Meet Guru Chitra Shankar
Chitra Shankar is the Founder and Artistic Director of Chitrakala Arts Singapore, renowned for her expertise in Odissi and Bharatanatyam, classical Indian dance forms. She leads a vibrant student community of over 120 individuals across the Asia-Pacific and the United States. Chitrakala Arts offers regular training, annual masterclasses, and workshops to enhance students’ techniques. Chitra has overseen significant performances, including 25 solo graduation shows and 12 annual mega performances, and has served as a mentor and judge in various events throughout South East Asia.
Meet Guru Chitra Shankar
Chitra Shankar, the Founder Artistic Director of Chitrakala Arts Singapore, is a leading dancer, choreographer and teacher for Odissi and Bharatanatyam, two of the most ancient forms of Indian classical dance. She has a student base spanning AsiaPac and America. An empaneled artiste of ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations), Chitra is recognized as the Ambassador for Odissi in Singapore by Odissi International, Bhubaneshwar, India.
Chitrakala Arts conducts regular training for over 120 active students, and supplements it with annual masterclasses and workshops to help the students with technique and evolution of the dance forms. Besides numerous group performances across Singapore for important events and festivals, Chitra has oversighted 25 solo graduation shows(Arangetram), 12annual mega performances (Nritya Sangamam) and actively participated as mentor and judge in numerous shows within South East Asia.
Meet Guru Chitra Shankar
Chitra Shankar, the Founder Artistic Director of Chitrakala Arts Singapore, is a leading dancer, choreographer and teacher for Odissi and Bharatanatyam, two of the most ancient forms of Indian classical dance. She has a student base spanning AsiaPac and America. An empaneled artiste of ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations), Chitra is recognized as the Ambassador for Odissi in Singapore by Odissi International, Bhubaneshwar, India.
Chitrakala Arts conducts regular training for over 120 active students, and supplements it with annual masterclasses and workshops to help the students with technique and evolution of the dance forms. Besides numerous group performances across Singapore for important events and festivals, Chitra has oversighted 25 solo graduation shows(Arangetram), 12annual mega performances (Nritya Sangamam) and actively participated as mentor and judge in numerous shows within South East Asia.
The Journey of Chitra
Chitra Shankar, founder of Chitrakala Arts, advocates for art’s evolution to reflect contemporary society and promote social progress. Since 1998, the organization has aimed to highlight ancient Indian dance forms Bharatnatyam and Odissi through performances, seminars, and collaborations with entities like the Singapore Indian Orchestra. Over 25 years, students have showcased their talents at various community events, with their Arangetrams raising funds for social causes such as Project SMILE and the Singapore Cancer Society.
An Abode of Performing Arts
Chitra Shankar, founder of Chitrakala Arts, advocates for art’s evolution to reflect contemporary society and promote social progress. Since 1998, the organization has aimed to highlight ancient Indian dance forms Bharatnatyam and Odissi through performances, seminars, and collaborations with entities like the Singapore Indian Orchestra. Over 25 years, students have showcased their talents at various community events, with their Arangetrams raising funds for social causes such as Project SMILE and the Singapore Cancer Society.
Chitra: Crafting Movement, Shaping Culture
An academic background in Textile design, a good understanding and appreciation of music coupled with strong and intensive training in the two styles by renowned Gurus, has enabled Chitra to create and present many original choreographic works based on Indian mythology as well as contemporary issues.
According to Chitra, “Dance embodies art. It embraces the qualities, traditions and nuances from a wide variety of art forms… melody from music, the rhythm of the heart, the passion of life, the symbolism from sculpted and sketched postures, the poetry of romance and the prose of everyday living. Art forms must evolve to represent society in its current manifestations to draw new audiences-staying relevant and contemporary- while contributing to social growth, peace and development.“
According to Chitra, “Dance embodies art. It embraces the qualities, traditions and nuances from a wide variety of art forms… melody from music, the rhythm of the heart, the passion of life, the symbolism from sculpted and sketched postures, the poetry of romance and the prose of everyday living. Art forms must evolve to represent society in its current manifestations to draw new audiences-staying relevant and contemporary- while contributing to social growth, peace and development.“
Chitra is not only a dancer but also a TEDx speaker, painter, interior decorator, and writer for regional publications. She is the first dancer from Singapore to be featured on TEDx, where she spoke about how dance can enrich and complement modern education. In addition to her artistic work, Chitra serves as visiting faculty at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) and conducts art appreciation workshops across schools, colleges, and community centres. She is also a sought-after judge for both classical and contemporary dance competitions.