Dr. Kripa Phadke empowers through dance, passes on fine arts to future generations

By S.N. Venkatnag Sobers

Dance is more than an art form — it is an expression of culture, tradition and human emotion. Bharatanatyam, one of India’s most revered classical dance forms, is a synthesis of rhythm, story-telling and devotion that has been passed down for generations. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Star of Mysore proudly honours the inspiring women achievers of Mysuru who continue to shape the society with their talent, dedication and accomplishments.

One such remarkable woman is danseuse Dr. Kripa Phadke, a torch-bearer of Bharatanatyam, who has passionately worked for over three decades to popularise the classical dance form among Mysuru’s youth through her Nrityagiri Performing Arts and Research Centre in Srirampura.

Born in Mundaje village, Belthangady taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, Kripa Phadke moved to Mysuru in 1995 to pursue her undergraduate studies in dance at the University of Mysore’s Fine Arts College.

She not only completed her post-graduation in Bharatanatyam but also earned a post-graduate degree in Veena and later a Ph.D. in Music. Additionally, she holds a postgraduate degree in Sanskrit from the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU).

A social service mission

A disciple of esteemed gurus such as Shanthala awardee K. Muralidhar Rao, Karnataka Kalashree P. Kamalaksha Acharya, Dr. S.V. Rukmini and Karnataka Kalashree V. Nanjunda Swamy, Kripa Phadke has embraced Bharatanatyam not only as a profession but as a mission of social service.

She has actively contributed to cultural organisations such as Ganabharathi, Thyagaraja Sangeetha Sabha, Samskara Bharati, Devaraj Urs Backward Classes Development Committee, Nrityakala Parishath and Bhagavati Mahila Samithi. Notably, she was the first woman to serve as the Secretary of Ganabharathi in Mysuru.

“The journey has been exciting so far. Coming from a lineage of musicians on my maternal side and educators on my paternal side, I have been fortunate to balance both my education and passion,” shares Dr. Kripa Phadke. Currently, she is the visiting faculty at Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music & Performing Arts University in Mysuru.

Nurturing numerous students

Upon arriving in Mysuru, she trained under Vid. Kamalaksha Acharya, initially conducting classes in a small garage at the residence of G.T. Narayana Rao. Post-graduation, she embarked on her teaching career at Ganabharathi, nurturing numerous students in the art of Bharatanatyam.

Under her guidance, over 1,000 students have mastered Bharatanatyam, with 60 completing their Vidwat and 40 achieving Rangapravesha. Many of her students have gone on to establish dance schools across India and abroad.

Dr. Kripa strongly believes that Bharatanatyam has a promising future, with increasing numbers of students each year. However, she expresses concern over the fact that many trained dancers discontinue their practice due to professional and family obligations.

“I have seen many young talents unable to pursue their passion because of career and family commitments. I firmly believe that people should continue their artistic pursuits — be it dance, music or drama — as it contributes to both physical and mental well-being,” she adds.

A strong advocate for fine arts education, she calls for the appointment of dance and music teachers in schools to nurture artistic talent from a young age. She believes that one of the main reasons young people hesitate to pursue fine arts professionally is the lack of financial security.

“If the government appoints dance and music teachers in schools and colleges, more youths will be encouraged to take up fine arts as a viable career,” she opines.