Hema Raja is Known for her dynamic choreography, beautiful expressions, statuesque poses, and uncompromising style in tradition and devotion. She is a disciple of Smt. Mutulakshmi who was a prominent Bharthanatyam dancer in South India in a lineage of temple dancers. Temple dancing follows a pure, traditional way prescribed by the dance Guru to students, derived from the Natya Sastras – A Vedic dancer’s texts
(Brand names such as a school, place, and teachers’ names as dance styles are in fashion only in the current day). An accomplished dancer or artist will agree that hype of styles become irrelevant as long the instructions and knowledge of the art are passed on without altering the original texts.
Hema has been teaching in Austin for over 20 years. Several students performed traditional Bharthnatyam Arangetram (dance graduation) under her able guidance. She has been giving dance performances from age 6. She has over 100 performances in the USA and India. Many of her students have graduated, completed Arangetram, and performed in various places within the USA & abroad.
Hema’s dance instructional focus is towards traditional Bharatnatyam. However, some of her choreography and dance performances, have elements of Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, and Kathak forms, to convey the stories, poems, culture, traditions, myths, and legends of various genres. Her passion for Bharatanatyam, arts, and culture is evident in her ways of teaching.
As a guru, she works tirelessly to train her students to perform to the best of their abilities. She truly loves every child that enters her doors. At the same time, she is an extraordinary dance professional. She takes the time to make sure the steps, expression, and energy are just right and honor this art form at the highest level. Hema has an educational background in Microbiology, Educational Curriculum, and Administration.