Uma Varma

🪔 About

Uma Varma, originally from Kerala, India, is a distinguished figure in Indian classical dance, particularly Bharathanatyam, and a dedicated exponent of Carnatic Music and Kathakali Samgeetham. Her extensive career as a performer and teacher spans several decades and continents. Varma commenced her Bharathanatyam training at the age of four under Guru Smt Natyakalalayam Padmini Raj, later receiving advanced tutelage from the veteran Bharathanatyam performer and scholar Dr. Vasundhara Doraiswami. She also honed her Carnatic Music skills under Guru Sri Tharani Ramachandran, earning the "Samgeethika" title. In 1993, Uma Varma established the Revathi School of Dance and Music in her hometown in Kerala, laying the foundation for her teaching legacy. Her contributions to the arts were recognized with the prestigious "Kalathilakam" title for five consecutive years at the Kerala Youth Festival between 1985 and 1990. Further national acclaim followed in 2007 when she received accreditation and a National Award for South Indian Classical dance from the Sree Sankara Accreditation Centre in Kaladi, Kerala, India. Relocating to New Zealand, Uma Varma founded Revathi Performing Arts in Christchurch in early 2009, continuing her mission to propagate Indian classical arts internationally. Under her guidance, Revathi Performing Arts has become a vibrant center where numerous students learn Bharathanatyam, Carnatic Music, and Kathakali Samgeetham. Some of her early dance students have since become accomplished teachers and performers, with one even achieving a doctorate in Mohiniyattom and working as a senior university lecturer. Uma Varma has performed extensively in India, the UK, and New Zealand. Her musical talent was also recognized as a B Grade Young Artist in Vocal Music at All India Radio from 1990 to 1993. In Christchurch, her significant contributions to the community have been acknowledged with several awards, including the Indian Community Services award for Dance Development (2014), the Achievement Award by Kerala Cultural Forum (2017), Teacher Honour by Telugu Association of South Island (2018), and an Award for ongoing Support for Christchurch Holi Festival (2020). Through Revathi Performing Arts, she continues to foster cultural connections, presenting major productions like "BHARATHAM" (2015), "MAYURAM" (2017), and "AANANDAM" (2019), and actively participating in community events. Awards & Honours: Kalathilakam, National Award for South Indian Classical dance (2007), Samgeethika, Indian Community Services award for Dance Development (2014), Achievement Award (2017), Teacher Honour (2018), Award for ongoing Support for Christchurch Holi Festival (2020).