PRERNA PALEKAR The Journey of the Goan Kathak Sensation

The journey of an artist is one of the most inspirational tales of all. Dive into the captivating story of Prerna Palekar, a Goan Kathak sensation whose dedication to the performing arts serves as a beacon for aspiring artists everywhere.

- Seeja Prabhu

Born into a family of artists, Prerna was introduced to dance and teaching at an early age, fostering a deep passion that would shape her life.

A Solid Foundation in Kathak

Prerna began her formal training in Kathak at the age of eleven, completing her 'Kushal Purna,' a rigorous nine-year program at Kala Academy Goa. Not only was she the first Goan to earn a Master's in Kathak, but she also excelled in theater, performing in Hindi, Marathi, and even Konkani plays. As a graduate of Konkani from St. Xavier's College in Mapusa, she topped her class at Goa University and was awarded a scholarship for her outstanding achievements.

After exploring various artistic fields, Prerna ultimately decided to pursue dance as her professional career. Following her graduation, she completed her MA in Kathak from Pune University.

A Passion for Teaching

From a young age, Prerna developed a love for teaching, sharing her passion for dance with younger students. Recognizing that many children in her village lacked exposure to the joyous world of dance, she began offering lessons to inspire them. After completing her Master's degree, Prerna faced a crucial decision: to remain in Pune or return to Goa, where opportunities for Kathak were limited. Believing it was her responsibility to give back to her community, she chose to return.

"There were many students eager to learn Kathak, but very few teachers in Goa," she explains. This realization led her to establish 'Sudhakala Prangan Goa' in 2019, a thriving center for Kathak education. Her classes cater to a wide age range, from six to seventy years old, demonstrating that Kathak truly has no age limits.

The Essence of Kathak