Priti Patel

🪔 About

Priti Patel, born on February 28, 1960, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India, is a distinguished Indian classical dancer specializing in Manipuri dance. Her early training was under eminent gurus including Guru Bipin Singh, Darshana Jhaveri, and Kalavati Devi. She further honed her skills with advanced training from Guru Thingbaijam Babu Singh, and studied traditional forms like Lai Haraoba and the martial art Thang-ta under Ojha Kumar Maibi, Ojha Gaurkishore Sharma, Ojha Khelchandra Singh, and Ojha Thoranisabi Devi. Patel also delved into the aesthetics and cultural context of Manipuri dance with Maharajkumari Binodini Devi. Beyond dance, she received training in stage lighting from Tapas Sen and pursued movement therapy at Lesley College in Boston, USA. Over several decades, Priti Patel has developed a unique choreographic approach that seamlessly integrates elements from traditional Manipuri performance practices such as Sankirtana, Rasleela, Lai Haraoba rituals, and Thang-ta martial movements. Her notable choreographic productions include *Malem—A Homage to Mother Earth*, *Khuman—The Black Sun*, *Agni—The Sacred Fire*, and *Surya Gati*. She has presented her performances at numerous cultural festivals and classical dance platforms both in India and internationally. In 1995, Patel founded the Anjika Centre for Manipuri Dance and Movement Therapy, with centers in Kolkata and Imphal. Anjika is dedicated to providing holistic education in Manipuri dance, conducting research and documentation, and fostering new compositions. A significant aspect of Anjika's mission is its integrated learning program, which utilizes dance as a therapeutic medium for children with cerebral palsy, a pioneering initiative developed by Patel after her training in movement therapy. Her contributions to Indian classical dance have been widely recognized. She received the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2011, the Mrinalini Sarabhai Award for Classical Excellence in Dance in 2000, and the Uday Shankar Dance Award in 2000. Other accolades include a Certificate of Excellence from the Manipur State Kala Akademi and the DEVI Award in 2024. She is also a Fulbright Fellow. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2011), Mrinalini Sarabhai Award for Classical Excellence in Dance (2000), Uday Shankar Dance Award (2000), Certificate of Excellence from the Manipur State Kala Akademi, DEVI Award (2024), Fulbright Fellow.