Margam Dance Academy
Pune, Maharashtra, India Nationally & Internationally Acclaimed Institution of Dance Excellence
Founded on 17th October 2010 by the visionary Gurumani Nrutya Bhushan Smt. Shilpa Danave Turilay, Margam Dance Academy has grown into one of India’s most celebrated cultural and performing arts institutions. What began as a humble vision has today blossomed into a movement that seamlessly blends the discipline of classical dance with the vibrancy of modern styles, making Margam a landmark in the Indian dance landscape.
Margam Dance Academy, under the direction and leadership of Smt. Shilpa Danave Turilay, is a cultural institution that has been instrumental in promoting and preserving the essence of Indian art and dance. Founded in 2010, the academy has become a platform for artistic education that embodies creativity, culture, and the true spirit of dance.
Shilpa Danave Turilay's journey in the world of dance began at a young age of 6, and her passion and dedication led her to become an alumna of the renowned institution "Kalakshetra" in Chennai. There, she received rigorous training in Bharatnatyam from esteemed masters such as Smt. Vasundhara Thomas, Shri Arun Shankar sir, Smt. Ganga Thambi, Shri Surya Narayan Murty sir, Shri Mohan sir, and many more. This strong foundation and exposure to exceptional mentors shaped her into the dancer and visionary she is today.
Smt. Shilpa Danave Turilay's commitment to dance as a form of artistic expression free from vulgarity and commercialism has been a driving force behind the establishment of Margam Dance Academy. Through her efforts, she has not only excelled in her dance career but has also gained recognition on various platforms.
“MARGAM” as the name suggests is ‘the way for artistic endeavor’. Founded in 2010 by the vibrant visionary Mrs. Shilpa Danave Turilay. The institution stands testimony to her dream of creating a space where the essence of creativity and culture would find expression through artistic education.
An institution she established with the vision of imparting to the young, the true spirit of dance, devoid of vulgarity and commercialism.
Cultural & Folk Heritage
Indian Folk, Bollywood, Traditional Fusion
Classical Excellence
Bharatanatyam (Kalakshetra Style), Semi-Classical
Modern & Global Styles
Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Jazz, Couple Salsa Party Batch
Specialized Batches
Ladies’ Special Batch, Zumba & Yoga Fitness Programs
Key milestones that have shaped MARGAM Dance Academy over the years.
2010
Academy Founded
MARGAM Dance Academy was established with a small group of 15 students
2010
First Major Performance
Our students performed at the prestigious Chennai Music Season
2010
Expansion
Opened second branch and introduced Odissi to our curriculum
Learn from accomplished masters who bring decades of experience and passion to their teaching
25+ years
Gurumani Nrutya Bhushan Smt Shilpa Danave Turilay
(Director & Founder)Smt. Shilpa Danave Turilay's commitment to dance as a form of artistic expression free from vulgarity and commercialism has been a driving force behind the establishment of Margam Dance Academy. Through her efforts, she has not only excelled in her dance career but has also gained recognition on various platforms.
Shilpa Danave Turilay's journey in the world of dance began at a young age of 6, and her passion and dedication led her to become an alumna of the renowned institution "Kalakshetra" in Chennai. There, she received rigorous training in Bharatnatyam from esteemed masters such as Smt. Vasundhara Thomas, Shri Arun Shankar sir, Smt. Ganga Thambi, Shri Surya Narayan Murty sir, Shri Mohan sir, and many more. This strong foundation and exposure to exceptional mentors shaped her into the dancer and visionary she is today.
Mrs Shilpa Danave Turilay is the Esteemed member of UNESCO , CID Her research paper " Indian Dance and Spirituality "was selected in 52nd World Dance Congress and was presented at Athens Greece Council of performing Arts.
Smt. Shilpa Danave Turilay's commitment to dance as a form of artistic expression free from vulgarity and commercialism has been a driving force behind the establishment of Margam Dance Academy. Through her efforts, she has not only excelled in her dance career but has also gained recognition on various platforms.
Key Achievements:- Being honored as "The Dancing Queen" by The Indian Express.
- Awarded with Nrutya Sadhana Puraskar by Akhil Bhartiya Sanskrutik sangh
- Nrutya Bhushan by Pune Muncipal corporation
- Guru Mani puraskar by ALCO
- Women of Substance by AAM
- Participating and making it to the finals with her team in reality shows like India's Got Talent, Hunarbaaz, India Banega Manch, Marathi Paul Padte Pudhe, Big Celebrity Challenge, and more on Colors TV and Zee TV.
- Being recognized as the "Most Empowered Women" by Glantor X Daily Hunt and Zee News.
- Earning the title of Nrutya Bhushan by Pune Municipal Corporation at the prestigious Junior Balgandharva Puraskar.
- world record with 501 students, registered in the International Book of World Records.
- Winning the Gold Medal in the open Professional category at the World Cultural Olympiad.
the academy nurtures dancers not only in technique and expression, but also in discipline, creativity, values, and cultural awareness. Students here are encouraged to embrace dance as a way of life rather than merely a performance skill.
Students Trained
Years of Excellence
Performances Staged
Vision & Legacy
Guided by the artistic spirit of Smt. Shilpa Danave Turilay, Margam Dance Academy continues to redefine excellence in the world of dance by: Preserving the purity and dignity of classical traditions. Embracing global influences with openness and innovation. Providing platforms and placements that empower students to excel. Celebrating Indian culture and festivals, inspiring values of unity, tradition, and respect.
Instilling morals and ethics in every student, shaping not only dancers, but leaders of tomorrow’s society.
Inspiring the next generation to embrace dance not merely as entertainment, but as a transformative way of life.
Margam – A Cultural Revolution of Art
Margam is more than a dance academy; it is a cultural revolution. At its heart lies a powerful vision: art without vulgarity or commercialism. Here, dance is treated not just as performance, but as a medium of character building and social change.
Students are taught not only the techniques of dance, but also the morals, ethics, and values of Indian tradition, shaping them into good human beings and responsible citizens of tomorrow’s society. Every festival is celebrated at Margam with cultural depth and live examples, allowing students to experience the essence of India’s rich heritage.
Every aspiring dancer is given bright opportunities from local platforms to national and international stages ensuring that each student’s talent is recognized and nurtured.
Milestones & Achievements:Margam Dance Academy has been a trendsetter since its inception, consistently pushing artistic boundaries and making history:
Within just 4 months of its establishment, Margam created history as the only academy to enter the reality show Marathi Paul Padte Pudhe.
Youth PlatformsOpened doors for students to perform at Inter-University Zonal Youth Festivals, building confidence and exposure at a young age.
Innovation in ArtPioneered a spectacular 3D Dance Drama, combining live performances with LED backdrops and historic character enactments, narrating Pune’s cultural grandeur in a never-before-seen format.
Television FameRegularly featured in major TV reality shows including India’s Got Talent, Hunarbaaz, India Banega Manch, Big Celebrity Challenge, and many more across national channels.
Corporate CollaborationsOur professional troupe has graced events for top global brands including Canon, Eagle Burgmann, Aaptara, and more. Cultural & Lifestyle Events Expertise in Garba workshops, celebrity masterclasses, sangeet choreographies, and high-profile cultural festivals. At Margam, dance is not just taught it is transformed into a profession, a passion, and a lifelong journey.
Set a benchmark on national television with 104 dancers performing on a single stage during India’s Got Talent Season 4. This iconic feat remains unbroken to this day.
World Record HolderAchieved a World Record in April 2022 (International Book of World Records) for the Maximum Dance Styles performed by Maximum Dancers on one stage.
Media RecognitionAcclaimed as the “Most Prize-Winning Academy” at national and international championships. The Indian Express celebrated Founder–Director Shilpa Mam with the honorific title “The Dancing Queen”.
Beyond the StageMargam Dance Academy is not just about training performers — it is about shaping lives, careers, and communities. Students are offered Career Placements Opportunities to become choreographers within the Academy or pursue dance teaching positions at renowned international schools.
Industry ExposurePerformances in commercial projects, movies, corporate events, and professional showcases.