Nartana Premachandra

🪔 About

Nartana Premachandra is a classical Indian dancer, writer, and storyteller, currently serving as the President of Dances of India, one of the oldest classical Indian dance companies in the United States. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, she grew up immersed in classical Indian dance, as her parents, Asha Premachandra (Artistic Director) and the late Dr. B.N. Premachandra (founder), established Dances of India in the late 1970s. Her parents originated from Bangalore, India. Premachandra has been dancing since the age of five and has performed extensively in various settings, from schools and museums to corporate events. She took over as President of Dances of India in 2014 after her father's passing. In this role, she not only performs but also writes and narrates the company's original dance-theater productions, which aim to make classical Indian dance accessible to non-Indian audiences. Her productions often offer contemporary interpretations of ancient Hindu myths or blend Western and Eastern narratives. Beyond dance, Premachandra is an accomplished writer, with works published in various journals and anthologies, including Parabola, Panorama, and The St. Louis Anthology. She also works as a storyteller and public speaker, sharing Indian myths, folktales, and insights on history, religion, art, and culture. She has received recognition for her artistic contributions, including an Artist Support Grant and being named a Featured Artist by the Missouri Arts Council. Awards & Honours: Artist Support Grant, Featured Artist (2021).