Guru Smt. Poonam Murdeshwar
Founder and Director
Mrs. Poonam Murdeshwar has completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Bharatanatyam from the Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. She was trained in Bharatanatyam under the able guidance of Late Guru T.K Mahalingam Pillai, Late Guru Smt Karunambala, and Guru VasantaKumar Pillai of the Raja Rajeshwari Bharatanatya Kala Mandir Mumbai.
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She has also been trained in Kathak by the renowned Guru Shri Gopi Krishna and Guru Dr. Rajkumar Ketkar. Apart from these 2 classical dance styles, she has also been trained in Indian folk dances from the renowned film star Madhumati and her sister Vaishali Reporter.
Career
She is a Dancer and Trainer of the 'Thanjavoor' Style of Bharatnatyam and has retained it to its purest and undiluted form. She started Payal Nritya Natya Niketan in 1972 and has trained numerous students since then. She started learning and performing Bharatanatyam at the age of six and has since performed at various avenues.
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Training being her strength, she has taught various age groups as well as differently-abled (deaf, dumb, autistic) children for state-level competitions where they have won recognition and have been awarded. She has trained students of various nationalities for Bharatanatyam and has also taught them to sing in various languages used in dance.
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She has also compiled study materials that complement the syllabus prescribed by the Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya for Prarambik (Initial year) through Alankar Poorna (Final Year). This book is now used as a study guide by the students pursuing their education in Bharatanatyam.
Baalnatyas
Her belief and love for young talent made her produce some children's play. She believes that the young have talent and need a platform to showcase it. She has written, directed, and produced the many Balnatyas ( children's play)
The one who likes to stay away from all the limelight has dedicated her life to bring forth Bharatanatyam in its purest form by maintaining its cultural integrity and complexity. Her students regard her as a mother first and a Guru second due to her love and care.
Achievements
Founded the Payal Nritya Natya Niketan (1972)
Awarded for devotion to Art by Prajapita Brahmakumari
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Bachelor of Fine Arts in Bharatnatyam
Awarded with the Veer Savarkar Puraskar for her contribution in the field of classical dance.
Best Senior Guru Award by Swara Sadhana Samiti
And many more
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