Sharmini Tharmaratnam

🪔 About

Sharmini Tharmaratnam is a renowned Sri Lankan-Dutch and British citizen, multidisciplinary artist, choreographer, and Kathak dancer, currently based in Madrid, Spain. She holds a degree in Fine Arts (Art Installations) from the Academy of Arts Minerva in Groningen, Holland. Her extensive dance training includes Kathak of the Jaipur gharana under Pandit Rajendra Gangani, which she began in 1995 or 1996, Bharatanatyam, Flamenco, Jazz Dance, Contemporary Dance, and Mayurbhanj Chhau under Guru Janmejoy Sai Babu. Tharmaratnam is particularly recognized for her innovative fusion of Indian classical dance, especially Kathak, with Flamenco, a style she developed due to the scarcity of Indian musicians in Spain. She founded her own company in Madrid in 1995, with which she has performed worldwide, including notable appearances at Etno Sur with Trilok Gurtú and for 10,000 people in Mumbai with her company "Nomads but maths." Her performances often integrate her background in plastic arts, new technologies, and a deep spiritual experience, creating a dialogue between Eastern and Western, traditional and modern aesthetics. She also composes her own musical pieces. As a dedicated educator, Sharmini Tharmaratnam has taught Kathak and fusion dance in Europe and India, including to adopted children from India and students of contemporary dance and acting. She has also conducted workshops at institutions like the Terence Lewis Institute in Mumbai (2009-2010) and the Mithi Bhai college. She is also a certified Yoga and Pilates instructor. Her contributions to Kathak dance abroad were recognized with the Naatyasaardh Awardi in Vishakapatnam, India, in 2012. She has also received awards and artistic residencies for her choreographic works in Spain, such as the 3rd prize at the ADAE festival in Madrid in 2013 and residencies at Teatros del Canal and Alanís de la Sierra for her project "Rewind Fast Forward." Awards & Honours: Naatyasaardh Awardi (2012), 3rd prize at ADAE festival (2013).