16+
Years of Experience
1+
Students Taught
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About
Govind Pillai is a leading Australian Bharatanatyam practitioner, choreographer, teacher, and director, based in Melbourne (Naarm). He directs Karma Dance Inc., a classical and contemporary Indian dance company and teaching academy. Pillai's journey in Bharatanatyam began with informal lessons from his sister, leading to formal training. He credits…
Journey Timeline
2010
Karma Dance Academy established
2014
Joined the Board of The National Theatre
2015
Performed 'In Plain Sanskrit' with Raina Peterson — Marked a departure from traditional Bharatanatyam format
2017
Mentored Divya Shreejith Kumar's solo graduation performance — Student of Karma Dance
2018
Performed 'Third Nature' with Raina Peterson — Presented by Arts House and Midsumma Festival
2020
Premiered 'Drishti' — Winner of Best Dance & Physical Theatre and Innovation in Culturally Diverse Practise at Melbourne Fringe Awards
2023
Elected Chairperson of the Board of the National Theatre (St Kilda)
2024
Performed 'Temple of Desire' at Melbourne Fringe Festival — Winner of Director's Choice at Melbourne Fringe
2024
Excerpt of 'Temple of Desire' performed at Woodford Folk Festival
2026
Upcoming performance of 'Temple of Desire' at Sydney Opera House
Photo Gallery
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Video Library
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Signature Performances
Signature repertoire pieces will be showcased here.
Performance Map
A world map of performances will appear here as tours are recorded.
Awards & Honors
- Nominee, Australian Dance Awards
- Nominee, Green Room Awards
- Nominee, Melbourne Fringe Awards
- 2020 · Best Dance & Physical Theatre — Melbourne Fringe Awards
- 2020 · Innovation in Culturally Diverse Practise — Melbourne Fringe Awards
- Director's Choice — Melbourne Fringe
Media Coverage
- The National Theatre Melbourne Welcomes New Chair
Broadway World
- Heritage-listed National Theatre to receive a much-needed Façade-Lift
The National Theatre Melbourne
Schools & Affiliations
Students
Testimonials
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Upcoming Workshops
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