Ashwini Srivatsan

🪔 About

Ashwini Srivatsan is an accomplished Indian classical dancer, singer, and educator, recognized for her extensive training, innovative choreography, and dedication to preserving and promoting traditional Indian dance forms. With over 25 years of training, she received her foundation in Bharatanatyam from the esteemed Guru Smt. Nirmala Madhava of Pampa. She further specialized in Bharatanrityam under the tutelage of the Late Guru Smt. Sundari Santhanam, a direct disciple of Padma Bhushan Smt. Padma Subrahmanyam. Beyond these primary forms, Srivatsan has also delved into Kathak, Sadir (an ancient dance form predating Bharatanatyam, studied under Dr. Swarnamalya Ganesh), Jazz, and Contemporary dance at UC Santa Cruz. Her profound understanding of Indian performing arts is rooted in her in-depth study of the Natya Shastra and various Indian philosophies, including Nyaya, Vaisesika, and Shaivism, under the guidance of Shri Piyal Bhattacharya. A multifaceted artist, Ashwini is also trained in Hindustani and Carnatic classical singing and learned the Veenai from her mother, Vyjayanthimala Sridhar. Her teaching career began with the founding of Mani Paduka Nrityashala in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where she also served on the dance faculty at New Mexico State University, teaching a graduate-level course in Bharatanatyam. In 2008, she co-founded Tattva Dance Academy, developing a unique curriculum that integrated Indian and Western dance techniques. Currently, she serves as the Creative Director of Kanha School of Dance, which she founded in San Jose, California, in 2011, focusing on Bharata Nrityam. Ashwini is celebrated for her choreographic works, including 'Hindu Swing,' which successfully blended Bharatanatyam with jazz, and 'Amugdha Malyada,' a critically acclaimed production narrating the life of poet-saint Andal. In March 2024, she was honored with the title "Marga Tattva Kovida" by Chidakash Kalalay. Awards & Honours: Marga Tattva Kovida (2024).