Jayashree Kumar

🪔 About

Jayashree Kumar is a Bharatanatyam dancer, teacher, and choreographer currently based in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. Her journey into classical dance began at the age of seven, leading to over 14 years of rigorous training under the esteemed guidance of Guru Natyacharya Late Sri. Keshava Murthy and Kalamandalam Mrs. Usha Datar. She further solidified her expertise by obtaining a “Proficiency” degree from the State Board of Education in Bangalore, Karnataka. Kumar made her official dance debut, or arangetram, with a solo performance at the age of ten. This significant event took place at a state reception organized by the government of Karnataka, graced by the presence of the then Chief Minister Late Sri. Dev Raj Urs. Throughout her career, she has performed extensively across India, Russia, and the USA, with notable appearances at venues such as Kolonii Zal in Moscow, the Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Moscow, the Academy of Sciences in Siberia, and the Indian Institute of World Culture in Bangalore. Beyond performing, Jayashree Kumar has also showcased her choreographic talents by directing several dance ballets, including a Russian Folk Dance presented at a state reception organized by the Government of Karnataka. With a teaching career spanning over three decades, Jayashree Kumar first imparted her knowledge at the Rama Mandira in Bangalore from 1989 to 1995. Following her relocation to the USA in 1995, she founded Kumar's School of Arts in Memphis, Tennessee, where she has been actively teaching Bharatanatyam since February 1996. Under her tutelage, numerous students have successfully completed their arangetrams. Academically, she holds a Master's Degree in Russian Language and agriculture from Timiryazev Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Moscow, Russia. Her dedication to dance education has been recognized with multiple accolades, including the “Outstanding Teacher Award” from the India Association of Memphis, Tennessee, in both 2008 and 2019. She also received an award at Sri. Devaraja Urs's 60th birthday celebrations and secured first prize at an annual talent competition at the Timiryazev Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Moscow between 1982 and 1988. Awards & Honours: Outstanding Teacher Award (2008), Outstanding Teacher Award (2019), Award, First Prize, Annual Talent Competition.