Sushmita Arunkumar

🪔 About

Sushmita Arunkumar is a distinguished Bharatanatyam dancer, teacher, and choreographer, known for her meticulous training under the renowned Guru Padmashri Adyar K. Lakshman in India. Her profound love for Bharatanatyam began in childhood, leading her to become a devout performer who has graced stages extensively in both India and the United States. Arunkumar is celebrated for her ability to embody characters and convey narratives through her expressive and graceful dance, drawing upon both her own emotions and those of her audience. In 1996, Sushmita Arunkumar established the Nrithyanjali School of Dance in Bolingbrook, Illinois, where she serves as its Artistic Director. Under her leadership, Nrithyanjali has grown into a leading center for Bharatanatyam education in the greater Chicagoland area, boasting a culturally diverse and large student enrollment. The school, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is dedicated to upholding the traditional legacy of Bharatanatyam while offering innovative programs that integrate storytelling, music, poetry, sculpture, literature, and spirituality. Beyond her roles as a performer and educator, Arunkumar is also a choreographer of distinction. She co-authored a chapter on the emergence of Bharatanatyam in the West for the book "Scripting Dance in Contemporary India," published by Lexington Books in 2016. She continues to refine her artistry by training with acclaimed artists such as Jayanthi Subramaniam and Bragha Bessell. Her contributions to the art form have earned her numerous accolades both domestically and internationally. Awards & Honours: Balasaraswati Award (1995), Award of Excellence in the Arts, Award of Appreciation for contribution to Bharatanatyam in Annmayya Tathwa Pracharam, Award of Recognition, Selection for sponsored programs in the state, Master Artist award, Individual Artist Support grants.