APAC Apsara — 2025
Bharatha Kala Ratna • New Delhi
Recognising global impact, artistic innovation and mentorship.
Trailblazing First
Legendary Kuchipudi Dance Icon
One of Singapore’s leading lights in classical dance, acclaimed internationally for path-breaking productions and cultural diplomacy.
“First Singaporean to be empanelled by ICCR, India.”
APAC APSARA
Natya Kala Nipuna
Dance Icon of Singapore
Bharatha Acharya Ratnam
Latest Awards
Recent honours recognising artistic excellence and leadership.
Bharatha Acharya Ratnam — 2022
Naatyam Maalika • Singapore
Honouring scholarship, mentorship and cultural leadership.
Trailblazing First
Core Philosophies
In a dazzling career spanning five decades, Shantha Ratii has scaled almost every peak in Indian classical dance. Critics hail her as ‘sculpture come alive,’ ‘visual poetry,’ and ‘a rare combination of quicksilver movements and beguiling abhinaya.’ She trained under legendary gurus in Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi and Kathakali, and was among the first members of the Singapore National Dance Company, representing her country in Australia and Russia. She has performed across the globe – USA, UK, Switzerland, Japan, Iraq, Australia, Russia, and Malaysia – at prestigious festivals and venues. Beyond performance, she has innovated by introducing calligraphy, martial arts, and cross-cultural collaborations into Kuchipudi, creating works that bridge tradition and modernity. Through the International Dance Day (IDD) Festival and Shantha Ratii Initiatives (SRI), she nurtures young artists through her Mentorship programs, finds new ways to address social issues of our time like environment, coping with Covid and inspires new audiences. She acts as a catalyst for building a cohesive and strong multicultural art landscapes in Singapore while promoting Indian Culture Worldwide.
“First female to train in Kathakali and essay male roles in a centuries-old male bastion.”
Innovation
Inclusiveness
Cross-cultural Dialogue
Mentorship
Trailblazing First
Achievements
“Preserving and Innovating Tradition.”
Blending classical purity with creative innovation, she redefined Thillanas as rhythmic Sawal–Jawab woven with intricate footwork. She expanded the repertoire with regional sahitya, Varnams, and Ninda Stuthis, and revived Vachika Abhinaya in Bama Kalapam. In Veera Naaree, she introduced English dialogue for Queen Rudramma’s soliloquy—an artistic first. Her Suddha Nrittam celebrated the mathematical genius of Gurus through rhythmic cycles, while Infinitely Yours Atchyuta, inspired by the Bhagavad Gita, conveyed lessons in character building to youth and professionals. She has also beautifully interpreted the Nirguna and Saguna philosophies of Kabir and Meerabai, enriching Indian classical dance with timeless meaning and modern relevance.
Trailblazing First
Recent Recognitions
“Only Singaporean commissioned to create ‘Connect — Tradition & Technology.’”
Times Power Icon 2025
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Bharatha Acharya Ratnam 2022
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Natya Kala Nipuna 2018
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Dance Icon of Singapore 2017
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Gurus & Guidance
“Among the first Singaporeans with the National Dance Company on tours in Russia & Australia.”
Kuchipudi — Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam
Kuchipudi — Raja & Radha Reddy
Bharatanatyam — Kalanidhi Narayan
Bharatanatyam — Adyar Lakshman
Kathakali — Oyoor Govinda Pillai
Kalaripayattu — Lakshman Gurukal
Trailblazing First
Seniors & Critics — Reflections
“First to choreograph Beethoven’s Symphony to narrate Panchatantra fables.”
“Her dance writing in space reads like visual poetry.”
“A consummate artiste who elevates narrative with rare musicality.”
“Precision and grace held in luminous balance.”
“Destined to shine as a lovely Venus among the stars.”
“Her dancing flows with lyrical lustre — evocative and aesthetically relishing.”
“A classicist with a contemporary mind.”
Trailblazing First
Major Performances in India
“First Singaporean to perform at Khajuraho, Elephanta, Kalidas, Kala Ghoda & NCPA.”
Khajuraho Festival
City • Year
Elephanta Festival
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Kalidas Festival
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Kala Ghoda Festival
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NCPA
City • Year
Habitat Centre
City • Year
Chennai Margazhi Festival
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Major Performances Abroad
Select international stages and tours.
Adelaide
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Moscow
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New York
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St. Louis
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Toronto
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London
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Manchester
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Itha Zürich
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Takayama, Japan
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Babylon Festival
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Malaysia
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Trailblazing First
Media Spotlight
“First to blend theatre devices into classical productions like ‘Moksha Katha’.”
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Interviews & Articles
Conversations, features and thought leadership.
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A visual journey through productions, tours and honours.
Performance still / Festival
Behind the scenes
With maestros / Gurus
Awards & felicitation
Trailblazing First
SRI Studio — Training
“First to bring classical arts into cafes with the 6-part ‘MixItUp’ series to reach younger and varied audiences”
Kuchipudi
Regular classes and mentorship.
Bharatnatyam
Focused intensives and outreach.
Exams
Advanced sessions with eminent guests.
Trailblazing Firsts
“First female to train in Kathakali and essay male roles.”
“Only Singaporean invited for Kartik Purnima at Udaipur.”
“Juxtaposed Chinese & Indian calligraphy in choreography.”
“Docu-film linking Kabuki, Noh, Chinese Opera & Kathakali.”
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Upcoming Events
“First to present cross-disciplinary works blending Flamenco, Malay & Chinese dance with Kuchipudi.”
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Trailblazing First
From Shantha’s Prism (Blog)
“First to integrate Yoga Mudras & Asanas as curtain raiser for Elephanta post-Tsunami.”