Ramaa Bharadvaj
Bharatanatyam Performer • Teacher
44+
Years of Experience
1+
Students Taught
1
Followers
About
Ramaa Bharadvaj is a celebrated Indian classical dancer, choreographer, storyteller, educator, writer, and arts-curator, renowned for her mastery in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi. Born in Madras (now Chennai), India, she began her dance training at the age of four under the legendary Bharatanatyam guru Vazhuvoor Ramaiah Pillai. From ages 10 to 19, she further…
Journey Timeline
1958
Born in Madras, India
1962
Began dance training — Started dancing at age four under Vazhuvoor Ramaiah Pillai.
1964
Dance debut — Made a three-hour dance debut at age 6.
1966
Received state scholarship — Awarded a state scholarship to tour South India at age 8.
1968
Began studying with Kamala — Studied with Kamala from age 10 to 19, becoming a principal dancer in her company.
1978
Married
1982
Founded Angahara Academy of Performing Arts
1990
Formed Angahara Ensemble
1993
Received first Lester Horton Dance Award
1993
Started Indian dance curriculum at Orange Coast College
2000
Featured on Dance Magazine cover — Appeared on the cover with her daughter, Swetha Bharadvaj.
2002
Received two Lester Horton Dance Awards — For Outstanding Achievement in Performance and Outstanding Achievement in Choreography.
2003
Named Master Artist of California — By the Alliance for California Traditional Artists.
2003
Received California Arts Council's Directors' Award — For exemplary contributions to the Arts in California.
2005
Included in "Spices in the Melting Pot" — A book featuring 21 exceptional South Asian women in the US.
2007
"JWALA-Flame" telecast on PBS — Her critically acclaimed choreography was nationally telecast.
2009
Returned to India
2014
Performed "MITRA- Dance Hymn to Friendship" — A solo-dance story in Bangalore.
2014
US performance tour — A 7-week tour sponsored by Chinmaya Mission West.
2026
Presentation at Nada Gurukulam — Addressed students on "Manifesting Tradition through Creativity" in Muddenahalli, Bangalore.
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Video Library
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Signature Performances
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Performance Map
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Awards & Honors
- 1993 · Lester Horton Dance Award
- 2002 · Lester Horton Dance Award for Outstanding Achievement in Performance
- 2002 · Lester Horton Dance Award for Outstanding Achievement in Choreography
- 2003 · Master Artist of California — Alliance for California Traditional Artists
- 2003 · California Arts Council's Directors' Award — California Arts Council
Media Coverage
- Cover Feature
Dance Magazine
- A Classical Dancer Who's Challenging Her Traditions
Los Angeles Times
- Most Memorable World Dance events
Orange County Register
- Artiste Extraordinaire: Ramaa Bharadvaj
New Acropolis Library
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Students
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