Maneesha Nrityalaya, founded in 1975 by renowned Kathak exponent Guru Pandita Maneesha Sathe, is one of the leading institutes for Kathak in Pune. Over the past five decades, the institute has played a significant role in training and nurturing numerous dancers, performers, and professionals in the field of classical dance. Many of Guru Maneesha Sathe’s disciples have gone on to establish their own institutes both in India and abroad, making notable contributions and creating a distinct presence in the world of performing arts.
Maneesha Nrityalaya holds the distinction of being the first dance school in Pune to organise a ticketed annual student showcase, with the inaugural program dating back to the 1970s. Continuing this long-standing tradition, the institute presented this annual showcase in its 50th year on Friday, 12th September 2025. Titled Kathak Nrityasandhya, the event was held at Ganesh Kala Krida Manch in Pune as part of the institute’s ongoing Golden Jubilee celebrations, marking a significant milestone in its five-decade journey in classical dance.
Maneesha Tai’s long-held belief that every student should have the opportunity to perform on stage, as well as experience the process involved in creating a successful production, is clearly reflected in these annual showcases. These events are designed to be inclusive, allowing participation from all levels. From the youngest student at the institute to Guru Maneesha Tai herself, everyone takes part, highlighting the school’s commitment to hands-on learning and performance-based growth.
Each year, the annual showcase offers the audience a diverse range of performances, featuring variety in concepts, costumes, and choreographies. This year was no exception. The presentations included a vibrant choreography on the popular children’s song Jhar Jhar Paus Ala and the devotional Krushna Sinhasani Baisala, along with traditional pieces like Ganesh Stuti and Abhanga. More advanced compositions such as Hori, Trivat, Ram Stuti, and a powerful choreography based on Kavi Bhooshan’s poems on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj were performed by the senior students.
Like every year, the program opened with Maneesha Tai’s performance – a soulful Krishna vandana along with a rare rendition of ek shloki bhagwat. Maneesha Tai also performed alongside her senior disciples and the staff teachers of Maneesha Nrityalaya. They performed a unique 21 beat cycle, Ganesh Taal. The performing unit of Maneesha Nrityalaya – Vallarie Apte, Madhura Aphale, Kirti Kurande, Chaitrali Utturkar, Maithili Pundalik, Sarveshwari Sathe, Aalapi Jog, Revati Deshpande, Sahishnuta Rajadhyaksha and Nandini Kulkarni led by Maneesha Tai herself brought the technical aspects of Kathak to the stage through their footwork, chakkars and hastakas. The event was wonderfully compered by the Bharatnatyam dancer Swarada Angal.
The institute, which is completing its 50th year in 2025, is marking this milestone with at least one event each month, culminating in a grand finale scheduled for December. The year-long celebration includes book launches, competitions, cultural programs, award ceremonies, and performance invitations—forming a comprehensive Golden Jubilee program. Furthermore, Guru Maneesha Tai’s boundless enthusiasm, youthful spirit, inspiring tours, and continuous flow of programs prove that age is truly just a number.
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