Founded in 1990 under the guidance of Artistic Director Smita Vadnerkar, Nupur Arts has continuously flourished when she pioneered Indian Classical Dance form Bharatanatyam in Leicester. Introducing dance programs in local schools and centres, Smita expanded her classes from Bharatanatyam to include more contemporary styles. Through outreach initiatives and performances, the classes have grown to accommodate over 200 students, fostering a new generation of leaders over the span of 30 years. These emerging leaders are actively engaged in various aspects such as production, script-writing, teaching, media documentation, composing, and administration.
From her humble beginnings in Vadodara, India- Smita brought her passion to Leicester at the young age of 19. Since then, Smita has been teaching for the last 35 years in numerous community centre, schools and colleges, bringing Bollywood, Folk and Bharatanatyam to the East Midlands. Notably, she has taken Nupur Arts all over the UK, with sold out shows at esteemed venues such as Curve Theatre, De Montfort Hall, Theatre Royal Nottingham, Birmingham Hippodrome, Berlin, Germany ITB & Royal Spa Centre Lemington Spa.
Smita has also been a professional judge at many high profile events, twice on Sony TV's Boogie Woogie. Her passion for dance has inspired all who have crossed paths with her. Smita was awarded The Special Vishva Lanka Award for her outstanding contribution to dance in the community 2010.
She has a vast network spanning the East Midlands Art and Educational sectors, as well as frequently worked with SEND schools . Her dedication to providing high quality training to people of all ages and abilities, with former students branching out to lead their own classes.
Smita has also founded NAYA and fostered youth development in project management, planning and teamwork, helping them explore career options in the creative sector.
Since then we have gone to achieving new heights! Shreya Vadnerkar has joined our company as Associate Director, we have joined Arts Council England's National Portfolio Organisation for 2023-2026! We have also expanded our team as well As moving into our new office at the heart of Leicester, LCB Depot!
Now, as we approach our 35th Anniversay, we stand proud as Leicester's leading South Asian dance academy, boasting over 200 students ranging from ages 3 to 65+!