bharathakala
NAATYA ACADEMY
Visiting Artists
Leela Samson
A renowned Bharathanatyam dancer, Leela Samson is a legendary choreographer, instructor and writer. She has been honored with numerous prestigious awards in the national and international levels. In recognition of her exceptional contribution to the art form she was conferred with the Padma Shri award by the President of India. Some of the other awards received by her are Kalaimamani given to her by the government of Tamil Nadu and the Sangeet Natak Academy award. She was appointed as the director of Kalakshetra in April 2005 and retired her position in April 2012. As founder of Spanda her goal for this dance group is to review the traditional vocabulary of Bharathanatyam. Her teachings in Bharathanatyam across the world include The Royal Opera House and Covent Garden, London.
Bragha Bessel
“Bragha Guruswamy Bessell is a rare joy for dance and dancers alike” stated one of the music magazines in India. Her way of captivating the audience through her astounding ability in Nritha and Abhinaya is phenomenal. As a senior student of Adyar K Lakshman and Kalanidhi Narayanan, she is completely devoted to the art of learning and sentimental aspects of music which is clearly portrayed in her dance.
Traveling around the world to places like Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Germany, Russia, and Iraq Radhika Shurajit is regarded a fantastic professional dancer, dance teacher and choreographer. She is the senior most disciple to The Dhananjayans and Padmabushan Smt. Kalanidhi Narayanan. Apart from being an accomplished dancer in Bharathanatyam her popular show on Jaya TV Thaka Dhimi Tha has been aired on television for ten years hosting several dance gurus that appear as guests on her program.
Radhika Shurajit
Narthaki Natarjan
A very well-known direct disciple of the late Tanjore Shri K P Kittappa Pillai who is a descendant of the Tanjore Quartet, Narthiki Natraj is a worldwide professional dancer. She has been awarded the Kalaimamani award by the government of Tamil Nadu and various other titles for her accomplishments in dance. Her achievements in dance earned her a top grade position with national television and is a part of the Ministry of External Affairs in the Government of India.
Under guru Smt. Padmini Ravi, Dr. Seshadri Iyengar started dancing at the tender age of nine and continues to give performances in his hometown Bangalore as well as being invited to perform in places such as the UK, Canada, USA, and several other countries. Apart from being a contemporary dancer Dr. Iyengar pursues his career as a Homeopathic Physician and Dance-Yoga instructor. He conducts several workshops in the places he visits aside from his performances. He is currently an empanelled artist with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.
Seshadri Iyengar
Shijith Nambiar and Parvathy Menon
Shijith Nambiar and Parvathy Menon are acclaimed Bharatanatyam artists known for their refined technique, expressive storytelling, and captivating stage presence. Trained at the prestigious Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai, they have performed extensively in India and internationally, earning recognition for their artistry, intricate choreography, and powerful abhinaya. As performers, choreographers, and teachers, they continue to share the richness of Bharatanatyam with audiences and students around the world while remaining deeply rooted in the traditions of the classical art form.
Meera Sreenarayanan
Meera Sreenarayanan is an accomplished Bharatanatyam artist from Guruvayur, Kerala, who began her training at the age of four. She received her early training under Prakash Choondal and R.L.V. Anand before pursuing advanced training in Chennai under Kalakshetra Nirmala Nagaraj and later Indira Kadambi. She holds a postgraduate degree in Bharatanatyam from the University of Madras and has performed extensively across India and internationally. Known for her graceful technique, expressive abhinaya, and dedication to the classical tradition, Meera has established herself as a distinguished artist in the field of Bharatanatyam.
Divya Shiva Sundar
Divya Sivasundar is an accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, and teacher who comes from a family deeply rooted in Indian classical dance. She is the niece of renowned Bharatanatyam legends V.P. Dhananjayan and Shanta Dhananjayan and has been closely influenced by their artistic legacy and the traditions of Bharatakalanjali. With a strong foundation in classical technique and expressive storytelling, Divya continues to carry forward this rich artistic heritage through her performances and teaching.