Narthaki Nataraj

Ms. Narthaki was born in to the third gender, in Madurai, one of the oldest cities of Tamil civilization. Unfortunately modern society did not appreciate her unique God given identity. She was subject to social isolation, ridicule and poverty. However her determination and passion for dance brought her to Mr. K.P. Kittappa Pillai of Tanjavur, who agreed to take her in as a full time residential student. Ms. Narthaki stayed with him for 15 years, learnt everything she could and practiced rigorously under his supervision. She also worked as his assistant in the Thanjavur Tamil University. The Thanjavur Style that Ms. Narthaki excelled in, is not only unique and rare, but is also difficult and demanding to support her in her research and teaching. She has also been placed at 'Top Grade' status by an independent National level jury, a rare milestone only a handful have achieved. She visited USA for the 3rd consecutive year in 2006 and is in the process of finalizing her tour plans for UK and Europe.

Ms.  Narthaki has won many awards and performed in prestigious organizations and festivals.It may sound contradictory but Ms.  Narthaki is able to cut across barriers and emotionally touch people from different cultures and languages, precisely because she maintains without distortion the pristine purity of her tradition as it was originally  created many centuries ago.Western audiences often tell her that there are no words to explain what they experienced.It is not surprising because the objective is not to analyze and understand, but to experience a transcendental realm beyond language. In thatsense Narthaki goes beyond entertainment and fulfills the innermost need of people living in today's modern world. Ms Narthaki excels in choreographing contemporary themes like Emancipation of Women, Women's Rights etc, by integrating some powerful elements of her traditional school. Ms. Narthaki also creates customized programs on contemporary the mes suggested by her organizers. She will present them in her own unique style.

Narthaki Natraj was bestowed with a fellowship from the Sangeet Natak Academy - Govt of India.