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About Mitra Purkayastha

Formerly a librarian, Mitra has been highly successful in publishing business, holding the position of
"Senior Editor" in a reputable internationally acclaimed New Jersey based Publishing Company.
Mitra  started her career in dance as a child. She had an intense training in various styles of Indian dance.
She specialized in Odissi (Orissi), the classical temple dance of Orissa and Manipuri, the traditional
classical dance of Manipur. She also had training in Bharatnatyam & Kathak by  Shantinarayan Bose.
   She also studied classical vocal music under her parents Sunirmal and Sandhya Purkayastha, disiples
of Ustad Magad Raj Bhagat of Tilmandi Gharana as well as Rabindrasangeet under Debabrata Biswas
and Maya Sen of Calcutta.
     She received Sangeet Prabhakar, Sangeet Visharad  and Sangeet Sudhakar diplomas in
dance. After intensive study she became an established performer in both classical dance and creative
choreography.
   She holds Masters degree in Indian History and English from Calcutta University and European
History and M.Litt. and M.A.  from Drew University.
     After coming to the USA in 1978, she has performed and taught classical dance in Houston,
Minnesota and now in New Jersey.  Mitra offers Odissi and Manipuri dance lessons, performances,
lectures, demonstrations and workshops for a wide variety of audiences.
     She has performed for professional and charitable groups and also for the disadvantaged children.  
Many of her students have become very accomplished and continue to nurture the art with passion like her.
     Contact Mitra for more information about dance lessons and performance schedule.

Mitra in Odissi dance pose

Mitra in Manipuri dance pose