Pragati
Sood
Kathak
Dancer
Background | Performances
| Reviews | Achievements
| Contact Information
Background
Pragati Sood has emerged as a Kathak dancer who has been successful in discovering and shaping her dance with a distinct style. Pragati, an Honours graduate in Sociology from the Delhi University, was trained in Kathak at the Kathak Kendra, New Delhi for twelve years under the able guidance of Smt. Reba Vidyarthi, Smt. Vaswati Misra, Smt. Geetanjali Lal and Pt. Birju Maharaj. She has been a recipient of merit scholarships throughout her training.
Pragati's performances are marked by well-executed rhythmic patterns, scintillating Nritta and lively Abhinaya. Her record includes several performances in various parts of India as a member of Kathak Kendra, Bharatiya Kala Kendra, Dhawni & Dhristikon. Pragati has also appeared on Delhi Doordarshan (TV) in various dance programmes and has won several prizes and certificates. She has also been honoured by the Sangeet Saurabh award for her contribution to dance.
Apart from group numbers, Pragati also has a number of solo performances to her credit. Notable among them are her performances at Chhatrotsava, Yuva Mahotsava, at the International Youth Convention of World Organisation of Students and Youth, Delhi University, International Conference on Agro Forestry, Saraccandrika, at the prestigious Khajuraho Festival of Dances 1996 organized by the Madya Pradesh Government and at the Indian Council of Cultural Relations' Horizon and Retrospectives Series. Apart from these, she has performed in the dance sequence of Rustom & Sorab, staged by the National School of Drama. Pragati has also featured in compositions of Pt. Birju Maharaj for the documentary by Films Division of India, and compositions of Smt. Vaswati Misra in Srijanee, a serial based on Kathak aired on Delhi Doordarshan.
Pragati has not only performed in India, but also abroad including in Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, Austria, Australia, Italy, South Africa and Myanmar.
Her presentations have been found to have an inherent sense of rhythm which gives her movements a natural grace. This has been perfected by dedicated and vigourous training that gives her dance the thrill of speed and the beauty of balance.
Pragati is also a Bharatanatyam dancer in which field she has received a scholarship from the Centre for Cultural Resources & Training.
Her contributions to the arts include forming a group called Sampoorna, consisting of young talented dancers and musicians, whose aim is to promote Indian Classical Dance through performances and workshops in India and abroad. This group has widely performed in Europe under the banner of Musical Ensemble of Benaras. She has also started an institute known as Sampoorna Sangeet Sadan, which imparts training to students in music and dance in New Delhi.
Performances
In India
Abroad
On-Screen
Reviews
"Pragati Sood, who is also a Bharatanatyam dancer, gave a pleasing Kathak recital. Her training showed in her excellent poise, her restrained though expressive Abhinaya, and precision of movement as well as her sophisticated footwork which she did without the exaggerated flourishes indulged by some lesser Kathak dancers"- Evening News
"Pragati's lissom figure came as a refreshing change; her smiling countenance, innocuous execution of rhythmic permutations on the feet and admirable gait stood her in good stead in all the items she rendered. Indeed, she endeared herself to the audience every minute" - The Statesman : 13 October 2000
"Her teentala expostition was a delight -- the clarity of footwork in the ladis and tatkar, the neatness of chakkars and the delicacy of the Gat Nikas, proof of dancer's fine training. Tastefully costumed and gifted with a fine presence, the dancer held audience attention right through"- The Hindu : 13 October 2000
"Her performance was marked by subtle gestures and brisk and sophisticated footwork. Her slim physique, strong rhythm foundation and her lively and expressive face made her performance both effective and impressive"- Mid Day : 16 October 2000
"Pragati made her stage appearnace electrifying from the very start. All aspects of her recital were neat and exquisite.Even the rhythmic part, which dominated her repertoire and is a demonstration of a dancer's technical prowess, had a stamp of grace and delicacy"- National Herald : 22 October 2000
Achievements
Contact Information
Address
S-333, Greater Kailash, Part - I
New Delhi 110048
India
Telephone: (91) (11) 6472500
Email: pragati_sood@hotmail.com
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