There are artists who perform, and then there are those who transform. Dr. Parul Purohit Vats belongs to the latter—an extraordinary force who has dedicated her life to elevating Indian performing arts from the margins of perception to the centre of education, wellbeing, and meaningful careers.
A celebrated Kathak danseuse, choreographer, academician, and thought leader, Dr. Vats’ journey is one of vision, courage, and quiet revolution. At a time when pursuing higher education in performing arts was still a rarity in India, she chose to walk an unconventional path—earning a PhD in the domain and setting a precedent for generations to come. Her academic pursuit was not merely a personal milestone; it was a statement—that the arts deserve intellectual rigor, research, and scholarly recognition.
Her artistic excellence is equally matched by her commitment to learning. Achieving the prestigious Associate Diploma (ATCL) in Performing Arts from Trinity College London with distinction, she demonstrated that discipline and dedication are as intrinsic to the arts as creativity itself.
From being honoured with the Yuva Puraskar by Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Academy early in her journey to receiving the Dr. Sarojini Naidu International Award for Working Women, her accolades trace a powerful arc of consistency, resilience, and unwavering perseverance. Each recognition stands not as an endpoint, but as a reflection of her sustained commitment to her craft and her cause.
Dr. Vats’ leadership journey is equally compelling. As the former Principal of Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra—one of India’s premier institutions of performing arts—she steered the organization through one of the most challenging periods in recent history. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world came to a standstill, she ensured that the rhythm of learning never ceased. By pioneering the integration of online teaching-learning practices in a traditionally in-person art form, she not only preserved continuity but also redefined accessibility in performing arts education.
Today, as Dean at the School of Performing Arts, World University of Design, she continues to shape the future of arts education with a rare blend of tradition and innovation. But what truly distinguishes her is her role as a Creative Arts Wellbeing Facilitator—a path she has carved with deep intent and empathy.
Through her visionary “Perform to Transform” methodology, Dr. Vats has consistently advocated for performing arts as more than a career choice—they are a life skill. In classrooms, conferences, and community spaces, she champions the idea that dance and music are vital tools for emotional expression, mental wellbeing, and personal growth. She has devoted her life to building awareness among students, parents, and institutions that the arts are not peripheral, but foundational to holistic education.
Her work resonates across boundaries—academic, artistic, and social. Whether mentoring scholars, guiding young aspirants, or representing India on international platforms, she continues to inspire a shift in perspective: from seeing performing arts as an “option” to recognizing it as an “essential.”
In every step, every rhythm, and every initiative, Dr. Parul Purohit Vats is not just dancing—she is leading a movement. A movement that urges us to feel more deeply, learn more creatively, and live more fully through the transformative power of the arts.