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Ashwini Srivatsan is an Indian classical dancer with over 25 years of training in Bharatanatyam from the renowned Guru, Smt. Nirmala Madhava of Pampa and training in "Bharatanrityam" from the Late. Guru. Smt.Sundari Santhanam (disciple of Padma Bhushan Smt. Padma Subramaniam). In addition, she has extensively studied other dance forms such as Kathak, Jazz and Contemporary dance at UC Santa Cruz.

Ashwini Srivatsan's pursuit of knowledge in dance and the performing arts goes beyond her training in Bharatanatyam and other dance forms. She has also delved deeply into the study of the Natya Shastra, an ancient Indian text on performing arts. Under the guidance of Shri Piyal Bhattacharya, a renowned Tagore research scholar, director, and dancer from Kerala Kalamandalam, as well as the founder of Chidakash Kalalay in Kolkata, Ashwini has studied the Natya Shastra in great depth.

Beyond the Natya Shastra, Ashwini has had the privilege of exploring various Indian philosophies under Piyal Bhattacharya's guidance. These include Nyaya, which deals with logic and reasoning, Vaisesika, which focuses on atomism and metaphysics, and Shaivism, which explores the philosophical aspects of Shaiva traditions. Understanding the connection between these philosophical concepts and their application in performing arts has enriched Ashwini's artistic approach and deepened her understanding of the cultural and historical context of her dance practice.

Through her in-depth study of the Natya Shastra and Indian philosophies, Ashwini Srivatsan has acquired a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical and philosophical foundations of Indian classical dance. This knowledge informs her performances, teaching, and choreography, allowing her to embody and express the essence of these ancient art forms in a profound and authentic manner.

Ashwini Srivatsan has also studied Sadir, an ancient dance form that predates Bharatanatyam, under the guidance of Dr. Swarnamalya Ganesh. Dr. Swarnamalya Ganesh is a renowned dancer, scholar, and exponent of various Indian dance forms.

Ashwini started her teaching career as founder and creative head of Mani Paduka Nrityashala in Las Cruces, NM. She became part of the dance faculty at New Mexico State University and taught a graduate level course in Bharatanatyam. In 2008 she became Co-founder and Creative Director of Tattva Dance Academy where she taught a one-of-a-kind curriculum that focused on teaching dance technique that spanned across Indian and Western dance forms. Ashwini's strength is her ability to easily move back and forth between Indian and western forms. She also has a knack of making an ancient artform like Bharatanrityam relatable to young children and modern audiences.

Ashwini's most recent choreography, 'Amugdha Malyada,' has garnered high praise in the Bay Area. This production portrays the life of the poet-saint Andal through the art of dance. The show has received acclaim and recognition, leading to an invitation for Ashwini to showcase the performance for SIFA, one of the premier arts organizations in the Bay Area. For more information about this remarkable production, you can read a write-up about the show here https://indiacurrents.com/amugdha-malyada-portrays-poet-saint-andals-life-in-dance/?fbclid=IwAR14ox0ybT-FMYT1FBUjSSYki0Xf_80vzeq_KURg5Z1dfgShF_Vz3OYsGu4

Additionally, Ashwini has choreographed for ‘Hindu Swing’ which was presented at the ODC in San Francisco. 'Hindu Swing' brought Bharatnatyam to a massively jazz audience and was received with wide acclaim. (https://www.hinduswing.com/artists.html) With hundreds of performances in major dance festivals, several solo productions and collaborations with renowned artists such as Debra Knapp, (https://kind.nmsu.edu/faculty/dknapp/), Ashwini brings to Kanha expansive knowledge, training and experience.

Of all talents, Ashwini takes pride in her teaching abilities and strives hard each day to make passionate dancers of her students. Kanha students are a reflection of her dedication to this ancient artform and inspire her to create and perform.

In addition to her accomplishments in dance, Ashwini Srivatsan is a multifaceted artist with training in Hindustani and Carnatic classical singing. She possesses a deep passion for music and has honed her skills in both Hindustani and Carnatic vocal traditions. Ashwini's musical journey extends to learning the Veenai, a classical string instrument, from her mother Vyjayanthimala Sridhar. This additional training in music and instrumental expertise further enriches Ashwini's artistic repertoire and allows her to explore the intersection of dance and music in her performances.