ABOUT US
The Art and Practice of Kathak
Kalanand Nritya Sanstha, having its institutions in Thane and Pune; is an institute dedicated to the teaching and preservation of Kathak in its traditional form. The institute provides students with systematic practical and theoretical training, helping them develop a strong understanding of the art along with the discipline required for sustained practice.
The inspiration behind Kalanand’s teaching comes through Pandit Birju Maharaj and his contribution to the Kathak tradition. Guru Bhavana Lele, after learning under her Guru, began teaching with just two students. Over the years, her classes grew into an institution that has trained thousands of students, including her own daughter.
OUR APPROACH
Discipline and Rigorous Training
Discipline, regular practice and dedication form an important part of the training at Kalanand. Students are introduced to both the practical and theoretical aspects of Kathak, developing their understanding through structured classes and sustained practice. Training covers the fundamentals of Kathak, including footwork, hand gestures, expressions, compositions and stage presentation, along with the theoretical knowledge required to understand the form. The strong foundation provided through Kathak also helps students develop an understanding of other dance forms and adapt to different styles with greater ease.
PRESERVING KATHAK
Kalanand was established with the aim of making systematic Kathak education accessible to students while helping preserve the traditional form of the art. The institute carries out this work through regular teaching, rigorous training and cultural programmes. Over the years, thousands of students have trained at Kalanand, creating a growing community connected through their learning of Kathak. The teaching legacy has also continued within the family, with Guru Bhavana Lele’s daughter among the students she has personally trained.
RECOGNITION
Kalanand Nritya Sanstha has been accredited by the Government of Maharashtra for awarding additional marks in SSC Board examinations in recognition of students’ achievements in the field of dance. The institute also prepares students for formal Kathak education, including the Kathak Visharad level, giving them an opportunity to pursue advanced study in the art.
OUR LEGACY
Kalanand’s work is centred on passing knowledge between generations. What began as a small teaching initiative has grown into an institution where thousands of students have received training in Kathak. The focus remains on traditional learning, disciplined practice and a strong foundation in the art, while giving students the knowledge to pursue classical dance and related forms.
Meet our leaders
Our Founder and Guru
Guru Bhavana Lele
Guru Bhavana Lele, Founder and Director of Kalanand Nritya Sanstha, has devoted decades to the study, teaching and practice of Kathak. She began her training at the age of eight under Guru Sanjeevani Kulkarni of Nashik and follows the Lucknow Gharana tradition. She has also had the privilege of receiving guidance from distinguished Kathak exponents including Pandit Birju Maharaj and Guru Munnalalji Shukla.
She holds a Kathak Nritya Visharad (Purna) from Gandharva Mahavidyalaya and an M.A. in Kathak from Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune.
Her teaching experience includes working as a dance teacher in a public school, where she gained exposure to folk and semi-classical dance forms along with experience in organising musicals and ballets. This experience also contributed to her work in choreography and direction.
At Kalanand, this wider experience has supported the introduction of workshops covering folk and traditional dance forms of India, along with music and drama, conducted by specialist teachers and visiting experts.
Alongside teaching, Guru Bhavana Lele has performed extensively in cities including Pune, Jalgaon, Hyderabad, Indore, Tirupati, Nashik, Mumbai and Thane.
Through Kalanand, Guru Bhavana Lele continues to share her training and knowledge of Kathak with students, combining traditional instruction with practical learning and stage experience.