2016 - Life Time Achievement Awardess
Dr. Lalitha Srinivasan- Director - Nupura School of Bharathanatyam
Dr. Lalitha Srinivasan is a dancer, teacher, choreographer and a research scholar. She heads the Nupura School of Bharathanatyam founded in 1978. She has to her credit numerous dance ballets like Chitrangadha, Sri Krishna Parijatha, Lasyotsava, Prem Bhakti Mukti, Koushika Sukritam, Gowdara Malli, Deva Kannika, the latest being Anveshane and Nisha Vibhrama etc. and is especially lauded for her innovative works like Anga Bhava, Kavya Nritya, Sulalitha Nritya which is a revival of a 16th century dance form – the Suladi, and Nisha Vibhrama.
In addition to the numerous dancers she has tutored, she is the holder of the prestigious Shiromani, Priyadarshini awards at the national level and Karnataka Sangeetha Nritya Academy and Kannada Rajyothsava awards at the state level and was also a fellow of the Ministry of Human Resource Development – Government of India.
Lalitha initially a student of Guru Keshavamurthy later specialised in abhinaya under Smt. Dr.K.Venkatalakshamma. She has also learnt the Muguru style under Jejamma. Thus a blend of several teachers’ styles, Lalitha's mastery over abhinaya is a treat to watch. She has danced all over the country, and also given innumerable Lecture Demonstrations, including the one at Madras Music Academy, Gayana Samaj, Ganakala Parishath, Natyakala Conference of Krishna Ganasabha, Chennai etc.
Lalitha, who is known for her experimental work has contributed immensely to the field of Dance. Her research work ‘Sulalitha Nritya’ for which she had the fellowship of Central Cultural Department, modern concept in Anga Bhava and Kavya Nritya are milestones, not only in the History of Nupura, but also in the History of Karnataka’s Dance Tradition.
Her Studies at the Wesleyan University at U.S.A. has added another dimension to her creative work. The ‘Nitya Nritya’ – a National Festival of Dance, is the foremost of its kind conducted at Bangalore. Thus Lalitha has touched all facets of Dance and has carved a niche for herself in her chosen field of Art. State Sangeetha Nritya Academy has brought out two of her books. Currently she is the President of Karnataka Nrityakala Parishath for the years 2008-2010.
Some of her notable awards include: Shiromani Award (1987), Lions Award for Promoting (1987), Karnataka Kalatilaka Sangeeth Nritya Academy award for her contribution to Bharathanatyam in 1990, Karnataka Rathna by Jhenkar (1990), Aryabhatta Annual Award with the title Natya Shantala (1996), Kannada Rajyothsava Award (1999), Drishti Award for Contribution to dance (2008) , the prestigious SHANTALA AWARD from the Katnataka Govt. amongst others.
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Revathi Satyu is a pioneer in bringing g the art of Bharata Natyam to Dallas, TX. She had her training under illustrious Gurus, U.S. Krishna Rao and Chandrabhaga Devi, Pandanallur Muthiah Pillai, Tanjore K.P. Kittappa Pillai and Mysore Venkatalakshamma. Revathi was a sought after Bharata Natyam dancer and stage actress in India from 1965-1974, performing for Sri Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar , Maharaja of Mysore; Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and President V. V. Giri amongst others. Revathi was chosen by the Govt. of India to represent her State at the Expo World Fair in Montreal, Canada in 1972. Revathi established the Arathi School of Dance in Dallas and San Antonio in 1980 and has graduated over 100 students. She is the recipient of several awards including 'Singar Mani'; 'Karnataka Kalashri'; 'Bharata Kala Rathna'; 'Sangita Sambrahma' ; and recently the Mary McLarry Lifetime Achiement Award from the Dance Council of North Texas. Revathi has been the choreographer and Artistic Director for a number of dance dramas, raising funds for deserving causes. She is currently the President of Indian Cultural Heritage Foundation, Director, Dance Council if North Texas, and the Founder/ Director of Arathi School of Dance in Dallas, TX.
****************************
Asha Prem is the founder of Dances of India, in St. Louis in 1976. It was the first classical Indian dance company to be established in Missouri. She performed for years in India, including before a former President of India, before coming to the US. She has trained hundreds of students and she conducts St Louis Dance Festival every year, invites all the dance companies of St. Louis region.