Kalamandalam Usha Datar

🪔 About

Kalamandalam Usha Datar is a veteran Indian classical dancer and guru, renowned for her mastery across multiple classical forms including Bharatanatyam, Mohiniattam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Satvika Abinaya, and various traditional temple dances. Her journey in dance began at a young age, inspired by a performance in the film 'Chandralekha'. She initially learned Bharatanatyam from her mother, Smt. Snehaprabha, before undertaking rigorous training at the prestigious Kerala Kalamandalam, where she honed her skills in Bharatanatyam, Mohiniattam, and Kathakali. Usha Datar's extensive training includes tutelage from esteemed gurus such as Smt. Alamelu, Sri Kannan Marar, and Sri Professor Bhaskar for Bharatanatyam. She received specialized coaching in Mohiniattam from Smt. Padmashree Chinnammu Ammu, and further mastered Kuchipudi, Temple dance, and Sathvika Abhinaya under Dr. Nataraja Ramakrishna at the "Andra School of Abhinaya". Her pursuit of knowledge also led her to train in the Mysore Dasimela style with Smt. Jojamma, Mysore style of Abhinaya with Dr. Venkatalakshamma, and Poothana Moksham of Kathakali style with Sri. Nilakantan. She also learned the nuances of Shodashopachara Pooja Krama from Bharatkala. Her illustrious career saw her traveling extensively as a performer with the Kalamandalam troupe. Notably, she was the main dancer in a troupe that entertained military personnel in Forward Areas during the Indo-China war in 1962-63. She was also instrumental in teaching Mohiniattam to the legendary Vyjayanthimala as an assistant to Chinnammu Ammu. After moving to Bengaluru, Usha Datar played a significant role in popularizing Mohiniattam in the region. She began her teaching career at Mahila Samaja in Rajajinagar and later served as a lecturer, Reader, Professor, and Head of a department, eventually establishing her own institution, the Datar Institute of Fine Arts, in Bangalore. Her contributions to dance have been recognized with several accolades, including the Srinivas Kulkarni award in 2017, the KALAABHISAARIKE AWARD in 2024, and the NRITYA ARADHAKA award in 2025, in addition to an Academy award and the Rajyotsava award. She continues to be an active guru, conducting dance classes daily and performing. Awards & Honours: Srinivas Kulkarni award (2017), Academy award, Rajyotsava award, KALAABHISAARIKE AWARD (2024), NRITYA ARADHAKA award (2025).