On the intention of writing about an eminent classical danseuse, I approached the editor of a magazine but I was surprised when the editor asked me what has she contributed to the society, besides dancing, I was surprised and speechless, nevertheless classical dancers are not mere entertainers, as classical dance is the expression of the soul, hence relates the human beings as dancers to the supreme, which indeed is a unique expression.

While we all know that classical dance is divine but to relate dance to the society, while dancing for a social cause is really significant and praiseworthy. In this context I would like introduce San Jose (USA) based Bharata Natyam danseuse and mentor, Shraddha Joglekar, who is committed to social responsibility, instructs value of community services and altruism.

Shraddha has proved as to how art can serve as a tool for societal change. Shraddha is the artistic director of Kalaavishkar Academy of Dance and over the last seventeen years of its fruitful existence, has already presented 12 Arangetrams (debut performances) in the Bharata Natyam style. The Academy was initially established in Pune in 2000 and started functioning in the United States from 2006 onwards and the responses have been amazing.

As a dance teacher, choreographer Shraddha has introduced innovative ways of taking classical dance to a larger section of the society, “Yogic Dance” cleverly combines Yoga, with Pranayam (breathing exercises), Bharata Natyam, footwork and Meditation. In “Nritya Ved” Vedic chants are recited and interpreted in Bharata Natyam with live musical orchestra, as she believes in the therapeutic and transformative quality of classical dance taking you to the level of eternal bliss or “anandam” Her choreographic productions includes Geet Ramayan, Shivoham and Tichi Goshta(Marathi)

Shraddha is recipient of several awards and honours and was felicitated by the veteran music composer Pandit Hridayanath Mangeshkar for instructing and teaching Bharata Natyam to Indian American kids.

Shraddha developed a passion for classical dance at a tender age, she is a post graduate in dance under the guidance of Dr Swati Daithankar and has also acquired guidance in the Kalakshetra style from senior disciples of the legendary Dr Rukmani Devi Arundale.

By Guru Vijay Shanker