Ramya Harishankar

🪔 About

Ramya Harishankar is a distinguished performer, teacher, choreographer, presenter, philanthropist, and cultural ambassador of Bharatanatyam, the classical dance form of South India. Her rigorous training began under the legendary gurus Sri Swamimalai K. Rajaratnam, known for the Vazhavoor School's elegance and grace, and Padma Bhushan Kalanidhi Narayanan, a renowned exponent and teacher of Abhinaya, the art of expressing emotions. Harishankar completed her Arangetram in 1970, marking the beginning of a solo performance career spanning nearly five decades that has taken her across India, Southeast Asia, the Far East, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, Canada, and the United States. In 1982, Harishankar founded the Arpana Dance School, followed by the Arpana Dance Company (ADC) in 1985, both based in Orange County, California. The school has trained several hundred students, with over 150 having completed their Arangetrams. ADC, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2022, has performed extensively internationally and was recognized as an LA Milestone Company. Harishankar is also a co-founder of the Ektaa Center (formerly Arpana Foundation), established in 1989, which has brought numerous Indian classical artists to Southern California. She is an empanelled artist of the ICCR and has served as a panelist for prestigious organizations like the National Endowment for the Arts and the California Arts Council. Her recent creative endeavors include award-winning dance films "Bhumika" and "Aasha…until we meet again." Awards & Honours: Legacy Fellowship, California Arts Council Individual Artist Fellowship Program (2023), Distinguished Citizen, Wall of Recognition, City of Irvine (2022), Lifetime Achievement Award, Soorya Foundation, Los Angeles (2022), Kala Seva Bharathi, Bharat Kalachar, Chennai, India (2012), ACTA's Apprenticeship Program Master Artist (2010), Master Apprentice fellowship, Alliance for California Traditional Arts (ACTA) (2009), Helena Modjeska Cultural Legacy Artist Award, Arts OC (2007), Artist's Support Grant, Fund for Folk Culture (2005), Outstanding Artist Award for 2002, Arts Orange County (2003), Traditional Folk Arts Grant, California Arts Council (2003), Creativity Grant, National Endowment for the Arts (2002), Disney Artist in ARTS TEACH Roster, Orange County Performing Arts Center (2002), ACTA's Apprenticeship Program Master Artist (2002), Traditional Folk Arts Grant, California Arts Council (2001), Excellence award, United India Association (1996).