Artists

Suryasutra is a creative collaboration of six Phoenix-based classical dancers, Almagul Temirtekova (Kathak), NitaMallya (Bharatanatyam), Padma Aking (Kuchipudi), Radhika Kotwal (Kathak), Rajul Shah (Odissi) & Shreelina Ghosh (Odissi). 


After decades of training in pure classical dance styles, these artists attempt to extend the borders of classical dance movement. Their innovative approach to contemporary-classical dance defines an aesthetic where they explore one another's interpretation of the Natya Shastra while staying deeply founded on their own unique style.

Profiles:

 Almagul Temirtekova started to learn Kathak at the age of 13. She won a scholarship from the Indian embassy and cultural center Almaty, and studied dance in India for four years. She graduated from the National Institute of Kathak dance in New Delhi, India. She taught and performed at the Indian embassy and cultural center in Kazakhstan. Almagul has performed at different festivals and events, in front of such high profile people such as the then prime minister of India, as well as the president and various ministers of Kazakhstan. She currently teaches Bollywood dance and Kathak in Arizona. More >>

Nita Mallya is a classical Bharatanatyam dance exponent, having undergone intensive training for over 20 years under the able guidance of her guru Smt Padmini Ravi, one of the finest exponents of the Vazhvoor style of Bharatanatyam. Having performed in several solo and group recitals, she has performed lead roles in many of the dance ballets presented by her Guru’s institution. She is an auditioned artiste for Doordarshan Kendra, India and has given a number of performances for television. She has been teaching Bharatanatyam in the United States since early 2000. More >>

Radhika Kotwal started learning Kathak from her Guru, Smt Smruti Vora, at the age of 9. She completed her graduation in Kathak and is a Nritya Vishaarad. Some of her Kathak recitals/tours as part of her association with Noopur Nritya Academy in India, include “Rhythm India”, “Dharaa Gurjari”, “Roop Garvita”, and “Rutu Sanhaar”. For the past 7 years, Radhika has been training students in the US (previously, Michigan and now Arizona) and has organized and performed in various cultural shows. More >>

Rajul Shah has been studying and performing the Odissi dance form for the last 27 years and has delivered over 250 solo performances. She has been trained by eminent Gurus like Dr. Ratna Roy, Jhelum Paranjape and Aloka Kanungo. Though Rajul is a practicing electrical engineer by profession, dance is her passion. She currently directs the Padma School of Odissi Dance in Tempe, Arizona.

Shreelina Ghosh has received 28 years of tutelage in Odissi under Guru Aloka Kanungo. A first class Nritya Visharad, she received several state-level awards, "Stars of Tomorrow" and honorable mention at the “Artistic Expression Award” at Michigan State University. In India, Shreelina has performed in several national dance festivals like Khajuraho, Konarak Dance Festival, Puri Beach Festival, Surya Festival and on Indian National Television. She was invited to perform at Ragamala (Seattle) and Lincoln Arts Center (New York). She is on faculty at Arizona State University. More>>

Padma Aking received training in Kuchipudi under internationally renowned Kuchipudi guru Padmasri Smt. Sobha Naidu. She is a practicing psychiatrist and performs Kuchipudi in Arizona.