Poornima Ashok

🪔 About

Poornima Ashok is a renowned Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, and teacher from Bangalore, India, recognized as one of the foremost exponents of the art form. Her extensive training began under Guru Smt. Radha Sridhar in Bangalore. She further honed her skills with advanced training from the esteemed gurus Padma Bhushan Shri Dhananjayans in Chennai and the legendary Padma Bhushan Smt. Kalanidhi Narayan, from whom she learned intricate aspects of Abhinaya. Poornima was also a recipient of a scholarship for advanced training in Bharatanatyam from the Government of India. She is an 'A-grade artist of Doordarshan and an empanelled artist of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Government of India. In 1989, Poornima Ashok founded her dance academy, Nrityanjali, with a commitment to promoting and advancing Bharatanatyam. Through Nrityanjali, she has passionately nurtured many young dancers and organized annual dance festivals, seminars, and workshops in Bangalore. Her career spans over four decades, marked by numerous performances and choreographies both in India and internationally, including in Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, UAE, and Russia. Poornima views dance not merely as a performing art but as a celebration of life, constantly evolving through her choreographies and ideas, creating a synergy between lyrics, music, movements, and feelings. She believes in a comprehensive educational approach, drawing inspiration from her vast repertoire and striving for artistic excellence. Her Rangapravesham took place in 1986. Awards & Honours: Karnataka Natya Ratna, Nartana Nipuna of Nritya Kala Parishath, Natya Kala Vipanchee, Karnataka Kalashree (2016).