Shilpa Kantak

🪔 About

Shilpa Kantak, also known as Shilpa Datar, is a prominent Indian classical Kathak dancer, guru, and choreographer. She commenced her Kathak training in 1990. Kantak holds a B.A. and M.A. in Kathak from Savitribai Phule Pune University and has also earned 'Nritya Alankar' from Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Miraj. She is a disciple of Guru Pta. Maneesha Sathe, whom she has accompanied in numerous prestigious stage performances. Throughout her career, Shilpa Kantak has choreographed and performed at various esteemed festivals, including the Khajuraho Festival, Ganesh Festival in Delhi, and Maval Festival. Her international performances include tours in countries such as Japan and China. She performed a composition by Pandit Bindadin Maharaj on Guru Purnima in 2014 and presented "Ardhanga," a composition by Pandit Birju Maharaj, with Tanvi Kantak at Shilpa Nrityalaya's annual day in 2018. As an educator, Shilpa Kantak is the Founder-Director of Shilpa Nrityalay Trust. She is empanelled as a Guru at Savitribai Phule Pune University and Bharati Vidyapeeth Pune, and serves as the Head of the Dance Department at Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth Pune. Notably, she has dedicated extensive efforts to the deaf community, working with the Red Cross Association to teach them Kathak, thereby fostering skills and confidence through dance. Awards & Honours: Late Guru Pandita Rohini Bhate Puraskar for Young Artist, The Rotary “Vocational Service Award” for excellence in the field of dance, Gaurav Padak, Dr. Vijaya Bhalerao Kathak Puraskar, Sanmanpatra, Kalateertha Puraskar (2015).