Dr. Prakriti Bhaskar combines in her pursuit of the art, a rare blend of a performer, teacher, choreographer, writer and film-maker. Prakriti has trained under three of the most distinguished gurus of Bharata Natyam - Kathakali maestro Guru Raghavan Nair , rhythm wizard Talavidwan Guru T.S. Kadhirvelu Pillai and acclaimed choreographer Padmashri Guru Adyar K.Lakshman. Under their loving guidance she evolved into a mature artiste with a highly creative bend of mind and aesthetic sensibility. She specializes in the very unique Cross- Rhythm technique and her choreographic work is known for the beauty of its visual artistry and simplicity of expression.
Involved with dance for more than 4 decades, hers is a life dedicated to dance sadhana. Moving beyond the conventional role of a performer – teacher, Prakriti has worked ceaselessly to de-mystify, popularize and preserve these oral traditions for the future generation. Her contribution to the arts has won her many awards, fellowships and a doctorate. Committed to the propagation of the artistic traditions, in an effort to de-mystify the classical arts and create a larger audience base the institute spear-headed an art-awareness campaign - A I M (Art Initiative Movement) in 2007.
In 2012, Prakriti met her spiritual master Swami Veda Bharati ji and was initiated in the Himalayan Yoga Tradition. Integrating her training in classical dance with yogic practices deepened her understanding of dance as a spiritual discipline - a powerful meditative & transformative process.
Her workshop called the “Dance of Transformation" is based on the principles of mindfulness & silent witnessing through powerful tools of movement, rhythm & emotions. She travels the world sharing her insights and vision of dance as a joyful process of self-refinement with people from all walks of life, different cultures and backgrounds.
A very passionate and devoted teacher, Prakriti continues to share and train students in this exquisite artfrom at her dance school Shiladhish Art & Research Institute in Mumbai.