Prabha Ravi

🪔 About

Prabha Ravi QSM, JP, is a distinguished figure in Indian classical dance, particularly Bharatanatyam, and a prominent community leader in New Zealand. Born and raised in Chennai, India, she began her journey in arts at the age of three, engaging in both singing and dancing. In 1999, Prabha Ravi migrated from India to New Zealand with her family. Just three weeks after her arrival, on May 1, 1999, she established the Natraj School of Dance in Lower Hutt, Wellington, which was the first institution of its kind in the area. As the founder, artistic director, choreographer, and producer, she has since trained over 1,600 students in Bharatanatyam, fostering a deep connection to their roots, culture, and identity. Her teaching methodology emphasizes discipline, storytelling, emotional intelligence, and cultural understanding. Prabha Ravi is celebrated for her innovative choreography, which includes groundbreaking fusion performances that integrate Indian dance traditions with elements from Māori Kapa haka, Samoan, Sri Lankan, and Western classical ballet. A notable example is the Bharatanatyam and Māori Kapa haka fusion dance performed at the India vs. New Zealand cricket game at Sky Stadium in 2019, which took eight months to prepare. Her significant contributions to the arts and ethnic communities in New Zealand have been widely recognized. She was awarded the Queen's Service Medal (QSM) by the New Zealand government in 2017. Other accolades include the Hutt City Civic Honour Award for Arts & Culture in 2012 and a Cultural award from the Upper Hutt Multicultural society in 2013. Beyond her artistic endeavors, Prabha Ravi serves as a Justice of Peace and an elected Hutt City Councillor, leveraging over two decades of governance experience across various sectors to contribute to community development. She is also recognized as an international performer, speaker, cultural leader, and an award-winning actor. The Natraj School of Dance marked its 25th anniversary in October 2023 with a captivating production titled "Dasavatharam." Awards & Honours: Queen's Service Medal (2017), Civic Honour Award for Arts & Culture (2012), Cultural award (2013), Wellingtonian of the Year Award - Education (Finalist) (2016), Best Actress Awards.