MIRA KAUSHIK
Mira Kaushik OBE, director of the Akademi South Asian Dance UK, London

Born in Belgrade, former Yugoslavia, from Indian parents, Mira Kaushik was educated in India where she studied Hindi, film and theatre studies. Mira moved to London in 1982 and in 1987 became director of the Akademi South Asian Dance UK (formally The Academy of Indian Dance.) Under Mira's directorship the Akademi has become an organisation of global importance serving an audience of millions through its active dance and education programmes.

Her site-specific shows, especially the ones staged in Trafalgar Square, such as 'Awaz', have become famous. Mira ensures that the Akademi's programme evolves with the fast paced changing world. Her two children help keep her abreast of these changes.

The Akademi trains teachers and also specialises in teaching students how to use Indian dance for dance therapy for people with learning difficulties, physical difficulties and other emotional social challenges. As recognition to her contribution to the dance sector, Mira was awarded an OBE, the first ever OBE awarded to an Indian dancer.

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