Kirti Kala Mandir, UK CIC
Ancient steps, eternal grace and Timeless stories
Kirti Kala Mandir, UK CIC
Ancient steps, eternal grace and Timeless stories
Ancient steps, eternal grace and Timeless stories
Ancient steps, eternal grace and Timeless stories
Kirti Kala Mandir ,UK (CIC) provides students of dance of all ages and levels with authentic knowledge and training. Ashwini has developed a method of teaching that incorporates her knowledge of the body, with her experience gained over more than 20 years as a dancer and teacher.
As a teacher I have trained many students and am proud to see them take flight into the world of dance on their own merit. My students have performed with me in prestigious festivals in India and abroad. I feel a sense of completion when I see them making a mark for themselves in the field of dance. That individuality is what completes an artiste.
There are many more promising and dedicated students waiting to prove their merit. My sessions is a buzz with the excited, eager minds of these children, who have sincerely dedicated themselves to learning Kathak. This genuinely enthuses me and makes me feel worth every bead of sweat that drips from my efforts.
KKMUKCIC is an institute dedicated to the Indian classical dance form, Kathak, which tells stories through movements and expressions. We aim to provide traditional, authentic training to enrich lives through the power of dance.
Our educational program welcomes students aged 7 and up, using the ISTD syllabus for exams and teaching.
"Yuva" is our new section designed to offer support and meaningful mentoring to those pursuing a creative career in the South Asian dance sector.
Our professional choreographic program showcases talent from the Yuva program. It blends authentic traditional Kathak with new classical works, exploring fresh concepts within Kathak's artistry and ethics, and presenting them to audiences with a contemporary perspective.
Ashwini Kalsekar, a luminary in the realm of Kathak, is renowned for her captivating expressions, graceful movements, and intricate footwork. In 2024, she was honored with the Young People’s Dance Championship Award and the One Hounslow Community Star Award, highlighting her significant impact on the dance community. Based in London, with over three decades of professional experience and a Master’s degree in Kathak, Ashwini is a distinguished artist, choreographer, and educator.
Her recent works include the innovative musical 'Krishna Priya,' composed by Anup Jalota, the evocative 'Metronome' centered on global warming, and 'Geetanjali,' a tribute to Tagore’s poetry. In 2020, she was awarded the Arts Council of England’s R&D grant for her project 'Mahadev: The Journey of Shiva,' showcasing her vibrant and imaginative spirit.
Ashwini's illustrious career includes significant contributions to the Arts Council of England’s 'Big Bed Dance' and Heritage Lottery funded projects like 'The Story of Shiva,' underscoring her commitment to cultural preservation and innovation. Internationally acclaimed, her performances have graced prestigious stages, including the Konark Festival, Pt. Kalka Bindadin Festival, Pt. Gopikrishna Jayanti Mahotsav, and Hemantika Festival in the UK, as well as the Oslo and Ireland Film Festivals.
A dedicated mentor, Ashwini has nurtured aspiring Kathak dancers through her role at DanceXchange’s Yuvagati program and her institute, KKMUKCIC, which won the "Navadal" competition in 2019. Her legacy includes collaborations with the late Kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj, notably on the Hindi film Devdas, and her choreography for the Indo-British film Ajintha, reflecting her expertise in cinematic and theatrical choreography. Ashwini Kalsekar continues to inspire and elevate the world of Kathak, fostering appreciation for classical dance through her innovative and expressive artistry.
Founder and Artistic Director
Ashwini Kalsekar, a London-based Kathak maestro with over 30 years of experience, excels as a choreographer, educator, and performer. Renowned for her expressive and intricate artistry, she has shaped numerous dancers, contributed to notable films like Devdas, and led innovative projects, leaving a lasting impact on the global Kathak community.
Director
Manu Khajuria, a freelance writer and activist from Jammu Kashmir, is Joint National Coordinator of INSIGHT UK and Founder Director of Voice of Dogras. She received the Maharaja Gulab Singh Memorial Award and Web Wonder Women award in 2019. She authored "Mountain Goddesses" and holds degrees from Lady Shri Ram College and TISS.
Admin Head
Shruti Agrawal, with a PhD in Environmental Education from the University of Florida and a Masters in Organic Chemistry, works as a research assistant at Columbia University. A dedicated mother and carer, she rekindled her passion for dance, learning Kathak, and advocates for children with special needs.
Dance Lesson Assistant
My Kathak journey began at 5, guided by my mother, Ashwini Kalsekar, at Kirti Kala Mandir in the UK. Now a Medical Bioscience student at the University of Leicester, I remain devoted to Kathak. Teaching and advocating for this art form brings me joy and fulfillment, thanks to my mother and KKMUKCIC.
Dance Lesson Assistant
Dance has shaped me into who I am, thanks to Ashwiniji's love and KKMUK's support. It's my release and challenge, teaching resilience and self-trust. From aspiring at 7 to being a role model now, I'm blessed to share this journey with my KKMUK family. Dance is my unwavering constant.
Dance Lesson Assistant
I'm Suhani Tekle, a year 12 student. I joined KKMUK at four and immediately loved it. Dance makes me feel alive, and performing is my passion. KKMUK offers many performance opportunities, and our guru, Ashwiniji, gives her all to her dancers. The joy of a great performance is irreplaceable.
Dance Aide
Dance Aide
Media & PR
One Hounslow Community star Award
Siya Kalsekar: Winner Senior Catergory
Jukebox is conventionally recognised as a machine that generates random musical compositions, Ashwini Kalsekar and students of Guru Rekha Nadgauda and Aditi Panse revives this concept by creating a ‘Jukebox’ of pieces exploring and demonstrating Kathak beyond borders. This assortment of classical-style performances presents a spectrum of messages and emotions; from traditional themes of the light of the ‘Guru’ to contemporary issues of bullying and depression, Jukebox: Kathak beyond Tradition celebrates the extensive reach and versatility of this beautiful dance form.
2023
2024
2024
2022
January 2020
November 2017
November 2016, at Art depot, London
April 2016, MML Dollis hill, London
August 2015, India
November 2014, Bharitya Vidya Bhavan, London
November2013, Nehru Centre
November 2014, Bharitya Vidya Bhavan, London
April 2012 Euronean Indian Festival Cardiff
September 2011, Oslo film Festival
June 2010, Ireland Film Festival
"Dharohar: An evening showcasing the performances of Ashwini Kalsekar's students (KKMUKCIC). Join us to witness and support these talented students as they present the culmination of their hard work, learning, and dedication. This event promises to be a celebration of their journey and achievements in Kathak. Your presence will not only encourage the performers but also highlight the vibrant cultural heritage they uphold. Come and be a part of this special evening, celebrating the art and passion that each student brings to the stage."
Doors Open at 5:15PM
From 5:30PM to 7:30PM
The Bhavan London W14 9HE, The Bhavan, 4a Castletown Road, W14 9HE
To purchase, contact Shruti at +44 7534 397590.
Get your Ghungroos today and dance to the rhythm of tradition!
Mahadev : The journey of Shiva trailer
+44(0) 7977153382
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