About the Performer

Dr. Ananda Shankar Jayant, is one of India’s most eminent and renowned dancers and is celebrated as one of India’s leading classical dancers, choreographers and dance scholars. Performing in the two classical styles of Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, Ananda, imbues to the technique and grammar of her dance, a sparkling quality that bristles with life. As the Artistic Director of Shankarananda Kalakshetra, Ananda leads an acclaimed ensemble, besides training and presenting the next generation of Bharatanatyam artists. Ananda has been decorated with the "Padma Shri" in 2007 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar for Bharatanatyam in 2009. She has also been honoured by the Govt. of Tamil Nadu with the "Kalaimamani", and with the "Kala Ratna" by the Govt. of Andhra Pradesh.