Prabha Rustagi

🪔 About

Prabha Rustagi was a distinguished figure in Indian classical dance, particularly Kathak, who significantly contributed to its presence in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. She lived, performed, and taught Kathak classical dance and folk dance in the Seattle area from 1972 until her passing in December 1994. Her early years in India were dedicated to extensive training, where she learned dance, sitar, tabla, and vocal music under the guidance of her gurus. After taking time to raise her children, Rustagi returned to her passion, initially as a teacher and subsequently as a performer. She co-founded the acclaimed trio "Leela" with tabla player Annie Penta and singer Shantha Benegal. For 22-25 years, the Leela trio was active, presenting concerts, conducting workshops, engaging in school outreach programs, and performing at various festivals, including Seattle Folklife and King County's Heritage Festival. Rustagi's dedication to dance was evident as she continued to teach and perform Kathak and folk dance up until one month before her death. In recognition of her artistic contributions, Prabha Rustagi received a Master-Apprenticeship from the Washington State Arts Commission in 1994, through which she taught Shabina Hensley. She was also honored with special heritage awards by the Music and Cultural Society of India (MCSI) and the Ethnic Heritage Council. Following her death, a group of her students and musicians established the Prabha Rustagi Memorial Trust (PRMT) in August 1995 in the State of Washington. The Trust's mission is to preserve and promote Kathak dance and Rustagi's legacy in the Pacific Northwest, notably by inviting her teacher, Guru Urmila Nagar, to conduct annual teaching residencies in Seattle. Awards & Honours: Master-Apprenticeship (1994), Special Heritage Award, Special Heritage Award.