choreographer, teacher, and scholar, primarily recognized for her profound contributions to Odissi dance. A child prodigy, she began dancing at the age of three and was also a child artist for All India Radio, Cuttack, and acted in the Oriya film 'Matira Manisa' directed by Mrinal Sen. Her initial training in Odissi was under Guru Raghunath Dutta and Guru Mayadhar Raut. She further honed her artistry under the tutelage of the legendary Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, becoming a worthy heir to his style. Kanungo received the titles of “Nritya Shree,” “Nritya Visharad,” and “Nritya Praveen” from Kala Vikash Kendra, Cuttack. Aloka Kanungo is the Director of Shinjan Nrityalaya in Kolkata, an institution dedicated to classical arts, where she nurtures aspiring dancers. She is known for her holistic approach to Odissi, embodying it not just as a dance form but as a way of life, enriching India's cultural landscape. Her career as a soloist has seen her perform at prestigious festivals across India and internationally, including Khajuraho, Konark, Soorya, Uday Shankar, and stages in the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Kanungo is also a pioneering researcher in forms like Bandha Nritya and Sabda Nritya, and her choreographic brilliance is evident in dance-dramas such as Sthapatya Satya, Gatagat, Mahavidya, Tara Pallavi, Basant Pallavi, Vande Mataram, Ganga, Dasamahavidya, and Avataras. Her commitment extends to lecturing and conducting seminars, affirming her role as both a performer and a preserver of ancient traditions. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2015), Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Mahari Award, Uday Shankar Award, Shiromoni Award (1986), Bharat Nirman Award (Talented Ladies Award), Sringarmoni, Outstanding Young Person Award, National Scholarship, Junior Fellowship, Senior Fellowship, Citation.