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About
Saskia Cornelia Kersenboom, born on February 3, 1953, in Utrecht, Netherlands, is a renowned scholar, performer, and teacher of Indian classical dance, particularly Bharatanatyam, with a profound focus on the Devadasi tradition. Her journey into Indian performing arts began after studying Indology and theatre studies at Utrecht University from 1972 to 1977.…
Journey Timeline
1953
Born in Utrecht, Netherlands
1972-1977
Studied Indology and theatre studies/dance history — Utrecht University
1977-1978
ICCR fellowship for study in Tamil Nadu — Music, dance praxis, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu literatures
1979
Received MA in Indology and theatre studies — Utrecht University
1984
Defended PhD dissertation 'Nityasumangali' — Utrecht University; documentary by Dutch National Television
1987
Published 'Nityasumangali: Devadasi Tradition in South India'
1990-2013
Associate Professor at the University of Amsterdam — Linguistic Anthropology, Musicology, Theatre Studies
1994
Founded Paramparai Foundation — Initially in The Netherlands
1995
Awarded grant by The Foundation for non-Western Music
1997
Consultant for Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts — Under United Nations Development Program
1997
Collaborated on 'Bharata Mata' for Internationaal Danstheater — Toured Holland and performed in India
2001
Gave Dasi Attam workshop — Kattaikkuttu Kalai Valarcci Munnerra Sangam in Kanchipuram
2006
Paramparai Foundation moved to Legend, Hungary
2007-2008
'Bharata Mata' toured The Netherlands again
2012
Member of international Jury at PECDA
2013-present
Independent researcher
2014
Member of international Jury at PECDA
Photo Gallery
Photos will appear here.
Video Library
Performance videos will appear here.
Signature Performances
Signature repertoire pieces will be showcased here.
Performance Map
A world map of performances will appear here as tours are recorded.
Awards & Honors
- 1995 · Grant — The Foundation for non-Western Music
Media Coverage
- Unveiling the Vibrant Culture of the Yore
The New Indian Express
- Dutch roots, Indian branches
The Hindu
- Saskia Kersenboom - a portrait
Dutch National Television (NOS)
Dance School
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Students
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Testimonials
Student & peer testimonials will appear here.
Upcoming Workshops
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