Ambika Kameshwar

🪔 About

Dr. Ambika Kameshwar is a highly acclaimed Indian classical danseuse, vocalist, scholar, and teacher, renowned for her pioneering work in applying theatre arts for the holistic development of individuals with multiple challenges. Her extensive career in dance and music spans over 50 years, with more than 35 years dedicated to teaching. She holds a Ph.D. on Natyabhinaya (the art of expression in Indian classical dance) and completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship on the application of Natya as a holistic developmental tool, supported by the Government of India. This research and application over three decades has shaped a methodology now known as Theatre for Holistic Development (THD) or Creative Movement Education (CME). In 1989, Dr. Kameshwar founded RASA (Ramana Sunritya Aalaya) in Chennai, an organization dedicated to fostering holistic empowerment through the structured application of theatre arts, particularly for people with diverse abilities. RASA also has a center in Bengaluru. Her methodology at RASA uses dance, music, theatre, crafts, and games to enhance motor coordination, cognitive development, language, communication, and social skills in special children. She is widely regarded as a loved and respected teacher of classical dance and music, known for her 'pattu class' on Raj TV and Jaya TV. As a prolific choreographer, she has created over 50 dance dramas and more than 10 complete Bharatanatyam Margams. She has also composed music for over 50 dance dramas and several devotional albums. Dr. Kameshwar guides Ph.D. scholars at Vel's University, Chennai, and previously served as a Member of the Advisory Board of PRASAR BHARTI and the KALAKSHETRA Foundation until 2010 and December 2013 respectively. Her profound work has been instrumental in helping hundreds of special children find joy, confidence, and self-expression through the transformative power of art. Awards & Honours: Kalaimamani Award (2004), Sirappu Kalaimamani Award (2020), For The Sake Of Honour Award, Bharata Kala Ratna, Stree Ratna, Acharya Choodamani, Pancharatna Award, Seva Kala Bharathi.