Regatta Kala Kendra
Regatta Kala Kendra is a South Asian not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to both the training and creation of work rooted in the classical frameworks of Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Mohiniyattam. Founded by Harikishan S. Nair—a leading Indo-Canadian dancer, choreographer, and teacher who continues to serve as Artistic Director—Regatta is recognized for its artistic innovation and commitment to evolving tradition.
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The organization creates a wide spectrum of work by applying new methods of creation within these classical vocabularies, expanding beyond traditional repertoire to explore contemporary possibilities. Regatta’s choreographic practice is shaped by a deep respect for lineage and an openness to experimentation, allowing it to push the boundaries of how these forms can be expressed and experienced today.
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The name Regatta is both a personal and artistic tribute to Harikishan’s guru, Girija Chandran, whose school in Kerala—Regatta Cultural Society—shaped his early training. It reflects the spirit of collective movement toward a shared artistic destination, rooted in discipline, collaboration, and purpose.
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At the forefront of dance education in Canada, Regatta is equally committed to nurturing the next generation of artists. Through rigorous training and a dynamic artistic vision, the organization supports emerging dancers in developing a strong foundation in classical South Indian forms while cultivating space for inquiry, imagination, and growth.
Harikishan S Nair
Founder and Artistic Director
Harikishan S Nair is a multi-faceted dance artist, choreographer, teacher, dramaturge, mentor, and rehearsal director based in Toronto. As the Founder and Artistic Director of Regatta Kala Kendra, he is a leading voice in the South Asian dance community, known for his deeply embodied practice and his commitment to fostering equity in the Canadian dance sector. His work bridges classical South Asian aesthetics with contemporary discourse, challenging institutional norms and advocating for the visibility and inclusion of racialized dance artists.
Born and raised in Kerala, India, Harikishan began dancing at the age of three. He is fluently trained in Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, and Kuchipudi, and his extensive performance career has taken him across India, the UK, the USA, and Canada. He has collaborated with celebrated artists including Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam, Madurai R. Muralidharan, Dr. Menaka Thakkar, Janak Khendry, Brandy Leary, Harikrishnan, and Lata Pada. His artistic practice is rooted in both lineage and innovation, balancing tradition with a contemporary sensibility.
Harikishan’s choreographic works and teaching residencies are regularly presented at major festivals and institutions across North America. He is also the Co-Founder of ATAM Arts Collective, Associate Artistic Director of Ä€NANDAá¹€ Dancetheatre, and Co-Director of the South Asian Dance Alliance of Canada (SADAC).
His artistic and leadership journeys have been supported by the Metcalf Foundation, Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, and Toronto Arts Council, recognizing his vital contributions to reshaping Canada’s artistic landscape through a South Asian lens.
Founder and Artistic Director
