Eleven-year-old Bharatanatyam Dancer Tanushri Krishna from Delhi Public School, Sharjah, has won the Indian Ambassador Award (2022), the Kalaarchana Award, and many other accolades in music and academics. Inspired by her mother and the persona of Draupadi from the Mahabharata, she believes in pushing boundaries and discovering hidden potential.

The Initiation

Tanushri Krishna, an 11-year-old Bharatanatyam dancer, is a student at Delhi Public School, Dubai. Her career into the world of Classical Dance began at the tender age of four, and for the past six years, she has been honing her skills under the expert guidance of Shrimati Reshmi Pathiyath. From the moment she stepped into her dance studio, she felt an unexplainable connection—a sense of belonging that assured her this was where she was meant to be. With an inspiring mentor by her side and an environment that nurtures her passion, Tanushri continues to embrace the art of Bharatanatyam with dedication and grace.

Gurus & Role Models

Tanushri credits her mentor, Shrimati Reshmi Pathiyath, as the backbone of her Bharatanatyam journey. She deeply admires her guru’s graceful movements, expressive storytelling, and teaching style, striving to emulate her in every way. Currently training at Athari Fine Arts Centre, Tanushri finds the environment there to be divine, allowing her to immerse herself in the art form, connect with peers, and refine her skills. Her first and greatest inspiration, however, is her mother—a talented dancer, violinist, and true multitasker. Since the age of four, Tanushri has aspired to follow in her mother’s footsteps, embracing the dream that was once hers and making it her own.

The Talent

Tanushri shares that Bharatanatyam is a unique and expressive dance form that originated in South India. It beautifully combines intricate hand gestures, rhythmic footwork, and expressive facial movements, making it a powerful medium of storytelling. She believes that practicing Bharatanatyam not only enhances her concentration and focus in dance but also helps her excel in academics. Classical Dance, she says, allows performers to truly express themselves and create a deep connection with the audience. Through graceful hand gestures and emotive facial expressions—especially through the eyes— Bharatanatyam dancers can communicate emotions and stories that transcend language and culture.

Achievements

Tanushri’s dedication and talent have earned her several prestigious accolades. In 2022, she was honored with the Indian Ambassador Award and later received another esteemed award from the Indian Consular Officer in Bali. Her achievements extend beyond borders, as she has been selected as an ambassador for IIDF- India International Dance Festival, in Odisha. She has also won numerous dance awards, including the prestigious Kala Archana Award. Her artistic excellence isn’t limited to dance—she has also been recognized in music with the Thyagaraja Award. Additionally, she has showcased her linguistic skills by earning accolades in the French inter-house speaking competition at her school.

A Bit More

Tanushri believes that classical dance is a unique and powerful art form, and her earliest inspiration came from watching her mother’s dance performances. Initially involved in various extracurricular activities, she found her true calling in Bharatanatyam when her sister also took up dancing, further motivating her to pursue it passionately. Despite her dedication to dance, Tanushri is equally committed to academics, excelling in science with aspirations of becoming a doctor. She draws inspiration from Mahabharat's Draupadi, admiring her resilience in overcoming hardships. Her personal motto is: “Challenge yourself and grow up.” For young dreamers, Tanushri shares an empowering message: “We all have a hidden talent within us. The key is to discover it, embrace it, and never stop exploring new adventures.”