Geeta Venkateshwar

🪔 About

Geeta Venkateshwar, also known as Geetha Venkateswar, is a distinguished Indian classical dancer, teacher, and choreographer specializing in Bharatanatyam. She began her training in Bharatanatyam at the age of six and has been dancing for over 35 years. She received her initial training under Smt. Rajalakshmi Venkateswar of Kolkata, who was a senior disciple of the renowned Guru Padmashri K.N. Dandayudapani Pillai. Geeta Venkateshwar continues to refine her art under the tutelage of Guru Sri Venogopal Pillai of Thanjuvar Nritya Shala in Mumbai. She holds a master's degree in Bharatanatyam. Geeta Venkateshwar has an extensive career as a performer, with numerous television appearances and performances at various venues across India and internationally, including the Chidambaram Natyanjali, Surya Festival at Trivandrum, and the India Festival at Puducherry. She made a conscious transition from a performer to a dedicated teacher. In 1996, she founded Bharatanatya Kalalaya in Mumbai, an institution that has since expanded to four centers across the city. Through her academy, she has guided over 75 students through their arangetrams (debut performances). Her teaching legacy extends globally, with students of all age groups (from 5 to 50) participating in her distance learning Bharatanatyam certification program from various cities in the US, Canada, Abu Dhabi, and India. Some of her former students have also established their own dance schools abroad. She is also a nominated member of the expert committee of Carnatic music, Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Awards & Honours: Natya Ratna, Nritya Award, Kamala Women Power Award, Honorary Doctorate, Shivali Nritya Shiromani, Senior Fellowship, Second Place, Akashavani Annual Awards (2002).