About
Biography
Padmini Ravi is a Bengaluru-based Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, and educator, widely recognized for her contributions to Indian classical dance. Trained under the legendary K.J. Sarasa of the Vazhuvoor bani, she has built a distinctive artistic identity that balances traditional Bharatanatyam with contemporary sensibilities. As the founder and director of the Padmini Ravi Dance Academy, established in 1980, she has played a significant role in shaping generations of dancers.
Her approach to Bharatanatyam is often described as “non-traditional traditionalist,” where she integrates elements of theater, folk traditions, and visual storytelling into classical frameworks. Beyond the stage, she has also contributed to cinema, notably producing the National Award-winning film Sringara, which explored the Devadasi system through a blend of classical and cinematic choreography. Her work has earned her major recognitions, including the Karnataka Sangeetha Nritya Academy Award and the State Rajyotsava Award.
As a teacher, Padmini Ravi has trained over 1,000 students worldwide, many of whom have become performers and educators. She regularly conducts workshops focusing on abhinaya, storytelling, and thematic exploration, such as the transition from Shakti to Shanti. Her philosophy views dance as a medium for self-discovery, emotional balance, and awareness, rooted in the concept of “Intelligence” as described in the Upanishads, positioning Bharatanatyam as both an artistic and transformative discipline.