N A T Y A R P A N A

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Natyarpana Dance Company brings Indian classical arts to Brookfield and the greater Milwaukee area through Bharatanatyam training, stage performances, and community outreach.

Contact Info

Founder & Artistic Director

Dr. Kripa Baskaran

Founder & Artistic Director, Natyarpana Dance Company

Dr. Kripa Baskaran’s journey in Bharatanatyam began at age seven and has flourished into over two decades of distinguished teaching. With rare artistry, she weaves the Pandanallur, Tanjore, and Vazhuvoor bani into a singular, structured curriculum that gives Natyarpana its hallmark depth and clarity.

Three Guiding Pillars

A celebrated performer, Dr. Baskaran and her students have illuminated stages across the globe. Her teaching is anchored in three guiding pillars.

Bonding

Connection that nurtures growth

Discipline

Rigorous classical training

Presentation

Artistry on stage and beyond

Through purposeful creativity and unwavering integrity, she nurtures not only accomplished dancers but principled individuals.

Select Honors

2015

Nritya Seva Mani Award

Bhairavi Fine Arts, Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana

2016

Papanasam Sivan Award

Recognition of classical excellence

2014+

Wisconsin Arts Board Master Teacher

2014 to 2016, 2018 to 2023, and continuing

2021

WAB Panelist

Wisconsin Arts Board

Scholarship & Service

Academia & Scholarship

A pioneer in academia, Dr. Baskaran introduced World Movement Traditions at UW Milwaukee, broadening the scholarly embrace of Indian classical dance. She holds a Master’s degree with distinction in Bharatanatyam, M.Phil and Doctorate from Tamil University, Thanjavur, India.

Service & Outreach

Rooted in service, she has championed dance as a medium of inclusion since her high school years, working with individuals with Down syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy under her Guru, Dr. Ambika Kameshwar. Through Natyarpana’s outreach, her students serve senior communities, nursing facilities, and underserved populations across the U.S. and India.

Natyarpana Legacy

Her legacy thrives through Natyarpana, where senior disciples impart teaching and performing the art from:

Tennessee

Ramya Kapadia through her Natyarpana School of Music and Dance

Visit school site

Madison, WI

Deepa Reghuram’s branch

Growing the tradition

Stages & Community

WICA

As Founder of WICA, Wisconsin Indian Classical Arts, she advances cultural understanding through innovative programming and community engagement.

Performing Troupe

Through Natyarpana’s performing troupe, she brings the richness of Bharatanatyam to diverse stages, from intimate library programs across Wisconsin to full-scale theatrical productions, making Indian classical dance accessible to communities near and far.