Shalini Shivashankar
Bharatanatyam Teacher
23+
Years of Experience
5+
Students Taught
1
Followers
❖ Guru Parampara ❖
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Shalini Shivashankar is a prominent Indian classical dancer, teacher, choreographer, and the Artistic Director of Upahaar School of Dance, a premier institution in the UK. She commenced her Bharatanatyam training in her early years under the late Guru Smt Padmini Ramachandran in Bangalore. As a teenager, she was awarded the National Talent Search…
Journey Timeline
Began Bharatanatyam training — Started in early years with late Guru Smt Padmini Ramachandran.
Received National Talent Search Scholarship — As a teenager for higher studies in Natyam.
Received 'Kalathilakam' award — While at university.
Further Bharatanatyam training — Under Smt. Shyamala Surendran and Smt. Radhika Shurajit, senior disciples of The Dhananjayans. Continues training with Smt Shanta Dhananjayan and Sri VP Dhananjayan.
Began Mohiniyattam training — Commenced briefly with Smt. Kalamandalam Saraswati (Calicut) and then with Smt. Sreedevi Rajan.
Taught dance in India and Bahrain — For several years prior to moving to the UK.
2002
Moved to the UK
2003
Founded Upahaar School of Dance — Established in Croydon, South London, with a few students.
2019
Awarded Nrithya Aacharya Ratna — By Milapfest UK for outstanding contribution to teaching dance.
2021
Performed at Äanartam festival — On November 13, at the Curve Theatre, Leicester.
2022
Presented 'Guru Samarpanam' recital — Solo Bharatanatyam recital at The Bhavan, London, on September 25, dedicated to The Dhananjayans.
Received Vidushi or Nrithya Rathnakara award — From Griffin College UK for outstanding contribution to teaching dance in the UK.
2025
Conducted Mohiniyattam workshop in Jaffna — Organised by Abhinayakshetra on September 27.
Photo Gallery
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Video Library
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Signature Performances
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Performance Map
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Awards & Honors
- 2019 · Nrithya Aacharya Ratna — Milapfest UK
- Vidushi or Nrithya Rathnakara — Griffin College UK
- National Talent Search Scholarship
- Kalathilakam
Media Coverage
- Celebrating the beauty of classical Indian dance styles | Interview
Dance Art Journal
- Guru samarpanam – Shalini Shivashankar
pulseconnects
- Nrithya Arpanam review by Anna Kuppuswamy
Pulse Connects
- Guru Samarpanam Review by Annapoorna Kuppuswamy
Pulse Connects
Testimonials
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Upcoming Workshops
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