In Manipur, dance is not just a form of art, but a way of life. Dance is a medium of expression, which is closely interwoven with the social fabric of the Manipuri society, and therefore it is impossible to study one without the other.
Priti Patel has through her efforts tried to preserve the essence and authenticity of Manipuri Dance through her system of instruction, performance and research. She was initiated in the art of dance at an early age by the legendary Guru Bipin Singh and the Jhaveri Sisters. Though she excelled as a danseuse, her quest for mastery and perfection made her go deeper in the study of this art form, and this made her go to other Masters and Gurus in Manipuri.
In order to take this art form forward she established Anjika-Centre for Manipuri Dance and Movement Therapy in Kolkata and Imphal. This facilitated training in classical Manipuri Dance and presenting path breaking choreographies all over the world. This is an unique Centre of Dance with a dual curriculum. It is a centre for Manipuri Dance and a centre for Movement Therapy for the disabled.
Dance with the disabled began at The Indian Institute of Cerebral Palsy in 1990. She developed an unique system which through medium of dance uplifted and motivated the body, mind and spirit.
Priti Patel has received numerous awards of which the most prestigious being the Sangeet Natak Akademi award from the former President of India, the Late Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Raza Foundation Award, Mrinalini Sarabhai award, Uday Shankar dance award etc. for excellence in Manipuri Dance. She is also a Fulbright Fellow and has served on numerous committees of Ministry of Culture, Government of India,Indian Council for Cultural Relations and Prasar Bharati.