Professor Shiva Kumar

🪔 About

Guru Shri. S. Shivakumar is a distinguished exponent of Bharatanatyam, a revered Indian classical dance form. Born in Devakottai, Ramanathapuram District, he embarked on his dance journey at the age of 12 in Chennai. His initial training in Bharatanatyam spanned eight years under Guru Smt. Chandra Dandayuthapani Pillai at Natyakalalayam. Furthering his expertise, he pursued a two-year Diploma in Nattuvangam under Guru Sri. Seetha Rama Sharma, supported by a scholarship from the Tamilnadu Government's Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram. He also received a Sangeeth Natak Akademi fellowship for advanced training in Nattuvangam and vocal for dance. His continuous pursuit of knowledge led him to advanced training in Bharatanatyam, vocal, and Nattuvangam from the legendary Gurus Kalaimamani Sri. M.V. Narasimhachari and Smt. Vasanthalakshmi. He has also collaborated with senior Gurus such as Sri. K.N. Dakshinamurthy Pillai, Smt. Malathi Srinivasan, and Smt. Usha Srinivasan. With over 30 years of experience in the field, Shri. S. Shivakumar is recognized as an 'A' Grade Artist in All India Doordarshan Kendra. He is a versatile performer, teacher, Nattuvanar, vocalist, and choreographer. His commitment to promoting Indian classical arts led him to establish SHIVAKALALAYAM (Regd)-School of Fine Arts, also known as Shivakalalayam Academy of Indian Performing Arts (SAIPA), on July 14, 1996, in Chennai. The institution was officially registered on November 5, 1998. Through Shivakalalayam, he and his wife, Smt. Sailaja Shivakumar, train numerous aspiring artists in Bharatanatyam, Nattuvangam, and Mohini Attam, both in India and internationally. Shri. Shivakumar has served as an Assistant Professor for a Masters Degree in Bharatanatyam at Kumarani Meena Muthiah College, affiliated with Annamalai University, in Adayar, Chennai. He is a lifetime member of the Association of Bharathanatyam Artistes of India (ABHAI), where he has also held significant roles as Treasurer for seven years and Joint Secretary. His choreographic works include several dance ballets like "Thiruvasaga Bharatha Paamalai" and "Veera Mangai Velu Nachiyar." His contributions to dance were recognized with the Talent Promotion Endowment Award for Best Male Dancer by ABHAI on November 28, 2010. He has performed extensively across India and in countries such as the USA, Canada, UK, France, Norway, Dubai, Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Taiwan. Awards & Honours: Talent Promotion Endowment Award for Best Male Dancer (2010).