Pallavi Degwekar Shaikh is a Kathak artist and guru based in New Jersey, who has been performing as a soloist and teaching for more than 25 years both in India and the United States.
Born and raised in Mumbai, with a lineage of Indian classical music, she is a senior disciple of the late guru Asha Tai Joglekar, completing her Master’s Degree under Asha’s able guidance. Pallavi was given the title of “Singar Mani” in 2003 by Sur Singar Samsad, Mumbai.
Artistic Statement
“The pride of my artistic being, Nrityavali Gurukul (aka Pallavi Kathak) is the most important milestone in the journey of my vision as a Kathak dancer and guru. The Gurukul’s mission is simple: “Nurture and preserve Indian classical music and dance.” I believe that art is innate. There is rhythm in our breath, dance in our movements, and brush strokes in our glances. These abilities only need to be extracted, careened in the right direction, and preserved.
My gurukul embodies this mission through an atmosphere of affection, appreciation and a well-structured course, backed by examinations and certifications at each level from BVU-SPA. Additionally, because I am an individual member of the International Dance Council CID (Conseil International de la Danse) which is an official partner of UNESCO, my students can work towards additional certification, an achievement that encourages intensive dance education and practice.”
Select Achievements and Accolades
- 2020-21: National Award: Akhil Bhartiya Pratibha Puraskar, the only dancer in Indian classical dance category and the only female awardee
- 2020: Appointed Chief Correspondent of The Dance India cultural magazine/web portal
- 2020: Individual Artist Fellowship from New Jersey State Arts On the Council
- 2020: Awarded “Rays of Hope Award” to mark the celebration of International Women’s Day by Dance India
- 2019: Indian Raga fellowship, USA, the only Kathak artist to receive the award
Pallavi has performed at many prestigious venues and festivals, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, New York Kathak festival, Sangeet Natak Akademi, Kal Ke Kalakar, Haridas Sangeet Festival, Raindrop Festival, Sadhna Festival by Pt. Birju Maharajji.
