Srekala Bharath

🪔 About

Srekala Bharath is a renowned exponent of the Vazhuvoor style of Bharatanatyam, having commenced her training at the age of seven and performing her arangetram at ten. She was a dedicated disciple of the illustrious Guru K.J. Sarasa for three decades, from 1969 to 1999. Bharath has an extensive performance career, with over 900 stage performances in more than 32 countries across five continents. She is an A-Grade artist of Doordarshan and was elected secretary of ABHAI (Association of Bharatanatyam Artistes of India) in May 2001. Known for her strict adherence to tradition, she has choreographed notable thematic presentations such as Kodhai Potriya Kannan, Swati Smriti, Annamayya Bhakti Manjari, and Thyagaraja Vaibhavam. The Government of India has conferred a senior fellowship upon her, and she has also authored a thesis on the evolution of Bharatanatyam. In 1999, Srekala Bharath founded "Thejas School of Performing Arts" (Thejas) in Chennai, which celebrated its silver jubilee in 2024. The academy has trained over 400 students and offers classes both offline and via Skype, extending her teaching legacy globally. She also organizes the annual "Thejas Bala Natyotsav" to provide a platform for young dancers. Bharath has released DVDs on the basics of Bharatanatyam and has overcome a brain tumor to continue her illustrious dance journey. She celebrated 50 years in Bharatanatyam in 2019. Awards & Honours: Kalaimamani, Bharatha Rathnam, Nadanamamani, Acharya Choodamani, Nritya Kala Shiromani (2001), House of Commons recognition, Nrithya Ratnakara (2024), Nrithya Perunjothi (2024), Natya Kala Sarathy (2023), Vazhuvoor Ramaiah Pillai Award of excellence in Bharatanatyam.