Ramya Harishankar

Bharata natyam is one of six classical dance traditions of India, with origins dating back 2,000 years.  A complex synthesis of the arts, literature, poetry, sculpture, and music, it follows the strict standards laid down in Bharata’s authoritative treatise, Natya Shastra, dated 2nd century BC.  It evolved and was nurtured within the sacred precincts of the temples of South India and handed down for centuries through an oral and visual tradition from guru (teacher) to shishya (disciple or apprentice).

Ramya Harishankar began learning bharata natyam at the age of 6 in New Delhi, India.  She continued her advanced training at the age of 19 in Chennai, India, studying the graceful Vazhuvoor style with Gurgu Swamimalai K. Rajaratnam from 1969 until his death in 1994.  She also trained in abhinaya (expressive dance) under Kalanidhi Narayanan and says, "As I received instruction in the exacting art of abhinaya with her, dance took a new meaning and dimension."  Since moving to the United States in 1982, Ramya has taught bharata natyam to over 300 students.  She also actively performs, choreographs, and produces with her Arpana Dance Company.

In 2002, Ramya participated as a master artist in ACTA's Apprenticeship Program with apprentice Trisha Banerjee.  During their apprenticeship, Ramya and Trisha prepared a margam, a program of seven dances presented as a full-length solo performance of two hours.

As a master artist in ACTA's Apprenticeship Program in 2010, Ramya is working with apprentice Sumona Vohra.  Their apprenticeship will focus on individualized training to learn various pieces within the bharata natyam’s classical repertoire.