Taeko Kurakawa

🪔 About

Taeko Kurokawa is a prominent Japanese figure in the field of Bharatanatyam, an Indian classical dance form, with a career spanning over four decades. Her extensive training in Bharatanatyam began in 1980, under the tutelage of several esteemed gurus. She studied with Guru Shakti in Tokyo, Guru Dakshnamurty in Delhi, and Guru Gyanendra Bajpai in both Tokyo and Lucknow. This diverse training across India and Japan provided her with a deep understanding of the art form. Beyond her performance and teaching, Kurokawa holds a Ph.D. from Osaka University, awarded in 2000, for her research on the South Indian folk drum dance forms of Parai and Paraiattam. Her academic pursuits complement her practical dance expertise, highlighting her scholarly contribution to Indian dance studies. Kurokawa has also made significant contributions to international cultural exchange. She dedicated 14 years to working with the Asian/Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO. Currently, she serves as the Secretary General of the International Centre for Literacy and Culture (ICLC). Her involvement with ICLC has included cooperation with the Sakthi Cultural Centre in Tamil Nadu, India, on initiatives such as teaching handmade paper making and organizing children's camps in rural India, demonstrating her commitment to cultural preservation and community engagement. In May 2009, Taeko Kurokawa co-founded the Nrithyanjali Dance Troupe, a significant institution for Indian classical dance in Japan. She is regarded as a pillar of this troupe, providing immense experience and knowledge of Indian culture and dance. Through Nrithyanjali, she has fostered a new generation of Bharatanatyam dancers. Her students, including the founding members of Nrithyanjali and later joiners, have received guidance from her and other esteemed teachers like Sister Chandra during visits to Japan.