Guru Bhanumati

🪔 About

Guru B. Bhanumati was a highly revered Indian classical dancer, teacher, and choreographer specializing in Bharatanatyam. Known for her profound expertise in Abhinaya and pioneering group choreography, she established Nrityakalamandiram, a prominent dance institution in Bengaluru, and founded the Bharatanjali dance troupe. Her journey in dance began at the age of ten, where she received training from legendary gurus including Padmashri K.N. Dandayuthapani Pillai, Padmabhushan Dr. K. Venkatalakshamma, and Padmabhushan Smt. Kalanidhi Narayanan. She also received early training in Bharatanatyam from Kamala Lakshmanan in Madras and studied Kathak for two years as a child under Smt. Rohini Bhate in Pune. Bhanumati was celebrated for her well-defined movements and subtle, effective Abhinaya. She was a stickler for tradition, committed to maintaining the authenticity of K.N. Dandayuthapani Pillai's compositions. Her democratic approach to teaching helped students gain insight and confidence, and she was known for nurturing them with patience, love, and precision. Her dance troupe, Bharatanjali, founded in 1994, became renowned for its exceptional choreography, perfect synchronization, and precision, performing over 500 shows globally. Guru B. Bhanumati also contributed to the textbook committee on dance in Karnataka and helped document Dandayuthapani Pillai's legacy. She passed away on May 24, 2021. Awards & Honours: Sangeetha Nritya Academy - Karnataka Kalashree (2000), Rajyotsava Award (2001), Chanakya Kautila Award, Aryabhata Award, Senior Fellowship, Shantala Natya Sri, Best Bharatanatyam Dance Troupe (for Bharatanjali).