Pankhuri Agrawal

🪔 About

Pankhuri Agrawal is an accomplished Indian classical dancer specializing in the Manipuri style, known for her proficiency in both its practical and theoretical dimensions, including drum playing. Her foundational training in Manipuri Dance began in childhood under the tutelage of the revered Jhaveri Sisters and Latasana Devi, key figures in the Manipuri dance tradition. Agrawal was associated with Manipuri Nartanalaya Mumbai during her formative years as a dancer. She has deeply imbibed the characteristic elements of both the Lasya (feminine) and Tandava (masculine) forms of Manipuri Dance, showcasing a comprehensive understanding of the art form. Throughout her career, Pankhuri Agrawal has performed extensively at numerous prestigious festivals across India, including the Konarak Dance Festival, Uday Shankar Dance Festival, and events organized by SPICMACAY, the Song and Drama Division, and the Eastern Zone Cultural Centre. Her international engagements include representing Indian classical dance at the Festivals of India in Paris and Jordan, the Asian Dance Festival in Finland, and the Kalanidhi International Dance Festival in Canada. Notably, she has performed with Darshana Jhaveri in various programs across different states of India since 1993. Beyond her performance career, Agrawal is a dedicated educator. Since 1997, she has been imparting knowledge of Manipuri Classical and Folk Dances of India at Mahadevi Birla High School in Calcutta (now Kolkata), contributing to the next generation of dancers. Her academic pursuits include graduating from Haverford College, USA, where she conducted significant research into the development of Manipuri dance, specifically focusing on the contributions of Guru Bipin Singh. While in the United States, she also played a coordinating role in a Manipuri dance tour, further promoting the art form internationally. Agrawal is recognized as an accomplished and mature artist, skilled not only as a dancer but also as a singer and drum player.