Dr. Rasmitha Sasidharan
Classical Dancer | Choreographer | Educator
Dr. Rasmitha Sasidharan is an accomplished classical dancer, choreographer, and educator with a deep-rooted passion for Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, and Kuchipudi. Hailing from Calicut, Kerala, and raised in Dubai, she has dedicated her life to mastering and sharing the rich traditions of Indian classical dance while balancing her career as a qualified Ayurvedic doctor.
Training & Artistic Journey
Dr. Rasmitha began her dance training at the age of four under the guidance of Kalamandalam Mini Radhakrishnan. She further honed her skills in Bharatanatyam under Guru Deepa Ganesh, a disciple of the legendary Padma Shri Adyar Lakshmanan. Her Mohiniyattam training was under the esteemed Guru Kalamandalam Kshemavathi, while her Kuchipudi education was shaped by Guru Manoj and Guru Hanumantha Rao from Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, she trained in folk dance under Job Master, a senior choreographer in the Malayalam film industry.
Dr. Rasmitha has also had the privilege of attending workshops with revered Gurus such as Dr. Padma Subramanyam, Chitra Visweswaran, Sudharani Raghupathy, and The Dhananjayans, further deepening her understanding of the art. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Bharatanatyam from Aria University, California and a Post Graduate Diploma in Nattuvangam under Guru Bharadwaj from Chennai and PostGraduate Diploma in Kuchipudi.
Academic & Professional Background
Alongside her artistic pursuits, Dr. Rasmitha holds a Doctoral degree in Ayurveda from Kerala University, and an MBA in Hospital Administration from ICFAI University. Her dual expertise in classical dance and holistic healing allows her to blend tradition with wellness in unique and meaningful ways.
Awards & Accolades
- Kalathilakam (1999–2002) – Winner of the prestigious individual championship title for four consecutive years in a nationwide youth competition in Dubai, UAE.
- Natya Ratna Award (2008) – Honored at the Ayurveda College Meet for excellence in dance.
- Rising Star – Rising Star Award in Soorya Festival held in Trivandrum.
- Dhoom Dance Competition – Her student troupe, Ninaada, secured the second prize in a leading Indian TV dance contest.
Performances & Productions
Dr. Rasmitha has performed across India and the UAE, headlining prestigious productions such as:
- Rasaratnakaraha
- Krishnakathamrutham
- Krishnaarpanam
- Shaakunthalam
- Mahabharata
- Mahishasuramardhini- Epic tale of the Female Goddess
- Deepa Lakshmi
- Several thematic and experimental productions integrating classical storytelling with contemporary interpretations.
Sripuram Dance Academy LLC
As the founder of Sripuram Dance Academy LLC, headquartered in Manteca, California, with three additional branches, Dr. Rasmitha is dedicated to nurturing young dancers and preserving India’s classical heritage. Her academy is a platform for artistic exploration, where students not only learn the technique of Nritta, Nrithya, and Natya but also develop a profound appreciation for the Natya Shastra and India’s cultural legacy.
Philanthropy & Social Contributions
Beyond performances, Dr. Rasmitha actively leverages her art for social causes, having participated in fundraisers for cancer patients, leprosy awareness, and various charitable initiatives. She firmly believes that dance is a powerful medium for healing and social change.
