About Meenal Chakradeo

Known for her grace and expressions, Meenal is an avid performer and a versatile choreographer. She began learning Kathak at the age of 7 under the tutelage of Guru Shri Suresh Dharmadhikari in Jaipur Gharana style of Kathak. She completed Visharad in Dance from Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya (Khairagarh University) graduating at the top of her class and securing a Gold Medal. She has been taking advanced lessons from Guru Shambhavi Dandekar since 2013.

Meenal’s dance shows a beautiful blend of the grace of Banares and vibrant energy of Jaipur Gharana. She is the Founder and Artistic Director of Meenal’s Academy of Performing Arts and enjoys sharing her passion and love for Kathak with students of all age groups. Meenal’s Academy of Performing Arts is affiliated with BharatiVidya Peeth Pune and offers certificate courses in Kathak, Bharatnatyam and Tabla. Meenal has been teaching in San diego for about 10 years. Previously, Meenal was the co-founder and Artistic Director at Rhythm Studios, San Diego. Previously, Meenal was the co-founder and Artistic Director at Rhythm Studios, San Diego.

In addition to being a Dancer, she is also an orator, actor and compere. She has been involved with Drama and Theatre from her childhood days and continues to do that even today. Meenal holds a Master of Science in Business Administration from San Diego State Univ. and Masters of Business Economics from DAVV, Indore India. After enjoying a successful corporate career for 10+ years, Meenal is now completely dedicated to pursuing her passion and serving the dance form : Kathak.

Past Performances

  • ‘Kathak Rang 2017’, San Diego, June 2017 Kathak solo
  • Allegro Classical Music and Dance festival, Del Mar Apr 2017, Kathak Solo
  • “Mahadev”, San Diego, Sept 2016, Dance Ballet
  • “Ritu Raas”, Indore, India, June 2016 Kathak solo
  • “Nrityanjali”, Nagda, India, June 2016 Kathak Solo
  • ‘Kathak Rang 2016’, San Diego, June 2016 Kathak solo
  • Festival of World Dances, San Diego, April 2016
  • World Cultural Festival, New Delhi, India March 2016
  • Curtain Raiser performance for Strings and Beats, Solo & Group performance, San Diego, USA, Feb 2016
  • ‘Darpan’, Sunnyvale theatre, Oct 2015 Annual student recital of Shambhavi’s International School of Kathak
  • ‘Festival of Dolls’, Balboa Park, San Diego, Oct 2015
  • ‘Festival of Lights’, Organ Pavilion,San Diego, Oct 2015: Collaboration with local artistes
  • ‘Taal’ at Bernardo winery,San Diego, Sept 2015: Solo performance
  • ‘Kathak Naad 2015’,San Diego, June 2015 Kathak solo
  • ‘Navarasa’ at Bernardo winery,San Diego, May 2015 Solo performance and group collaboration with local artistes
  • ‘Guru Kanhaiya Lal’ festival, Los Angeles, Oct 2015, Kathak Duet with Khalil Alashar of Nupur Academy, LA
  • ‘Naad 2014’, June 2014,San Diego, Kathak Solo
  • “Jeevan Yatra”, Sept 2010, Poway center for Performing Arts,San Diego, Solo and group performance in a  dance drama for Chinmaya Mission San Diego
  • ‘Naad’, Aug 2010, Kathak Solo for SDMM, San Diego
  • Kathak Solo, March 2010 for Shri Mandir, San Diego
  • Kathak Solo, Oct 2009  for SDMM, San Diego
  • Kathak Solo, Feb 2009 for Shri Mandir, San Diego
  • Festival of World dances, Balboa Park, Aug 2003
  • Kathak Solo, Oct 2003  for SDMM, San Diego
  • Festival of World dances, Balboa Park, Aug 2003
  • Kathak Solo, Oct 2002  for SDMM, San Diego
  • Kathak Solo,  May 2001, Fund raiser for Asha for Education