CHIEF GUEST

Sri Krishnakumar began his journey in Bharatanatyam at the age of 8 under the guidance of Padma Bhushan awardees, the Dhananjayans. He continued his Natya education under them until the age of 20, participating in numerous performances by the Bharata Kalanjali troupe. In 1995, he came to the United States for graduate school where he met his wife Smt. Sivakami. Since then, he and his wife have performed together as a couple at numerous venues in the United States. They continue to run their institution Bharata Kalarpana, School of Indian Culture and Fine Arts, where they mold their students into good citizens and artistes. Besides teaching, Krishnakumar also serves as an Emcee at Bharatanatyam performances seeking to make this beautiful art form more accessible to the lay person. Outside the Natyam world, Krishnakumar holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and works in the renewable energy field.