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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.
Founder & Artistic Director
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.
A celebrated performer, Dr. Baskaran and her students have illuminated stages across the globe. Her teaching is anchored in three guiding pillars:
Through purposeful creativity and unwavering integrity, she nurtures not only accomplished dancers but principled individuals.
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.
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.
Her legacy thrives through Natyarpana, where senior disciples impart teaching and performing the art from:
As Founder of WICA — Wisconsin Indian Classical Arts — she advances cultural understanding through innovative programming and community engagement.
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.
