Balbir Singh’s guru was Padmashri Pratap Pawar. Popularly known as ‘India’s Divine Dancer’, Guru Pawar was renowned as an outstanding exponent and teacher of Kathak. His personal style was unique, unostentatious, serene and characterised by an impeccable technique that blended precision in footwork with aesthetics and imagery.
Guru Pratap Pawar was acclaimed for his work in bringing together different cultures by blending Indian dance with diverse traditions from around the world. He pioneered the concept of ‘East meeting West’ in the field of dance, and was instrumental in developing a fusion of Kathak and Spanish Flamenco.
Guru Pawar’s own guru was Pandit Birju Maharaj, from whom he received authentic Kathak instruction within the Lucknow tradition.
