05/09/2025
Tonight our Guru was awarded with the prestigious Award for Selfless and committed Contribution To Teaching Bharatanatyam in Fiji and her Contribution to the promotion and protection of the Indian Traditional dance form of Bharatanatyam.
Madam Kalashree Sidhorna Rao is a celebrated Bharatanatyam artist and a pillar of Indian classical dance in Fiji. Her profound journey into the world of dance was nurtured from a young age by her parents, the late Mr. Chandar Rao and Mrs. Amni Rao, who recognized and supported her early talent. This passion led her to formal training under the skilled guidance of Mrs. Indrani Pillay in Lautoka, where she mastered the intricate footwork and expressive gestures that define this ancient art form.
Her unwavering dedication was recognized in 1997 with the prestigious ICCR scholarship, a rare and transformative opportunity that allowed her to pursue advanced studies in India. There, she honed her craft and deepened her understanding of Bharatanatyam under the legendary Late Padmabhushan Saroja Vaidyanathan at Ganesa Natyalaya in New Delhi. This period of intense learning was more than just technical refinement; it was an immersion into the very soul of the dance, connecting her to its rich history and spiritual depth.
Returning to her beloved Fiji, Madam was driven by a powerful and singular vision: to ensure this exquisite art form would not only survive but also flourish within her community. Her ability to build this legacy was made possible only with the unwavering support of her husband and the encouragement of her two children. In a true testament to her mission, her daughter Pavantika has even reached an advanced level in Bharatanatyam, a beautiful reflection of the family's deep-rooted commitment to the art. Madam committed herself to teaching the pure, traditional form of Bharatanatyam, nurturing the next generation of dancers. She began this vital work at the Suva Multi Ethnic Cultural Centre, where she built a thriving school. Her commitment bore fruit as many of her students reached the culmination of their training by completing their Arangetram, a momentous public debut that signifies a dancer's mastery. Continuing her mission, she also began teaching at the SVCC, where her mentorship continues to this day.
As both an artist and a cultural preservationist, Madam recognized the need to share this art beyond the classroom. She founded the Kalashree Dance Group, offering local audiences the invaluable opportunity to experience live performances of the highest artistic caliber. Through her tireless efforts in performance and education, Madam Sidhorna Rao has not only cultivated a new generation of Bharatanatyam dancers but has also built an enduring legacy, ensuring that the beautiful tradition of classical Indian dance thrives for generations to come in Fiji.
