It is often said that a great teacher inspires hope, ignites imagination, and instills a love of learning. Smt. Dr. Kripa Baskaran embodies these ideals through her lifelong dedication to Bharatanatyam. She guides her students to become not only accomplished dancers but also principled individuals, emphasizing discipline, integrity, and purposeful creativity. Her teaching philosophy centers on three foundational pillars—bonding, discipline, and presentation—reflecting her belief that dance has the power to transform character and cultivate values.
Dr. Kripa Baskaran began her Bharatanatyam pursuit at the age of seven and brings over two decades of teaching experience. She has culminated the Pandanallur, Tanjore, and Vazhuvoor styles in her repertoire and developed a thoughtfully structured curriculum seamlessly integrating these traditions into her practice and pedagogy.with utmost depth and clarity in training for Natyarpana. A distinguished performer, she has presented her work on stages around the world and is a regular performer in the renowned Chennai Music and Dance Festival.
Her excellence has been recognized through numerous prestigious awards, including the “Nritya Seva Mani” Award (2015) and the “Papanasam Sivan” Award (2016) for her outstanding contributions to Bharatanatyam in the United States. She has also been honored by the Wisconsin Arts Board as a Master Teacher (2014–2016, 2018–2023), enabling her to mentor apprentices through fellowship programs, and served as a panelist in 2021.
Her commitment extends beyond performance and education into meaningful community impact. Beginning as early as her high school years, she has worked with individuals with Down syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy, using dance as a medium of expression, empowerment, and inclusion. Through Natyarpana outreach initiatives, students actively volunteer across the United States and India, carrying forward her vision of service through the arts.
A pioneer in arts education, Dr. Baskaran introduced the course “World Movement Traditions” at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, expanding the academic appreciation of Indian classical dance across universities.
Smt. Kripa holds a Doctoral degree in Bharatanatyam from Tamil University, Thanjavur, with research focused on advancing mental health through the medium of Bharatanatyam. As an accomplished artist, dedicated mentor, and community leader, she continues to inspire generations through her unwavering commitment to excellence, culture, and humanity.
Her influence continues to grow through her students, many of whom now lead Natyarpana branches in North Carolina, Tennessee, Connecticut, and Illinois, fostering the next generation of dancers and leaders.
Kripa, the Founder of WICA (Wisconsin Indian Classical Arts), is dedicated to sharing the richness of Indian classical dance with diverse audiences, promoting cultural understanding and accessibility through innovative programming and community outreaches.
