Narmatha Ravichandhira

🪔 About

Narmatha Ravichandhira OAM is a leading figure in Indian classical dance and music, primarily based in Melbourne, Australia, where she has played a pivotal role in developing and promoting new music and dance repertoire since 1992. An accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer, Carnatic vocalist, and violinist, she received her Masters in music from Madras University and trained under esteemed maestros Lalgudi G Jayaraman and Adyar K Lakshman. Ravichandhira is the founder and artistic director of Bharatha Choodamani Australia – School of Indian Classical Dance (established 1994) and Sruthi-Laya Kendra (Australia) School of Indian Classical Music (established 1993). She also serves as the Co-Artistic Director of the Academy of Indian Music and Cultural Studies Australia, which she co-founded with her husband, Ravi Ravichandhira OAM. Through these institutions, she has guided over 500 students, many of whom have gone on to become teachers themselves. She is known for her creative, skillful, and technically deep dance and musical compositions. Her contributions extend beyond teaching and performance; she is also a researcher in the performing arts sector. Ravichandhira has performed internationally in Sri Lanka, India, the UK, France, New Zealand, and Australia, including at prominent venues like the Victorian Arts Centre and Melbourne Concert Hall. She was instrumental in raising the profile of Bharatanatyam at the Victorian State School Spectacular in 2013, where her students performed for an audience of over 10,000. Her music recordings were featured at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and are part of the permanent soundscape of the William Barak Bridge in Melbourne. Beyond her artistic endeavors, Ravichandhira is deeply involved in social service, utilizing dance and musical performances to fundraise for various charitable causes, including World Vision, Oxfam Australia, and the Mental Health Foundation Victoria. Awards & Honours: Order of Australia Medal (OAM) (2023), Recognition as a creator of new works in Indian Classical music and dance (2007), State of Victoria Award for performance and teaching skills (2015), Acknowledgement in the parliament of Victoria for her contribution.