The word ‘Kirti’ in Marathi language means renowned, famous, or to be well known for some particular art. We can truly say that kathak exponent Kirti Bhawalkar has truly lived up to her name.
Kirti Bhawalkar, Alankar in Kathak Nritya started her formal training in the art under the tutelage of famous Kathak Danseuse and senior Guru Rekhatai Nadgauda. Kirti has given enumerate performances in India as well as overseas namely,
* At Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture in Mauritius,
* At Paris and St.Brieuc in France.
* In the dance reality show ‘Eka Peksha Ek’ as a jury member.
* In ‘Nritya yatri’ at Chidambaram temple,Chennai - 2012.
* Nataraj Gopikrushna Mahotsav- 2012.
* Guru- Shishya Mahotsav, Parner- 2009.
* Gunjad- Venu Mahotsav, Aurangabad-2003.
She has won many accolades & praises for the beautiful rendition of the dance form. To name a few
* Scholarship for excellence in kathak by Human Resource Development, Dept. of Culture, Govt. of India (1999-2000).
* ‘Deshdoot Gaurav Puraskar’
* 'Mahila Bhushan'-2009
* ‘Adarsha Guru’ by lioness club.
A major part of her classical journey is her dance institute ‘NRITYANGAN’. She holds this place and its inmates very close to her heart. She has choreographed and directed may classical projects with her students, such as:
* Tarana- ek kathak anubhav.
* Shriranga
* Shrimant yogi
* Mudra
* Ashtaroopa
* Saakar Gandhar Ha
* Rutuvarsha
* A short film on Krushna Valley Project
* Diery of Common A Man- A short film
The institute has been successfully conducting examinations in both November as well as April sessions in a organized and systematic manner. Kirti not only trains her students in Kathak but also gives them values to become a cultured artist. She is also invited as an examiner, moderator, paper-setter by the Gandharva Mahavidyalaya.
Along with her dancing career she also holds a Masters degree in industrial psychology. She has this never-to-die spirit which does not let her sit idle. She readily accepts any event to be choreographed or give stage show performances.
Even at this stage where she is a distinguished personality in the field of dance, her hunger for learning never ceases. She continues to learn under the guidance of Dr. Pt. Manjiri Deo. Thus, she believes that a man should continue learning all his life