Smt. Kalashri Asha Gopal

🪔 About

Smt. Kalashri Asha Gopal is a distinguished Bharatanatyam dancer, teacher, and institution head, renowned for her significant contributions to Indian classical dance, particularly in the Pandanallur style. She received her training under eminent gurus such as Guru Muthiah Pillai, Guru Kittappa Pillai, and Professor U. S. Krishna Rao. Gopal is the visionary founder and director of the Arathi School of Dance, established in 1981 in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. Under her leadership, the school has become a prominent center for Bharatanatyam education, celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2016. A testament to her dedication and teaching prowess, she holds a Guinness World Record for graduating the highest number of Bharatanatyam students through arangetram performances, with Kalyani being her 245th graduate. The school also marked the graduation of its 200th student in 2016, Divya Mohanraj. Throughout her illustrious career, Smt. Kalashri Asha Gopal has served as a cultural ambassador, representing the Governments of Karnataka and India. Her performances have graced international stages in Europe, Mexico, and the USA, and she has had the honor of performing for dignitaries including the King of Sikkim, Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau of Canada, two former Presidents of India, and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Her profound impact on the dance world has been recognized with numerous accolades. She was honored with the 'Singar Mani' title from Sur Singar Samsad, Mumbai, in 1969, and the Karnataka 'Kalashri' award from Sangeet Natak Academy in 1999. Internationally, she received the NRI Excellence award in London, England, in 1993, and the Citizen of the Year award from the Asian American Association of Arizona in 2000. Further recognition includes the 'Abhinaya Saraswathi' award from the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, Cambodia, the Balasaraswati dance award in New Delhi in 2005, and the Natya Saraswati award in Bengaluru in 2008. In 2024, she was bestowed with the American Natya Lifetime Achievement Award. Her teaching legacy extends to many students, including Nisha Talanki, who now serves as an assistant teacher at her school. Awards & Honours: Abhinaya Saraswathi, Singar Mani (1969), NRI Excellence award (1993), Karnataka 'Kalashri' award (1999), Citizen of the Year award (2000), Balasaraswati dance award (2005), Natya Saraswati award (2008), Drishti Nrityakala Puraskara (2011), American Natya Life Time Achievement Award (2024).