Sathvikaa Shankar

🪔 About

Sathvikaa Shankar is a prominent young exponent of Bharatanatyam, recognized for her mature and vivacious performances that blend tradition with modernity, precision with poetry. She commenced her Bharatanatyam training at the age of six under the tutelage of Guru Smt. Anitha Guha in Chennai, India, and has continued to train with her for over 19 years as of 2018. Her distinctive dance style is an eclectic mix, influenced by her guru's Kalakshetra pattern and her deep understanding of 'bhava' (expression). Shankar's arangetram, or debut performance, took place when she was 12 years old, around 2005. A year later, at age 13, she received the Bala Shri award through PSBB Nungambakkam, a significant recognition as it was the first time the award was conferred upon a dancer from Chennai. She is also a recipient of the National Balshree Honour from the former President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Her career as a classical dancer has seen her perform extensively both in India and internationally. She is a graded artiste of Doordarshan and an empanelled artiste with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). As of 2018, Shankar became a full-time company dancer with Singapore's Apsaras Arts, touring globally with the company while also maintaining her solo performance career. She has showcased her talent at prestigious events such as The Music Academy Mid-Year Festival in 2017 and the Madras Music Academy dance festival in 2019. Beyond her dance career, Sathvikaa Shankar also pursued and completed chartered accountancy. Awards & Honours: National Balshree Honour (2005), Bala Shri award (2006), Padma Bharathi, Nrithya Jyothi, Best Dancer (2009), Nrithya Nakshatra, Akhil Bhartiya Pratibha Puraskar, Winner - 'Battle of Anklets' (2015), Nalanda Nrithya Nipuna.