Bala Devi Chandrashekar

🪔 About

Bala Devi Chandrashekar is an American dancer, Bharatanatyam exponent, and research scholar, renowned for her distinctive scholarly approach to the Indian classical dance form. Born in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India, she is a direct disciple of the legendary Guru Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam, whose discerning scholarly style she emulates. Chandrashekar is known for her intense research into ancient texts and philosophical concepts, which she interprets through her performances, striving for a classicism that is both contemporary and universally communicative across cultures. As a Professor of Practice in Asian Performing Arts, Bala Devi Chandrashekar has lectured and conducted workshops at prestigious institutions globally, including Princeton University. She has given over 300 performances across 35 to 37 countries, establishing herself as a compelling global voice in Bharatanatyam. Her critically acclaimed productions, often accompanied by world-class music, include "Nandanar Charithram," "Uddhava Gita: Lord Krishna's last message," "Tripura - Divine Feminine," "Karna: Destiny's Child," and "Brihadeeswara: Form to formless & Padmavati - an Avatar." Notably, she presented "Brihadeeswara – Form to formless" at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris in 2019 and has performed at India House during the Paris 2024 Olympics. She is also an empaneled artist of the ICCR, New Delhi, and approved by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, for overseas performances. Chandrashekar is the Artistic Director of the Shree Padma Nrityam Academy (SPNAPA Academy of Performing Arts) in Princeton, New Jersey, where she imparts her extensive knowledge to students. A pioneer in online teaching, she has been conducting virtual classes for over 15 years, reaching students worldwide. Her work extends to interdisciplinary research, collaborating with departments of Theater and Dance, History, Philosophy, and Linguistic Anthropology at various universities. Awards & Honours: Kalaimamani (2012), Bharata Nritya Seva Mani, Natya Choodamani (2018), Nrutya Ratna, Natya Kala Bharathi, Vishwa Kalabharathi, Kala Rathna, Bharatha Kala Vani, Thalaikkoli (2018), Nritya Seva Mani, Drishti Puraskar, Nritya Kala Ranjani, Proclamation from the Governor of New Jersey, Natya Kalai Arasi, Natya Kala Visharadha Ha (2025).