Vasanthi Gopinath Jayaswal

🪔 About

Vasanthi Gopinath Jayaswal is a prominent figure in Indian classical dance, recognized as an exponent of Kerala Natanam and Bharatanatyam. She is the eldest daughter of the renowned Indian actor-cum-dancer Guru Gopinath and Thankamani, who were instrumental in the revival and popularization of Indian classical dance in Kerala. Vasanthi received extensive training in Kathakali, Mohiniattam, and Kerala Natanam from her parents. She also received training in Vadalur paani Bharatanatyam, Rabindra Natak, Carnatic, and Hindustani classical music from other teachers. After moving to the United States in the 1960s, Jayaswal founded Kalamandiram, which is noted as the oldest academy of classical Indian dance in Los Angeles. Through Kalamandiram, she played a significant role in establishing several children's dance classes under organizations like Chinmaya Mission and Vishwa Hindu Parishad. She has taught spiritual culture and dance extensively in both the U.S. and India. Jayaswal is also a teacher of shastras in the USA and has expressed her scholarship through numerous lectures, creative projects, books, and articles on Indian art, culture, religion, and philosophy. Her published works include "The Devimahatmyam- Glory of the Feminine Principle Word to word meaning and translation". She has also been involved in conducting dance camps in India under Nehru Yuva Kendra and a special summer school program for orphan girls called Sahridaya.