Urja Desai Thakore is the Founder, Artistic Director and CEO of Pagrav Dance Company, a leading UK organisation dedicated to contemporary Kathak. A choreographer, performer, educator and cultural leader, she has spent over two decades creating new work, developing artists and building international collaborations. Urja's practice bridges classical traditions with contemporary conversations around identity, belonging and social change. She is a passionate advocate for greater representation of Indian classical dance and is committed to ensuring Kathak continues to evolve as a living, globally relevant art form.