Kripa Baskaran

🪔 About

Kripa Baskaran is an accomplished Indian classical dancer, choreographer, and teacher, primarily known for her expertise in Bharatanatyam. A gifted artist, she began her journey in dance at the age of seven and performed her arangetram (dance debut) at 14 under the tutelage of gurus Smt. Chandrakala and Thanjai Sri. Hemnath. She further deepened her understanding of the art form with Dr. Ambika Kameshwar and received additional training in Kala Peetham under Smt. Pavithra Srinivasan. Baskaran also underwent intensive training in Nattuvangam, the art of conducting a dance recital, under Dr. Ambika Kameshwar, and has provided Nattuvangam for renowned dancers including Dr. Ambika Kameshwar and Smt. Vyjayanthimala Bali. She holds a Doctoral degree in Bharatanatyam from Tamil University, Thanjavur, with her research focusing on advancing mental health through dance. Kripa Baskaran is the founder and artistic director of Natyarpana School of Dance, which aims to propagate Indian culture and traditional values through Bharatanatyam. She is also an instructor in the Department of Dance for the Continuing Education Division at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and introduced the course “World Movement Traditions” at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes bonding, discipline, and presentation, guiding students to become accomplished dancers and principled individuals. Baskaran has performed worldwide, including a notable "Jugalbandi" (dance fusion between Kathak and Bharatanatyam) in Nottingham, United Kingdom, in 1995. She is also the founder of WICA (Wisconsin Indian Classical Arts) and is known for her community impact, using dance as a medium for expression and inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy. Awards & Honours: Nritya Seva Mani Award (2015), Papanasam Sivan Award (2016), Master Teacher (2014), Master Teacher (2015), Master Teacher (2016), Master Teacher (2018), Master Teacher (2019), Master Teacher (2020), Master Teacher (2021), Master Teacher (2022), Master Teacher (2023).