Chitra Arvind

🪔 About

Chitra Arvind is a distinguished Indian classical dancer, choreographer, and teacher, proficient in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Contemporary dance forms. Her journey in dance began at the age of seven, receiving foundational training in Bharatanatyam under the esteemed Gurus Smt. Lalitha Srinivasan, Guru B. Bhanumati, and Guru Smt. Padmini Ravi. She further honed her Kathak skills under the tutelage of Smt. Chitra Venugopal, Dr. Maya Rao, Sri Maulik Shah, and Smt. Ishira Parikh. Additionally, Chitra Arvind received training in Carnatic Vocal and Veena from her mother, Smt. Rama Srishailan. Academically accomplished, she holds a BA in Choreography from the Natya Institute of Kathak and Choreography, Bangalore, and a Masters degree in History. She also completed a Choreography course at The Place Theatre, London. As the Artistic Director and Founder of Rhythmotion School of Dance and Music since 2005, based in Bengaluru, India, Chitra Arvind has significantly contributed to the dance landscape. She is an empanelled artist of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and a graded artist of Doordarshan, reflecting her national and international recognition. Her extensive career includes touring globally across the UK, USA, Europe, South East Asia, and South Africa, and performing at numerous prestigious dance festivals. Chitra Arvind spent seven years in London, working as a performer, teacher, and rehearsal director with renowned contemporary choreographers such as Shobana Jeyasingh and Wayne McGregor. She has also conducted workshops at institutions like the University of California, Irvine, and the School for Ballet and Rhythmic, Croatia. A notable aspect of her work is her philanthropic endeavor, "Chalana-Dance for a Cause," a biennial festival initiated in 2008 in aid of the Deaf Aid Society, through which she imparts dance training to hearing and speech-impaired children. Chitra Arvind is currently pursuing a PhD in dance, continually seeking to deepen her understanding and contribution to the art form. She is recognized for her ingenious and inspiring approach to choreography, blending classical nuances with contemporary relevance. Awards & Honours: FKCCI Social Woman Entrepreneur Award (2023), Best Dance Choreographer Award – Azadi Ki Amrit Mahotsav (2022), Best Performer Award, Bharatanatyam, Parthasarathy Swami Sabha, Chennai (2019), IIDF Contemporary Dance Award (2016), National Nrithya Shiromani Award, Kathak, Cuttack Mahotsav (2013), Young Achiever Award for Dance & Choreography, Lions Club International (2011), Best Dancer Award, Nupura (2001).