Rathimalar Govindarajoo

🪔 About

Rathimalar Govindarajoo is a highly acclaimed Indian classical dancer, choreographer, and educator, recognized as a pioneer in the performing arts in Malaysia and abroad, specializing in Bharatanatyam, Odissi, and contemporary dance. Her profound understanding of these forms stems from extensive training under Datuk Ramli Ibrahim, a celebrated choreographer and founder of Sutra Dance Theatre and Sutra Foundation in Kuala Lumpur. As his disciple, Rathimalar was an integral part of Sutra Dance Theatre for over three decades, evolving into a lead and principal dancer, and also partnered Datuk Ramli Ibrahim for more than a decade. She also helmed Sutra's Bharatanatyam faculty. From 2001 to 2006, Rathimalar was a pioneer dancer with the London-based Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company (SJDC), touring extensively throughout Britain and Europe. Upon returning to Malaysia, she dedicated over a decade to nurturing young talent as a Dance Education Specialist at various international schools, including Fairview International School, HELP International School, MAHSA International School, and Stella Maris International School. Her choreographic works, such as “Panjara,” “Star Struck,” and “Rebel Without A Cause?”, have garnered recognition, with "Rebel Without A Cause?" receiving a nomination for Best Choreography at the BOH Cameronian Arts Awards. Rathimalar has also served as a judge for the BOH Cameronian Awards from 2020 to 2024 and is an active member of MyDance Alliance Malaysia. She recently relocated to Coffs Harbour, Australia, where she continues to work as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer. Awards & Honours: 13th Debaprasad Prativi Award (2019), BOH Cameronian Award for Best Feature Performer in the Dance Category, Women of WATSON Award for extraordinary women in the Arts & Play (2013), Great Women of Our Time by Malaysian Women's Weekly Magazine (2011), Women of Style & Substance award from Marie Claire Malaysia (2011), Natyam Maalika Foundation Award (2022), Nomination for Best Choreography at the BOH Cameronian Arts Awards (2009).