Vrushali Dabke

🪔 About

Vrushali Kolhatkar-Dabke, also known as Dr. Vrushali Shashank Dabke, is a well-known Kathak dancer, choreographer, and teacher based in Dombivili, India. Her journey in Kathak began at the tender age of six, under the tutelage of the revered Nrityalankar Dr. Manjiri Deo. She further honed her skills by attending workshops with renowned artists such as Pt. Birju Maharaj, Dr. Puru Dadhich, Pt. Mukundraj Deo, Archana Jogalekar, and Pt. Munnalal. Academically accomplished, Vrushali Dabke holds a Nritya Visharad (bachelor's equivalent) and Nritya Alankar (master's equivalent) in Dance from Gandharv Mahavidyalaya. She also earned a Sangeet Acharya (equivalent to a PhD) from Gandharv Mahavidyalaya and is currently pursuing a second PhD under her guru, Dr. Manjiri Deo. Beyond dance, she holds a BSc in Zoology. As a performer, Vrushali Dabke has graced numerous prestigious festivals and events organized by esteemed art circles like Vashi Fine Arts Society, Rotary Club, and spiritual venues such as Dwarakadish Temple. She has performed alongside her guru, Dr. Manjiri Deo, in unique programs including 'Chhand Sugandh', 'Kathak-Lavani Susanvad', and 'Panchnaad'. She is also a solo performer. Her choreographic contributions are significant, encompassing themes of patriotism, devotion, and motherhood. Notably, she has experimented with Kathak based on Hiku, Japanese poetry, and has worked with deaf and dumb students of Zaveri Muka-Badhir Vidyalaya. She designed and choreographed "Ekatma - The Divine Confluence," performed by the Vrushali Dabke Repertory. Vrushali Dabke is the Sanchalika of 'Shree Mudra Kala Niketan', an academy that imparts training in Kathak, Tabla, Keyboard, Guitar, and Singing. She also serves as the chief faculty of dance in the Dombivili branch of Sanskar Bharati. Her teaching extends to specially-abled children, including a mentally challenged student who performed a solo dance for an audience of 15,000. She is also the author of 'Laymanjiri', a Marathi book featuring life sketches of over 100 classical music artists. Furthermore, she has served as a judge on panels for various dance competitions. Awards & Honours: Late Lilatai Vartak Smruti Uttung Shastriya Nritya Naipunya Puraskar (2008), Rotary Excellence Award, Prize in Mood Indigo Dance competition (2003), Adarsha Dombivlikar award (2014).