About
Regatta Kala Kendra
The name 'Regatta' carries a deep significance. It was borrowed from his Guru Girija Chandran's dance school, Regatta Cultural Society, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The artistic vision of Guru Girija Chandran has not only inspired Harikishan S Nair but also sculpted him into the artist he is today. 'Regatta,' in essence, embodies the spirit of rowing towards success, much like a boat race.
History
In 2012, the vibrant tapestry of Regatta Kala Kendra began to weave, with its foundation laid by Harikishan S Nair – a renowned Indo-Canadian dancer, choreographer, and teacher. His passion for dance found a home in this organization, which stands today as a testament to his dedication.
What we do
Regatta Kala Kendra transcends the boundaries of a conventional dance organization. We are not solely purveyors of training; we are curators, presenters, and performers of South Indian classical dance. Our offerings encompass Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Mohiniyattam.
Harikishan S Nair
Founder & Artistic Director
Born and raised in Kerala, India, Harikishan's journey into the world of dance began at the age of 3. Under the expert guidance of Guru Girija Chandran, a disciple of Guru Suchindram M.M. Pillai and Guru Padmasree Adayar K Lakshmanan, he honed his skills in Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam. His Kuchipudi training came under the tutelage of Geetha Krishnakumar and Bijula Balakrishnan, both disciples of the renowned Guru Padmabhushan Dr. Vempatti Chinna Sathyam. This foundation laid the groundwork for his remarkable career as a dancer, choreographer, and educator.
Beyond his mastery of dance forms, Harikishan S Nair is the visionary force behind Regatta Kala Kendra. As its Founder and Artistic Director, his influence reverberates within the community and the broader dance landscape. He wears many hats – a dance artist, educator, choreographer, mentor, dramaturge, and rehearsal director. Harikishan is a passionate and critical advocate for equity within the dance sector for practitioners of South Asian dance and a community leader in articulating issues on how these performance aesthetics interface with established institutions of dominant dance presenting/curation in Canada.
Harikishan's fluency in Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, and Kuchipudi has transcended borders, with an extensive tour of new choreographic works and teaching workshops across North America. His collaborations, performances, and presentations have graced prestigious dance festivals in India, the UK, Canada, and the USA.
As the Co-Founder of Atam Arts Collective, the Associate Artistic Director of ĀNANDAṀ Dance theatre and the Co-Director of SADAC (South Asian Dance Alliance of Canada), Harikishan's leadership extends beyond his role as a performer.
