Bharatanatyam, a sublime art form that embodies Bhava, Raga, and Tala, has fascinated Shilpa from a tender age, she demonstrated keen interest and sincerity coupled with innate grace and talent ever since.
She performed her Arangetram when she was only thirteen, studying under the guidance of Smt. Meera Pauskar in Aurangabad. Shilpa was a recipient of the Government of India scholarship in Classical Dance(Bharatanatyam) instituted by The Center for Cultural Resources and Training in New Delhi (CCRT) from 1994 until 2003. Shilpa obtained higher training (MA) in Bharatanatyam at Lalit Kala Kendra (Pune).
Under the tutelage of her Guru Smt. Sucheta Bhide-Chapekar Shilpa owes her fluidity, finesse of her footwork, and graceful body movements to her rigorous training with Smt. Bhide-Chapekar.
Shilpa’s abilities and grace were recognized very early on and she has been honored with several awards throughout her career. Blessed with a natural aptitude for the art and her single-minded devotion to it. Shilpa has blossomed into an accomplished dancer, with performances all over India, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom.
Shilpa is a ‘B’ grade artist with National television(India) since 1999.
Her love for teaching dance has resulted in her close affiliation with eminent dance schools like Kalavardhini, Pune, and Kalangan, Goa. At present, she is working as a professor of dance with KK Wagh, college of performing arts, a renowned educational institution in Nashik District.
Shilpa’s goal is to transmit this art form to the younger generations.
This passion will guide her own journey in the performing arts and in other avenues of life.
Achievements and Awards
- Second Order of Merit, Masters in Performing Arts (Bharatanatyam ), Lalit Kala Kendra, Pune University with Grade ‘O’ (Outstanding), 2006 Recipient of CCRT National Scholarship, 1996.
- Doordarshan (National Television) Grade Artist, 1999.
- Submitted a Thesis on ‘Stress Management & Bharatnatyam Dance’, a part of the Master’s Programme.
- Performed in Inter-State Bal Bhavan Children’s Camp in Pondicherry, 1999.
- Received 2nd prize in Yuva Sakal and Rotary Club Solo Dance Competition 2002.
- Received 2nd Prize in Rajya Yuva Mahotsava in 1999.
- Received 3rd Prize in Mantri Foundation and Smrutigandha, Pune Bharatnatyam Dance Competition in 1993.
- Received consolation prize in Dadar – Matunga Cultural Centre in 2005.
- Received Lokamat Kala Sanman – Lokamat Sakhimanch in 2016.
Performances
- Performed at Karad, Maharashtra, February 2007.
- Performed Margam at Lalit Kala Kendra, Pune, Maharashtra, March 2006.
- Performed in West Zone Youth Festival, July 2004.
- Performed at CCRT scholars’ workshop, Shilparamam, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, July 2003.
- Participated and performed in First Maharashtra State Inter-University Cultural Youth Festival, January 2003.
- Performed at ‘Ellora International Festival’ Aurangabad, Maharashtra, December 2000.
- Performed on National Channel Doordarshan (National Television), CPC production), November 1999.
- Performed “Arangetram”, August 1998.
- Performed at the “International Pre-Olympic Scientific Congress”, Dallas, Texas, USA, July 1996.
- Performed at Maharashtra Mandal, London, UK, August 1996.
- Performed at Bal Bhavan, Delhi, India, November 1994.