Pracheeti Dange
About Me
Pracheeti Dange is an internationally acclaimed Odissi dancer and teacher based in Pune, India, and London. She is an empanelled artist with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Government of India, and the founder of the Pracheeti Odissi Dance Academy. Pracheeti Dange has more than 20 years of experience in Odissi dance. Drawn to the art form from a young age, she has been privileged to receive the blessings and attend workshops of legendary maestros, including Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra and Pandit Birju Maharaj. She holds a Diploma in Nrityashastra from the Nalanda Dance Research Centre, Mumbai, and a Visharad (B.A.) in Odissi dance from Gandharva Mahavidyalay. She teaches the authentic, traditional Odissi of the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Gharana. Dange is recognized for her graceful movements, expressive bhavas and mudras, and strong rhythmic sense. She has choreographed various solo and group dance pieces, demonstrating an understanding of space and aesthetics.
✦ Key Highlights
- •International Acclaim: Empanelled artist with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Government of India, performing at prestigious global festivals including in the UK, Canada, and Thailand. She was also featured in a live interview with BBC News in London.
- •Prestigious Awards: Recipient of notable awards such as the 'Odissi Prativa' award (conferred at the Odissi International Festival 2013), 'Nritya Shree' title (2010), and the 'Girnar Ratna Award'.
- •Extensive Training and Pedagogy: Holds a Diploma in Nrityashastra and a Visharad (B.A.) in Odissi dance. She is the founder of the Pracheeti Odissi Dance Academy, where she has been imparting training in the authentic Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Gharana for over 15 years.
- •Versatile Artist: Recognized for her grace, rhythmic sense, and command over expressions (bhavas and mudras). She has choreographed various pieces and also serves as a mentor and examiner for dance projects.
- •Media Presence: Has been a guest artist in international productions like the Geet Govind Ballet and featured in newspapers and podcasts, discussing the history and evolution of Odissi dance
Dance Schools
Kalanidhi Institute Pune
Gurus
Guru Smt. Yogini Gandhi
Accolades & Certifications
Nritya Shree
This title was conferred in recognition of her accomplishments in classical dance.
Odissi Prativa
Odissi International Festival
Conferred at the festival where she was recognized as one of the "Top Ten Talents" and performed a solo recital.
First Prize
Level Competition) Akhil Bharatiya Sanskrutik Sangh
Awarded the top prize in a national-level dance competition.
Odissi Jyoti
A title conferred upon her for her contributions to Odissi dance.
National Pride of India Bhaskar Award
A prestigious national recognition award.
Girnar Ratna Award
Girnar Festival (Gujarat)
Bestowed in recognition of her significant contributions to the field of Indian Classical Dance.
My Dance Journey
Began intensive training in Odissi and Kathak under Guru Smt. Yogini Gandhi at the Kalanidhi Institute in Pune.
Established the Pracheeti Odissi Dance Academy in Pune to formally impart training in the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Gharana style.
Conferred with the "Nritya Shree" title, marking early recognition in her professional career.
Performed as a guest artist in an international "Geet Govind Ballet" production in Ahmedabad (produced by a Canadian company).
Received significant international attention: named a "Top Ten Talent" and received the "Odissi Prativa" title at the Odissi International Festival in Bhubaneshwar. Also won the First Prize in a national competition.
Honored with the "Odissi Jyoti" title.
Received the prestigious national recognition, the "National Pride of India Bhaskar Award".
Honored with the "Girnar Ratna Award" at the Girnar Festival in Gujarat, where she also performed with her troupe.
Conducted performances and workshops in Thailand, including a significant event at the Embassy of India in Bangkok.
Significant Performances
Geet Govind Ballet: Invited as a guest artist to perform in Ahmedabad as part of an international production by the Menaka Thakkar Dance Company (Canada).
Odissi International Festival: Performed a solo recital and was selected as one of the "Top Ten Talents" in Bhubaneshwar.
Girnar Festival: Performed with her troupe at this prestigious festival in Gujarat, where she was also honored with the Girnar Ratna Award.
Performances in Thailand: Concluded a series of successful performances in Thailand, including an event at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Embassy of India, Bangkok
Hobbies & Interests
- •Odissi Dance: Her life's work revolves around performing, choreographing, and teaching this classical form.
- •Dance Education: A major interest is the holistic development of her students, incorporating body conditioning, yoga, music theory, and history into her academy's curriculum.
- •Cultural Advocacy: She is passionate about preserving the rich heritage of classical arts and believes in innovation that avoids merely following social media trends.
- •Family Time: A social media post indicates she enjoys "rains, yummy food and family time."
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