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The Making of Kathak
A Professional-Level Masterclass
Facilitator
Experience the artistry of Urja Desai Thakore, acclaimed Kathak artist and Artistic Director of Pagrav Dance Company, in an exclusive masterclass at the BIC
Join Urja Desai Thakore, one of the UK’s foremost Kathak dancers and Artistic Director of Pagrav Dance Company, for an inspiring two-hour masterclass. Trained under the legendary Kumudini Lakhia at Kadamb and with academic credentials in Kathak and South Asian Dance, Urja blends traditional artistry with a modern sensibility, making her a celebrated performer, choreographer, and mentor.
As part of the company’s India tour, this workshop delves into the choreography of the award-winning production Kattam Katti, offering a unique opportunity to explore the creative process behind this celebrated work. Designed for professional dancers and advanced-level practitioners, the session will enhance your understanding of Kathak’s traditional and contemporary elements while providing valuable insights into nuanced storytelling and movement.
Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your craft and engage with Urja’s unique vision for Kathak.
Facilitator
Urja Desai Thakore
Urja Desai Thakore is one of the UK’s leading kathak dancers, who studied under the guidance of Kumudini Lakhia at Kadamb, Ahmedabad for over 20 years. Urja then received her BA in Kathak from Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Maha Vidyalaya.She has also completed an MA in South Asian Dance with Choreography from Roehampton University.
A graceful and emotive dancer, Urja is renowned for her love of abhinaya, subtle movements and technical strength. Furthermore, her sensitive, thought-provoking choreographic style is highly regarded by both traditionalists and modernists alike. Urja is the Artistic Director of Pagrav Dance Company (PDC), which she established in the UK in 2005. The company promotes kathak, giving the form a modern context and renewed presentation, whilst encouraging new thinking and understanding of the discipline. Over the past twelve years, PDC has successfully toured full-scale works nationally.
Another major passion for Urja within her dance practice is teaching, which is something that she has become extensively experienced in over the past 20 years. She is interested in nurturing the next generation of artists by providing them with opportunities, mentoring and guidance in their dance careers.
