Kanaka Sudhakar

🪔 About

Kanaka Sudhakar is a renowned Indian classical dancer, teacher, mentor, choreographer, researcher, storyteller, and writer, primarily known for her expertise in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi. She is a disciple of the legendary Dhananjayans and the late Guru Sadasivan for Bharatanatyam, Guru Seetha Nagajothi for Kuchipudi, and Guru Kalanidhi Narayanan for Abhinaya. Born into a Tamil Brahmin family, her early life involved extensive travel due to her father's work with the Indian Embassy, exposing her to diverse cultures and even Russian ballet. Inspired by a performance by Kanaka Srinivasan in Ceylon, she resolved to pursue Bharatanatyam. Sudhakar established Nrityabharati, an institute for Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, in 1985 in Delhi. In 1994, she founded SUNAINA (Society for the Upliftment of National Arts of India), an NGO dedicated to promoting Indian arts and empowering women through dance. SUNAINA encompasses three wings: Nrityabharati (dancer training), Kala Khoj (research), and BMSCAC (educational wing). As the Artistic Director of Nrityabharati and Founder President of SUNAINA, she has personally trained over 1000 students, with more than 70 having performed their Arangetram under her guidance. Eight of her senior disciples are Graded Doordarshan Artistes, and several students have received scholarships or international teaching assignments. With a background as a qualified pharmacist and an MA in English Literature, Kanaka Sudhakar has also dedicated significant effort to research on the therapeutic values of Indian classical dances. Collaborating with her father-in-law, a nature cure specialist, she published the book "Indian Classical Dances – The Therapeutic Advantages" (also known as "Therapeutic and Beneficial Effects of Indian Classical Dances" and "Indian Classical Dances: The Healing Powers"). Her research explores the physical and mental benefits of dance, including its impact on hormonal changes and the formulation of Yogic Aerobics based on classical dance movements. She has also been involved with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's Song and Drama Division, curating over 300 programs on social reforms through dance. Awards & Honours: Excellent Teachers' Award (1995), Nritya Jyoti award, Konark Life Time Achievement Award, National Swami Vivekananda Award (2011), Bharath Excellence Award (2012), Junior Fellowship for research (2000), National Guru Dronacharya award, Nrithya Bhushan, Nrithya Sadika, Nritya Vaibhavi.