Damayanti Joshi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Damayanti Joshi
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dancing
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| Born | 5 September 1928 Mumbai, India
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| Died | 19 September 2004 (aged 76) Mumbai, India
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| Occupation | dancer, choreographer, dance instructor |
| Dances | Kathak |
Damayanti Joshi (born September 5, 1928 – died September 19, 2004) was a famous Indian dancer. She was known for her amazing performances of Kathak dance. Kathak is a special type of Indian classical dance that tells stories. Damayanti believed that Kathak was truly the art of storytelling.
She started dancing in the 1930s with a group called Madame Menaka's troupe. They traveled all over the world, sharing their dance. Damayanti learned Kathak from great teachers like Sitaram Prasad. She became a skilled dancer when she was very young. Later, she also trained with Acchan Maharaj, Lacchu Maharaj, and Shambhu Maharaj. This helped her learn different styles of Kathak.
In the 1950s, Damayanti started performing on her own. She became very well-known in the 1960s. After her performing career, she became a teacher at her own dance school in Mumbai.
Damayanti Joshi received important awards for her dance. She got the Padma Shri in 1970. In 1968, she received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Dance. She also led the U.P. Kathak Kendra in Lucknow for some time.
Early Life and Dance Training
Damayanti Joshi was born in Mumbai in 1928. She grew up in the home of General Dr. Sahib Singh Sokhey and his wife, Leila Sokhey. Leila Sokhey was also known as Madame Menaka. Madame Menaka had lost her own child and decided to adopt Damayanti. Damayanti's mother, Vatsala Joshi, agreed to share guardianship.
Damayanti first performed in temples. In Madame Menaka's dance group, she learned about Kathak from Pandit Sitaram Prasad. She traveled with the troupe and performed in major European cities when she was just 15 years old. The Sokheys also made sure Damayanti received a good education.
Damayanti was also the first student at a special dance school in Mumbai. There, she learned Bharat Natyam from Guru T. K. Mahalingam Pillai. This shows she was skilled in more than one dance form.
Her Amazing Dance Career
After the mid-1950s, Damayanti became a very successful solo Kathak dancer. She continued to learn from famous teachers. These included Achhan Maharaj, Lachhu Maharaj, and Shambhu Maharaj from the Lucknow style of Kathak. She also learned from Guru Hiralal of the Jaipur style.
At the Kathak Kendra in Delhi, she trained especially under Shambhu Maharaj. Damayanti Joshi was also the first person to use a "Saree" as a costume for Kathak dance. Before her, dancers wore different outfits.
Damayanti also taught Kathak at different places. She taught at Indira Kala Vishvaidyalaya and Kathak Kendra in Lucknow. Her teaching helped new dancers learn this beautiful art form. She was also the teacher for Bireshwar Gautam, another talented dancer.
Her dance was so important that it was featured in films. In 1971, the Government of India made a documentary about Kathak that included her. Another film, called "Damayanti Joshi," was made about her in 1973.
Damayanti Joshi passed away in Mumbai on September 19, 2004. She had been unwell for about a year after a stroke. Her passing was a great loss to the world of dance. However, her knowledge and passion live on through her students.
Works and Legacy
Damayanti Joshi also wrote books about dance. One book was titled Madame Menaka. She also co-authored Rediscovering India, Indian philosophy library: Kathak dance through ages. These books helped share her knowledge with others.
Her contributions to Kathak dance were huge. She helped keep this traditional art form alive and popular. Many dancers today are inspired by her work and dedication.
See also
- List of Kathak dancers
