Celebrating a Lifetime of Bharatanatyam & Mentorship

Srekala Bharath
Founder, Thejas School of Performing Arts Exemplar of Bharatanatyam With 50+ Years of Artistic Devotion
For over five decades, she has embodied the spirit of Bharatanatyam through her artistry and guidance. Srekala follows the legacy of her distinguished Guru K.J. Sarasa from the Vazhuvoor bani of Bharatanatyam.
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Years of Bharatanatyam Excellence
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Solo & Group Performances
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Countries Touched by Her Art
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Students Trained

Grace, Grit & Abhinaya

If there were a name that embodies grace, determination, and expressive artistry, it would be Srekala Bharath, the renowned Bharatanatyam dancer from Chennai.

Born into a family rich in cultural heritage, her artistic journey began at the age of seven under the legendary Guru K.J. Sarasa. Rooted in the refined Vazhuvoor bani, her dance is a sublime confluence of expressive Abhinaya, agile footwork, and deep spiritual resonance.

Across a remarkable career spanning over five decades,
Srekala Bharath has enchanted global audiences with more than 900 performances in 32 countries. Each stage she graces bears witness to her technical brilliance, emotive storytelling, and choreographic originality.

Read More About Her Journey

Thejas School of Performing Arts - TSPA

Nurturing the Next Generation of Artistes

As a top Bharatanatyam dancer from Chennai and the visionary founder of TSPA, Srekala Bharath has served as the guiding light for generations of dancers with the same discipline and devotion that define her own legacy.

Established in 1999, TSPA has blossomed into a renowned institution, preserving and inculcating the intricacies of Bharatanatyam to enthusiastic students of all ages. Having nurtured more than 400 of them under her guidance, the academy stands as a living legacy of her unwavering commitment to artistic excellence and the continuity of classical heritage.

Enrolling in TSPA is a rare blessing and an incredible opportunity for students to hone their artistic creativity. The Bharatanatyam training at Thejas harmonises the traditional rigour of the Vazhuvoor bani while bringing to the fore the intricate nuances of Abhinaya. Students learn to master performance theory and aesthetic refinement, facilitating holistic growth as dancers and custodians of culture.

Learn from Srekala

Milestones and Recognitions

Srekala Bharath’s lifelong dedication to Bharatanatyam has earned her prestigious accolades from across the world. Her artistry, scholarship, and cultural impact have been recognized by governments, global festivals, and classical art institutions alike.
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Kalaimamani 1998
Conferred by the Government of Tamil Nadu for excellence in the field of Bharatanatyam
Nadanamani 1995 and Madhurakala Mani 2018
Kartik Fine Arts
Acharya Choodamani 2017 Sri Krishnagana Sabha
Smt Indra Gariyali Award 2019 for excellence in Bharatanatyam
Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival 2024
Nrithya Ratnakara awarded by the Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival in April 2024
Nritya Perunjothi 2024
Nrithya Perunjothi awarded by Abhai - the association of Bharatanatyam artistes of India in June 2024

Thejas Bala Natyotsav

A Unique Platform for Young Talent - Since 2010

To give back to the dance community, Srekala Bharath conducts a special annual festival with the following highlights:

  • Conducted specifically for young dancers aged 8 to 12 years from other dance schools.
  • Complimentary Entry: Free participation for all young dancers as part of giving back to the community.
  • Live Orchestra Experience: Children perform with a live orchestra, a vital experience for aspiring dancers.
  • A very well recognised Natyotsav
  • Long-Standing Legacy: The festival has been held annually for 15 years; the 2025 edition will mark its 16th year.

Resources for the Rasika and the Learner

Beyond the stage, Srekala Bharath has extended her passion for Bharatanatyam into lasting learning tools and reflective works. Her contributions offer both technical guidance for students and inspiration for art lovers seeking deeper insight into classical dance.
Instructional Videos

An extensive instructional series spanning the fundamentals of Bharatanatyam, including the Margam structure, Varnams, and invocations. These resources help students navigate every stage of their Bharatanatyam journey.

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‘Yatra’, The Coffee Table Book

Released in July 2019, Yatra captures 50 years of her dance journey through photos, reflections, and memorable milestones—a tribute to her evolution as an artiste and teacher.

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Gallery

In the Spotlight -
Press & Media

“Srekala Bharath... derives her energy from dance, and this is what has perhaps made her what she is today.”
The Hindu
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“Weaving a spellbinding tapestry of movement and emotion.”
Narthaki.com
Read Interview
Coverage of her event “Cosmologies of Bharatanatyam”
Eventbrite (UK)
View Event
“The vibrant anklets of Srekala Bharath”
MiIndia.com
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