Kaname Tomiyasu

🪔 About

Kaname Tomiyasu is a Japanese Bharatanatyam dancer, recognized as a promising young professional in the field. Born in Thailand, her early life was spent in New Delhi, India, where her journey into Indian classical dance commenced at the age of four. At eight, she began formal training under the esteemed Guru Dr. Saroja Vaidyanathan, the visionary founder of Ganesa Natyalaya, a prominent Bharatanatyam institution in North India. Dr. Vaidyanathan, a recipient of the prestigious Padma Bhushan award, is celebrated for her prolific choreography and profound expertise in Bharatanatyam, having been trained by Smt. Lalitha of Saraswati Gana Nilayam, a disciple of the renowned Guru Kattumannar Muthukumaran Pillai. Kaname's initial fascination with the dance form was sparked by its vibrant costumes, intricate jewelry, and expressive makeup. However, this soon evolved into a deep appreciation for Bharatanatyam as a rich embodiment of Indian culture, mythology, and tradition. She attributes to her Guru the invaluable lessons in courtesy and respect, drawing parallels to the ancient Japanese "Budo" spirit. In March 2018, Kaname, along with her family, relocated to Japan. A significant milestone in her artistic journey occurred on September 2, 2018, her eleventh birthday, when she performed her Arangetram—her debut solo performance—in New Delhi, under the continued guidance of Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan. Since her return to Japan, Kaname has actively engaged in performing and promoting Bharatanatyam. She has been a featured artist in the Embassy of India, Tokyo's "Digital Dance Series," commemorating India's Independence Day and the diplomatic relations between India and Japan. Her performance repertoire includes notable events such as Namaste India in Tokyo, Diwali in Yokohama, and various cultural programs hosted by the Embassy of India in Tokyo. Kaname continues to perform extensively across Japan and has also participated in Bharatanatyam workshops in the United States. As of 2023, she is 16 years old and a high school student in Japan, diligently balancing her academic pursuits with her unwavering dedication to the art of Bharatanatyam.