Vidya Ravishankar

🪔 About

Vidya Ravishankar, also known as Vidyalatha Jeerage, is a distinguished Bharatanatyam exponent, performer, choreographer, and teacher. Her journey in classical dance began at the tender age of six, demonstrating an innate talent and dedication to the art form. She underwent her Rangapravesham and completed her Vidwat in Bharatanatyam under the rigorous training of Guru Smt. Manjula Paramesh, who directed Sapthaswara Arts and Creations in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. Further enriching her artistic foundation, Vidya Ravishankar continued her training under the renowned Guru Late Smt. Narmada, a direct disciple of the esteemed Guru Kittapa Pillai from Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. She also expanded her knowledge by studying techniques in choreographing Indian Folk dances and Contemporary art forms, and the basics of Kathak and Odissi. Her commitment to continuous learning led her to attend specialized workshops conducted by eminent gurus such as Dr. Padma Subramanyam (Karana workshop) and Adyar Lakshman. Throughout her career, Vidya Ravishankar has been recognized as an elite performing artist. She is a Doordarshan 'A' grade artiste and an empanelled artiste in Kendriya Sadan, Bangalore. As a Bharatanatyam soloist, she has graced stages across India and represented the country internationally through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). She actively participated in major dance productions directed by notable figures including Guru Smt Manjula Paramesh, Padma Hemanth, Smt. Usha Venkateshwaran, Sathya Narayanaraju, Dr. Sonal Mansingh, and Kuchipudi exponent Sri Pasumarthy Venkateswara Sarma. Vidya Ravishankar is also a dedicated educator and institution builder. She founded and directed Druva Performing Arts, a non-profit cultural organization in India. After relocating to the United States, she established Smaran Performing Arts and the Vidya Dance Academy, both dedicated to promoting the Bharatanatyam art form among younger generations. She also organizes and conducts the Smaran Dance Festival. Her contributions to the arts have been acknowledged with the Karnataka Kalashree Award from the Government of Karnataka. She holds a Bachelor's degree in engineering. Awards & Honours: Karnataka Kalashree Award.