Episode Notes

BIO

Prachee started learning Kathak with her Guru Asha Joglekar at the age of 6. She continued learning under her guru's tutelage for over 15 years, meanwhile attending workshops by Pandit Birju Mahrajji, Rajendra Gangani ji, Rohini Bhate ji and others in Mumbai and Pune areas. She won several competitions, and was also awarded the All India dance scholarship under 18 by the Govt. of India, Ministry of Culture. After a break of about 9 years, as Prachee pursued her IT career aspirations both in India and USA, Prachee continued to learn under the guidance of Guru Rita Mustaphi ji, in USA Minnesota. She is a company intern at Katha Dance Theater, and has performed in their internationally acclaimed dance drama, Karna - The Abandoned Hero (a blend of Kathak dance and Gospel music). Prachee is also a 2020 IndianRaga fellow

A passionate dancer, a loving mother of two young girls, and an ambitious IT professional, Prachee continues to perform, teach and learn Kathak in and around Columbus, Indiana.

EPISODE LINKS

Prachee Palekar (@pracheepalekar.kathak) • Instagram photos and videos

SHOW HiGHLIGHTS

(0:47:58) The meaning of being senior

(0:48:55) Kathak in the Midwest: future projections

(0:01:41) How a career in IT carries over to Kathak, and vice versa

(0:09:54) Recent performances in Indiana

(0:11:24) Kathak before and after motherhood

(0:15:48) Finding time for riyaz while managing parental responsibilities

(0:19:26) Dancing on rough cement floors

(0:20:41) How your kids respond to your dance

(0:22:43) What happens in the hours before a performance?

(0:23:19) Striving for perfection

(0:27:22) Returning to Kathak after motherhood

(0:33:24) What progression looks like when coming back after a break

(0:36:27) Work with katha Dance Theater

(0:40:43) Teaching older adults

(0:44:08) The Responsibility of teaching

Title Track Audio Credit: Doug Maxwell | Bansure Raga