Guru
Guru Smt. Indhra Rajashekar
Guru Smt. Indhra Rajashekar is a distinguished dancer, choreographer, and educator with a Master’s degree in Fine Arts (MFA). Hailing from Chennai, India, she embarked on her journey in Bharatanatyam—the classical dance form of India—at the tender age of five, training in the Thanjavur ‘bani’ or style.
Her teachings integrate the principles of Natyasastra (Indian dramaturgy) with Western theater, along with elements of art, spirituality, art history, poetry, and folk tales.”
She says, “The spirituality inherent in Bharatanatyam elevates both the dancer and the audience to a heightened state of consciousness, a flow of emotions I refer to as ’emocean. These emotional seas can be tranquil or tumultuous, but my goal is to instill hope, self-belief, joy, and peace in my students and audience.”
Indhra’s mission is to advance and preserve the classical dance form of Bharatanatyam, ensuring its transmission to future generations. She is committed to nurturing the cultural heritage for children growing up in this country, far from their native land.
Through her instruction, she cultivates both artistic excellence and personal development. By fostering her students’ growth, she shapes them into confident leaders and inspires their inner potential to flourish through dance. Her mentorship not only hones their artistic skills but also empowers and enlightens them as individuals.
In addition, Indhra serves as the artistic director of the Eastern Cultural Heritage Organization, a non-profit established in 2008. This organization has played a crucial role in providing Indian artists with opportunities to showcase their talents in the United States.