About Us

Nrityadham is a premiere Kathak dance institute based in Pune, India founded by internationally acclaimed Kathak artist, Guru Prerana Deshpande. Prerana started the institute in 1993 for the preservation and propagation of the rich tradition of classical Kathak dance. With the blessings of her Guru Pta Dr Rohini Bhate and Guru Sharadini Gole, Prerana has taken Nrityadham to new heights, establishing its reputation as an institute preserving the rigour and authenticity of the art form through her dedication and boundless creativity.

Today, Nrityadham is known not only for its quality training, but also its troupe of dancers that have enraptured audiences for the past many years. Among them are also professional artists and teachers, running their own training institutes across India, USA, and Australia.

Nrityadham, synonymous with Prerana and her artistic ethos, has taken forward the tradition of Kathak with its aesthetic and essence. Students, professionals, institutes, and choreographic endeavours - Nrityadham, true to its name, is indeed a home of dance.

Our Founder

Guru Prerana Deshpande's journey of Kathak started at the young age of 7. Since then, with the teachings, guidance, and blessings of her gurus, Guru Pta Dr Rohini Bhate and Guru Sharadini Gole, Prerana is established an internationally acclaimed Kathak artist par excellence. An artist of "rare calibre", as praised by her Guru, Prerana's illustrious career of over 50 years has been filled with prestigious performances across the globe, critical acclaim by maestros and critics, awards and accolades, and a teaching career that has nurtured dancers and teachers of repute.

Today, Prerana is a sought-after name in this field as a senior artist of immense grace, rhythmic command, emotive expressions, and spectacular choreography. With aesthetics, grace, and creativity in focus, Prerana's journey is one of inspiration, indeed.

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Dancers & Achievements

For more than 30 years, Prerana ji has taught and nurtured hundreds of students in this dance form. Many of these students have not only received appreciation from audiences and maestros in the field, but also gone on to perform at major platforms across the world, win national competitions and scholarships, and earn formal degrees in Kathak with honours.

Many of these students are active in the global Kathak community even today, helping take forward the legacy and tradition of Kathak and the teachings of our Guru. So far, Prerana ji has produced 12 Master's degree holders and 3 CCRT Senior Scholarship holders - a strong foundation for what will surely be more achievements among upcoming students.

Postgraduate Degrees in Kathak

Mrunal Pawar
Rucha Ghamande
Devika Panse
Ishwari Deshpande
Vrindana Moharir
Kalyani Gokhale
Swati Potulwar
Alakananda Chatterjee
Amita Pradeep
Himangi Bhale (BA)
Mugdha Hasamnis (ongoing)
Avanti Datar (ongoing)

Recipients of the CCRT Senior Scholarship

Ishwari Deshpande
Kalyani Gokhale
Vrindana Moharir