Prerana Deshpande

🪔 About

Prerana Deshpande is an acclaimed Indian exponent of Kathak dance, choreographer, and founder of the Nrityadham School of Performing Arts in Pune, India. Her journey in Kathak commenced at the age of seven under Smt. Sharadini Gole, and she subsequently became a senior disciple of Guru Dr. Rohini Bhate, undertaking intensive training for over 22 years in the Lucknow and Jaipur gharanas. This extensive tutelage profoundly shaped her mastery over rhythm (laya), expression (abhinaya), and graceful movements. Deshpande achieved a Master of Arts in Dance from the University of Pune's Centre of Performing Arts (Lalit Kala Kendra) as a gold medallist and was awarded a National Scholarship from the Government of India for her advanced studies. She also holds a bachelor's degree in Mathematics, a discipline she applies to her dance. Her distinguished career as a solo performer has seen her grace major festivals across India, including the Khajuraho Dance Festival, Kathak Mahotsav by Kathak Kendra, and the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA). Internationally, she has performed at prestigious venues such as the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre in New York, the Chicago Kathak Festival, and various events in Australia, Europe, and Africa. Deshpande is an empanelled artist with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). In 1993, Prerana Deshpande established Nrityadham in Pune, an institute dedicated to the preservation and propagation of Kathak dance. Nrityadham upholds the guru-shishya parampara, offering rigorous training to students from India and abroad, with its influence extending through branches in Chennai, USA, and Australia. Her significant choreographic contributions include "Taal Shanyayan," a complex 7.5-beat rhythmic cycle, and innovative reinterpretations of traditional works like "Taal Mala". She has also choreographed thematic pieces such as "Vrindavan Raas," incorporating her own musical and lyrical compositions. Deshpande is married to the acclaimed tabla soloist Supreet Deshpande. Her enduring legacy is defined by her brilliant performances, pioneering choreographic innovations, and unwavering commitment to expanding Kathak's boundaries as a dynamic and evolving classical art form. Awards & Honours: Devadasi National Award (2016), Gaurav Puruskar, Singar Mani, Nrityashri (1994).