Smt. Chitra Muralidharan

🪔 About

Smt. Chitra Muralidharan is a prominent figure in Indian classical dance, primarily Bharathanatyam, known for her contributions as a guru, teacher, and choreographer. She is the co-founder and Artistic Director of Nrithyakshethra Dance Academy, a renowned institution based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. She runs the academy alongside her husband, the acclaimed Bharathanatyam guru, composer, and choreographer, Madurai R. Muralidaran. The academy was established in 1978 or 1979, and by 2009, it celebrated its 30th anniversary. Chitra Muralidharan plays a crucial role in training numerous students in Bharathanatyam, both in India and internationally. Her dedication to teaching is evident in her long-standing career, having actively trained students since the academy's inception. She is credited with choreography for various productions, including "Sense Beyond," a dance production by her husband, Madurai R. Muralidaran. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes passion and serious learning, as she once recounted the journey of a five-year-old student from initial enthusiasm to a dedicated debut performance. Under her guidance, along with her husband, Nrithyakshethra Dance Academy has nurtured many talented dancers, including their daughter, Kavya Muralidharan, who is also a distinguished Bharathanatyam artiste and a recipient of several awards. Smt. Chitra Muralidharan's work at the academy contributes significantly to the preservation and propagation of Bharathanatyam, making her a respected guru in the field. She continues to be actively involved in teaching and guiding the next generation of classical dancers.