Key Achievements
60+ years
of Bharatanatyam experience
Trained in
Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, Kathak & Folk Dance
Awarded the titles
Natyaratna & Natyakalaratna
Experienced
Indian Classical Dance Teacher & Performer
Dedicated
to promoting Indian Dance & Cultural Heritage
About
Hema Sharma is an accomplished Indian classical dancer, teacher, performer, and cultural ambassador with more than six decades of dedication to the preservation and promotion of Indian dance traditions.
A native of Chennai, Hema began her Bharatanatyam training at the age of eight under Kancheepuram Gnanaprakasam. Over the years, she expanded her expertise to include Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, Kathak, and Indian folk dances, while receiving advanced training and guidance from renowned artistes including Padmashri Adyar K. Lakshman and the Dhananjayans.
She made her public debut in 1963 and has since performed at numerous venues across India and the United States. Recognized with the titles Natyaratna and Natyakalaratna, she has built a distinguished career as both a performer and teacher.
Beyond the stage, Hema has played an important role in cultural representation and community engagement. She served as India's Ethnic Commissioner on the Mayor's Ethnic Enrichment Commission from 1992 to 2018.
Now based in Miami, she continues to teach and perform, inspiring students from diverse backgrounds and sharing the richness of Indian classical dance, music, culture, and heritage with the wider community.
