Priya Prawar

🪔 About

Priya Pawar is a distinguished figure in Indian classical dance, renowned for her mastery of both Kathak and Odissi. Born and raised in Lucknow, India, Pawar began her Kathak training at the tender age of four at the Bhatkhande Marris Music College, where she earned her Nritya Vishard (BA) degree by the age of ten. She continued her Kathak studies under eminent gurus such as Shombu Maharaj and Mohanrao Kalyanpurkar. In 1967, she received a Government of India scholarship to further her Kathak education at the Kathak Kendra in Delhi, where she trained under Guru Sunder Prasad and Kundenlal Gangani, obtaining her Nritya Varadhi (MA). Pawar specializes in both the Lucknow and Jaipur Gharanas of Kathak. Later in her career, Pawar diversified into Odissi, undertaking intensive training with Guru Hare Krishna Behera in Delhi and subsequently with the legendary Kelucharan Mohapatra. Her debut as an Odissi dancer took place in 1972 at the Sapru House Auditorium in New Delhi, presented by Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) recognized her as a 'Top Grade' artist in 1972, leading to numerous international representations of India. Priya Pawar's career as a performer began as a staff artist in dance ballets choreographed by Birju Maharaj at the Bharatiya Kala Kendra (now Kathak Kendra) in Delhi. She toured extensively worldwide, including the Far East, USA, South America, West Indies, and Europe. In 1980, she moved to England and co-founded the dance company Triveni, serving as its co-director and a key performer until 1992. Triveni was notable for pioneering the combination of classical Indian dance with other forms, particularly Kathak-Flamenco collaborations. In 1992, Pawar launched her solo career and established the Pushpalata Dance Company in London, which became the first classical Indian dance company in the city. She also founded The Pushpalata Academy of Dance & Music in Faridabad, India, in 1992, and the Pushpalata Asociación para la Difusión del Arte de India in Madrid, Spain, in 1998. Pawar has been teaching since the age of 14, when she taught at Mahila College, Lucknow, and continues to hold regular classes in Kathak and Odissi in West London. Awards & Honours: Nritya Vishard (BA), Nritya Varadhi (MA), Government of India Scholarship (1967), Top Grade Artist (1972).