Balakrishnun V

🪔 About

V Balakrishnan is a Singapore-based Bharatanatyam dancer, teacher, choreographer, and institution head who has dedicated his life to the classical Indian dance form. He began his journey in Bharatanatyam in 1977, initially taking individual classes with Balagopalan of Kalakshetra. His early exposure to dance came from accompanying his mother to films, which he cites as a great source of inspiration. Despite societal taboos against male dancers in his youth, Balakrishnan pursued his passion. His career in the arts began in media, working for RTS (Radio & Television Singapore, later Mediacorp) from 1976 to 2006. During this time, he encountered established dancers and was fortunate to assist in recordings, which deepened his interest in classical dance. In 1979, he was introduced to Swami Shantanand Saraswathi and began attending Akhanda bhajan sessions, where he had opportunities to choreograph and dance. When Swami Shantanand Saraswathi founded Kala Mandir in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur in 1981, Balakrishnan became involved, performing Jatiswaram in their inaugural production, 'Dattatreya'. He also worked with Mrs. Shanta Bhaskar at Kala Mandir. Balakrishnan met Neila Satyalingam in 1986 and toured internationally with her productions from 1988 to 1991, serving as a cultural ambassador. The desire to teach and establish his own identity in dance led him to found Bharataanjali in 2008, with Mr. K.P. Bhaskar inaugurating the school on Balakrishnan's 53rd birthday. He eventually secured his own dance space in Norris Road in 2010, where he has taught since. Beyond teaching, Balakrishnan actively composes music for dance, collaborating with local musicians and dancers for over two decades. He regularly performs in Tamil Nadu, where he is received with respect and appreciation for his traditional values and continued zeal for dance. He emphasizes the importance of cultural adherence and aesthetics in Bharatanatyam, advocating for professionalism among his students.