Mathula Kishorekumar

🪔 About

Dr. Mathula Kishorekumar is a distinguished Bharatanatyam dancer, teacher, choreographer, and researcher from Coimbatore, India. She began her dance journey at the age of four, receiving her initial training from her mother, Amutha Dhandapani, who founded the Bharathalayam dance school in 1986. Mathula completed her Arangetram in 2000. She pursued higher education in dance, earning an M.A. from Madras University, where she was part of the first batch of dance graduates. During her post-graduation, she had the privilege of learning Padams & Javalis from Padma Bushan Kalanidhi Narayanan, Varnams & 'Ashtapadi' from Prof. Chandrashekar, and Javalis from Padma Shri Sudharani Ragupathy, who were visiting faculties at the university. She adopted the Pandanallur style and her M.A. studies focused on Kalakshetra's teaching methodologies. Furthering her academic pursuits, she completed an M.Phil. with a thesis on 'The Significance of Sapta Tandavas' and a Ph.D. in dance based on 'Sitrilakiyangal' from Bharathiar University. As a second-generation dance teacher, Dr. Mathula Kishorekumar is actively involved with the Bharathalayam Institute of Fine Arts (BIFA), continuing her mother's legacy. She is known for her performances in various temples across India, including Mayuranathar, Thiruvidaimaruthur, Chidambaram, and Udupi, and has also performed internationally in Singapore and Zambia. She is also a choreographer, notably for productions like "ANDAL - The Secret Garland." Her husband, Bhavani Kishore Kumar, an accomplished musician, often collaborates with her on new concepts and projects. Mathula was awarded the title 'Mayura Natiya Tharakai' in Mayiladuthurai. Awards & Honours: Mayura Natiya Tharakai.