Ashwini Kalsekar

About

Ashwini Kalsekar, a luminary in the realm of Kathak, is renowned for her captivating expressions, graceful movements, and intricate footwork. In 2024, she was honored with the Young People’s Dance Championship Award and the One Hounslow Community Star Award, highlighting her significant impact on the dance community. Based in London, with over three decades of professional experience and a Master’s degree in Kathak, Ashwini is a distinguished artist, choreographer, and educator. Her recent works include the innovative musical 'Krishna Priya,' composed by Anup Jalota, the evocative 'Metronome' centered on global warming, and 'Geetanjali,' a tribute to Tagore’s poetry. In 2020, she was awarded the Arts Council of England’s R&D grant for her project 'Mahadev: The Journey of Shiva,' showcasing her vibrant and imaginative spirit. Ashwini's illustrious career includes significant contributions to the Arts Council of England’s 'Big Bed Dance' and Heritage Lottery funded projects like 'The Story of Shiva,' underscoring her commitment to cultural preservation and innovation. Internationally acclaimed, her performances have graced prestigious stages, including the Konark Festival, Pt. Kalka Bindadin Festival, Pt. Gopikrishna Jayanti Mahotsav, and Hemantika Festival in the UK, as well as the Oslo and Ireland Film Festivals. A dedicated mentor, Ashwini has nurtured aspiring Kathak dancers through her role at DanceXchange’s Yuvagati program and her institute, KKMUKCIC, which won the 'Navadal' competition in 2019. Her legacy includes collaborations with the late Kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj, notably on the Hindi film Devdas, and her choreography for the Indo-British film Ajintha, reflecting her expertise in cinematic and theatrical choreography. Ashwini Kalsekar continues to inspire and elevate the world of Kathak, fostering appreciation for classical dance through her innovative and expressive artistry.

Skills & Expertise