58+
Years of Experience
2+
Students Taught
1
Followers
About
Usharani Maniam, an esteemed Bharatanatyam dancer and guru, was a prominent figure in Singapore's Indian classical dance community, whose dedication spanned over 50 years. Born in 1950, she began her dance journey at the tender age of four. By nine, she was recognized as a child prodigy, earning a gold medal from the Mayor of Penang in 1958 for her…
Journey Timeline
1950
Born
Age 4
Began dance training
1958
Won gold medal from Mayor of Penang — At age 9
1959
Performed for Prince Phillip
1960
Awarded 1st prize for Children's category — At Tamilar Thirunal celebration
1963
Graduated from Bhaskar's Arts Academy
1964
Arangetram (debut performance) — At age 14
1968
Began career as a dance teacher
1971
Participated in dance tour of Indonesia, selected for National Dance Company, awarded Natya Thilagam
1972
Performed at Adelaide Festival of Arts (Australia) and in Russia
1973-1980
Travelled as an ambassador of the arts — Performed in Malaysia, Holland, France, Germany, USA
1976
Started teaching Bharatanatyam at community centers and local schools
1979
Key dancer for French Ambassador performance
1982
Performed at SIA Netherlands cultural show in Amsterdam
1995
Awarded Nritya Kala Nipuna
1999
Received 15-year Long Service Award from People's Association
2000
Staged Shivautsavam
2000
Daughter Sanjana Subramaniam completed arangetram
2005
Staged Shakuntala
2012
Usharani Maniam Dance Academy represented Singapore at Shivarathiri festival in India
Photo Gallery
Photos will appear here.
Video Library
Performance videos will appear here.
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
- 1958 · Gold medal from the Mayor of Penang — Mayor of Penang
- 1960 · 1st prize for Children's category — Tamilar Thirunal celebration
- 1971 · Natya Thilagam (Jewel of Dancers) — Indian Movie News Club
- 1995 · Nritya Kala Nipuna — Nrityalaya Aesthetics Society
- 1999 · 15-year Long Service Award — People's Association
- Natya Kala Mani — Sri Bala Subramaniam Temple
- Singa Gama Award for Life Achievement and Contribution to Classical Indian Dance
- 20-year Long Service Award — People's Association
- 2013 · Natya Aachaarya Mani — Apsaras Arts Ltd and National Arts Council
- 2024 · Inducted into Singapore's Indian Hall of Fame — Indian Hall of Fame Singapore
Media Coverage
Press features and interviews will appear here.
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