ABOUT US
The Rujuta Soman Cultural Academy (RSCA) was founded and managed by Rujuta to provide one platform for her various teaching engagements. Here, she trains students of all ages from different cities and countries in pure classical Kathak - in gratitude to her Guru and to carry forward her work. RSCA aims to extend the boundaries of Indian traditional dance and create a new benchmark in the aesthetics of presentation by using state-of-the-art technology and innovative dance techniques.
In the last 25 years, RSCA has and continues to impact the preservation and promotion of Kathak at the highest calibre locally, nationally and internationally. Rujuta at explores and shares the experience of dance at various levels through performances, trainings, productions, education and organizing events and lecture demonstrations by stalwarts from the related fields of Indian Classical Dance and Music.
Through RSCA, Rujuta has specially conceptualized an exchange program - “Life in Gurukul” for the foreign students interested in the Indian culture. This program is designed to expose young dancers from all over the world to the beauty and grace of Kathak as well as the discipline, the integrity and the simplicity of Indian culture that supports the dance.
The work at RSCA has always included support for the less fortunate sections of our society. Rujuta has conceptualized, choreographed and organized various charity shows in the aid of social organizations. Another interesting area of focus for RSCA is the use of Kathak as a therapy. Rujuta knows from her experience that the body and mind work together and can heal each other. She has also used dance therapy techniques at the Seva Sadan and St. Catherine of Siena Orphanage and School, both located in Mumbai.
“Dance has enlightened me and made me free from all pains and sorrows of life. It has enhanced my inner beauty and has helped me to beautify and enlighten others as well...”
Meet the Team
Neha Damle
Navi Peth Branch
Neha Damle has been learning kathak under the guidance of Smt. Rujuta Soman since 13 years. She holds a degree in Sanskrit and is pursuing Master's degree in Kathak from the esteemed Lalit Kala Kendra Gurukul of Savitribai Phule Pune University. She is a Kathak Nrutya Visharad from Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. She has been conducting classes at Rujuta Soman Cultural Academy for the past 5 years as well. She has presented solo performances at various distinguished dance festivals in India.
She has also received training in hindustani classical music.
Anila Arora
Aundh Branch
Anila Arora began her Kathak journey in 2010 at the age of 38, discovering in dance a source of purpose, devotion, and inner strength. Trained under Guru Smt. Rujuta Soman, she completed her Nritya Visharad (2022) from ABGMVM and her M.A. in Kathak (2023) from Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune.
A graceful and sensitive performer, Anila has presented her art across Pune and is a regular contributor at the Cipla Palliative Care Centre, where she shares the healing power of dance with those in need.
Anila continues to inspire through her dedication, compassion, and unwavering belief that dance is a path to both expression and service.
Somya Chhajed
Kalyaninagar Branch
Somya Chhajed is a Classical Kathak dancer (12+ yrs), instructor, and choreographer. She holds an MA in Kathak from Lalit Kala Kendra, Savitribai Phule Pune University, and a BA in Performing Arts (Kathak) from MIT ADT University, Pune. She has also earned a Visharad in Kathak from Raja Mansingh Tomar University, Gwalior, along with Junior and Senior Diplomas from Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad.
Her performance repertoire spans prestigious platforms such as Yuva Srujan Kalamancha –
Duet Kathak Performance, Shivshakti at Siddhanath Forest Ashram, Holi at Dharana (Shillim), Nrutya Vandana at Pandit Farms, etc.
Dhanashri Chitale
Shivane Branch
Dhanashri Parag Chitale is an accomplished Kathak dancer with 8 years of dedicated training and performance experience. Known for her graceful command over rhythm and expressions.
She has completed her Bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts from MES College and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Performing Arts at Savitribai Phule Pune University. Alongside her academic journey, she is receiving advanced training under the esteemed guidance of Guru Smt. Rujuta Soman, which continues to deepen her understanding and mastery of the Kathak tradition.
Rooted in classical heritage yet open to creative exploration, Dhanashri strives to uphold the timeless beauty of Kathak while presenting it with her own unique style and contemporary sensitivity.
Pradnya Vijayan
Vimannagar Branch
Pradnya Vijayan leads the Viman Nagar branch with expertise, warmth, and creative passion. A dedicated Kathak dancer for 11 years and teacher for the past 4, she has completed Visharad Pratham and is pursuing Visharad Purna.
Guided by her guru Rujuta Soman’s values, Pradnya maintains strict discipline and attention to detail while creating an encouraging environment for students of all ages—from young children to adults over 30. She has performed with her guru at prestigious events across Pune and is now exploring theatre.
A final-year Master’s student in Economics at Symbiosis International University, Pradnya remains a dancer at heart.
Falguni Kulkarni
Online Batches
Falguni Kulkarni is a dedicated Kathak practitioner with over fifteen years of training and experience. She has been associated with RSCA for the last ten years, where she has honed her skills through advanced training and contributed in multiple professional roles. She holds a Master’s degree in Kathak from Bharati Vidyapeeth Pune University and a *Kathak Visharad Poorna from Akhil Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Mumbai.
Falguni has performed on several prestigious platforms, including Yuva Srujan 2025, Panditotsav 2024, Ramvandanam by Sakal Media, the Best of Brussels 2023, and the India Dance Festival 2022 in Chennai. At RSCA, she teaches international students, manages finance, leads online branches, and actively contributes to the academy’s CSR initiatives.
SENIOR STUDENTS
Poonam Shyam
Trishna meaning "desire" (a desire to dance...), is an Indian dance school where training in pure Classical Kathak, Bollywood and Indian Folk dance styles is given. At Trishna the transcended desires are expressed mainly with the body dynamism of Kathak - a North Indian Classical Dance style.
Gifted with an artistic flair Poonam Shyam tries to quench her "Trishna" for creation through original traditional as well as contemporary thematic dance compositions. It is an attempt to carry forward the work of her Guru Smt. Rujuta Soman.
At Trishna, Indian dance is taught harmoniously blending the traditional yet innovative dance techniques for the rhythmic synchronization of mind and body.
Presently based in Zurich, Trishna aims to preserve and promote Indian dance through performances, training, productions, education and organizing events and lecture demonstrations by stalwarts from the related fields of Dance and Music.
The objective of Trishna is to spread the pure joy of movements locally, nationally and internationally while maintaining the balance of technique and aesthetics of the graceful dimensions of Indian dance.
Aboli Abhyankar-Thatte
Aboli is born in a musical family, her first cousin being the globally acclaimed classical singer, Pandit Sanjeev Abhyankar & her aunt Smt. Anjali Marathe being the recipient of the prestigious National Award for singing. Though having pursued an academic degree in commerce, she has always had an inclination towards dance, especially Kathak. She started her formal training in Kathak at the tender age of 7 under well known Kathak Exponent & Guru Mrs. Nilima Adhye.
Since last few years, she is under the valuable guidance of the renowned Kathak Exponents & Gurus Smt. Rajashree Jawdekar & Smt. Rujuta Soman. All her Gurus are the disciples of the Late Honorable Guru Pandita Rohini Bhate.
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Lately, she has also begun her training under the respected Taalyogi Padmashri Pandit Suresh Talwalkar.
Sanika Deodhar
Sanika Deodhar is a senior disciple of Guru Smt. Rujuta Soman and she has been taking training of Kathak since 15 years under the guidance of her.She has completed her masters in Administration (MBA) and holds Nritya Vishard degree from Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya.
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She performed in various dance competitions, festivals and received several award such as, First award in national level competition organized by Akhil Bharatiya Sanskrutik Sangha’s (Global Council of Art & Culture), Pune.
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Recently she received "National Nritya Shiromani" award in Cuttack Mahotsav, Orrisa. She also performed nationally & internationally with her Guru namely, Pt. Uday Shankar Festival , Jaipur, Kala Ghoda Festival , Mumbai, Mrinalini Sarabhai first Choreography festival, Thrissur, Kerala, as well as Kolkata, Delhi, Pune, Karnataka etc.
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She also performed in a Europe tour organized by ICCR - May 2014 in Zurich, Berlin, Serbia, Austria, Montenegro, Croatia, Spain etc. She performed in Mughle Aazam - musical dance dram show directed by Firoz Abbas Khan.
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Since 6-7 years she is teaching Kathak under the guidance of her guru, and helps her in spreading and promoting of Kathak.
Purva Deshpande
Purva is one of the senior disciples of Smt. Rujuta Soman and is learning kathak under her guidance for last 15 years. She is 'Nritya Visharad' from Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya and currently perusing her Master's degree in Psychology. She has participated in many college events, solo competitions and has given a solo performance in 'Masik Sabha - a monthly concert'.
She has performed in many festivals with her guru all over India and abroad - 'Uaday Shankar Ballet Festival, Jaipur', 'Mrunalini Sarabhai National Choreography Festival, Trissure', 'Indian embassy, Berlin' to name a few. Her performance along with her guru was featured on for National television twice. She has been working as a dance teacher under Rujuta Soman Cultural Academy for last 7 years and also undertakes personal training.
Shivangi Mandke
Shivangi is a senior disciple of guru Smt. Rujuta Soman (disciple of Late guru Dr.Rohini Bhate).
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Born on 28th June, 1995, Shivangi has been taking lessons in kathak for last 14 years. Along with her Guru Rujuta Soman, she has also taken guidance of Taal and Laya from Pt.Suresh Talwalkar.
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She has performed on various occasions with RSCA (Rujuta Soman Cultural Academy) in Delhi, Gujarat ,Mumbai, Bangalore, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Kolkata and also for ICCR (Indian council for cultural relations) in European countries - Germany, Switzerland, Serbia, Spain, Croatia, Montenegro and Austria.
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Apart from the above, she has been actively participating in various dance competitions and events for both solo as well as group performances.
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Shivangi has completed her B. A. from Sir Parshurambhau College, Pune (2013-2015); and is Masters in Sanskrit from Pune University. She has also worked with RSCA as a dance teacher for last 6 years.
Manasi Limaye
Manasi is a senior disciple of Guru Rujuta Soman. She has been learning kathak since last 17 years and has completed Visharad in Kathak. She has also completed M. Com. and currently works as Marketing professional in an Educational Institute in Pune.
She has performed in various festivals like Uday Shankar ballet festival, Jaipur, Kaleidoscope, Pune, Prayatna Dance Festival, Pune, Mrulanili Sarabhai Festival at Thrisur, Kerla with Guru Rujuta Soman.
She has also performed in various cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Bijapur and was a part of Europe Tour, 2014 with Guru Rujuta Soman.
She conducts classes under Rujuta Soman Cultural Academy since last seven years at Kalyani Nagar branch, Pune.