Dr. Vaishnavi Poorna

🪔 About

Dr. Vaishnavi Poorna is a dedicated figure in the realm of Theater Arts for Holistic Development (TAHD) in India, holding the position of Deputy Director at RASA (Ramana Sunritya Aalaya) India. Founded in 1989 by Dr. Ambika Kameshwar, RASA is a non-profit cultural organization based in Chennai, committed to promoting Indian cultural heritage through classical dance, music, and drama, with a special focus on inclusive education. Dr. Poorna's journey with RASA commenced at the age of two, and she has been intrinsically involved in its mission, participating in numerous dance dramas and contributing to recordings and live performances since she was five years old. Her work at RASA centers on employing drama and dance as transformative tools for the holistic development of children and adults, including those with different abilities. She actively coaches students in theatrical productions and conducts group classes, creating an inclusive platform where neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals collaborate in performances. Dr. Poorna believes in leveraging India's rich cultural heritage, including Puranas and epics, to impart essential life skills such as problem-solving, conflict management, and moral values through engaging narratives, dance, and dramatic expression, thereby enhancing retention and overall personality development. She has also showcased her musical talents, notably performing Sant Tukaram's Abhang with Dr. Ambika Kameshwar. While RASA provides structured Bharatanatyam and Carnatic Classical Music training, Dr. Poorna's documented contributions are primarily within the broader framework of theatre arts and holistic development, rather than as a traditional guru of specific classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, or Kathakali.