Bina Balakrishna Menon

🪔 About

Guru Bina Balakrishna Menon is a highly respected figure in Indian classical dance, known for her expertise in Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam, and Kuchipudi. A disciple of the renowned "Kalamandalam Natanam" Gopalakrishnan from Chennai, she began her performing career at a very young age, traveling extensively across India and internationally. Her talent for choreography emerged early, with her creating dances by the age of sixteen. In her teens, she toured nationally and internationally with Bollywood icon Hema Malini. Menon has also collaborated with other prominent artists, including National Award winner Shobana and Bollywood actress Meenakshi Sheshadri, both of whom have been part of her shows and the Kalashri School of Arts. In 1992, Guru Bina Menon founded the Kalashri School of Arts, establishing a significant presence in the tri-state area of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Through her academy, she has trained over 3500 students and overseen more than 100 Arangetrams in Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Mohiniyattam. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, concentration, and a positive attitude, enriching the lives of hundreds of youngsters in the NY and NJ areas with Indian culture and traditions. Her choreographic works are diverse and extensive, including a two-hour off-Broadway dance ballet on the Ramayanam featuring 40 classical dancers, as well as productions on themes like Krishna Leela, the five elements, and environmental conservation. She has also explored classical fusion, incorporating Irish, swing, and Hip Hop dancers. Her performances have graced prestigious venues such as Princeton University and Columbia University, and she has choreographed for major events like the Bollywood Awards and for renowned musicians such as Dr. K.J. Yesudas, Kumar Sanu, and Udith Narayan. Under her guidance, Kalashri students have achieved notable milestones, including performing at the New Jersey Governor's inaugural in 2006, being the first Indian dancers at the Izod Center for an NBA game, and performing at the Oscar Awards in 2009 during A.R. Rahman's segment. Awards & Honours: First place and Best Costume awards at national and international competitions.