Dr. Lata Surendra

Dr. Lata Surendra
Dr. Lata Surendra
Born	May 29, 1954 Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Occupation	Bharatanatyam Exponent, Mentor, Choreographer, Curator, Writer, Researcher, Educator, Poet
Years Active	1960–Present
Known for	Contributions to Bharatanatyam Dance as therapy Curating art festivals
Spouse's	Surendra Shanker Menon
Children	Madhusudan S Menon
Nationality	Indian
Alma mater	Doctorate in Philosophy, Diploma in Public Relations & Advertising

Dr. Lata Surendra is a renowned performer, a fastidious Mentor, an imaginative choreographer a sought after curator, a  dance journalist ,a committed independent  researcher , a sensitive poet and in the field of dance for over six decades .She has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape, captivating audiences worldwide with her artistic prowess and innovative approach to dance in the written spoken and delineated word through her performances , choreographies, lectures and workshops all over the globe . Lata Surendra pursued a Doctorate in Philosophy and holds diplomas in Public Relations & Advertising, enriching her artistic journey with academic rigor and interdisciplinary knowledge. Lata Surendra's artistic oeuvre encompasses a diverse range of creative endeavors. She has curated unique festivals  including the Hindustan Times Kalashri Ghoda and Times Celebrate Bandra festivals;  Thematic festivals  that explore the intersection of art and contemporary issues, authored insightful art columns and poetry, and utilized Bharatanatyam as a medium for social outreach and therapeutic intervention. She has as the Section President in 2016 and 2018 conducted successfully two world Congresses on Dance - 49th and 52nd in Mumbai  in collaboration  with  International dance council- ( Athens)  and Head quarters Paris affiliated with UNESCO. Her research papers are a part of the world Congress libraries in Athens, Spain,Japan, Portugal, Argentina, U.S.A, Rome  etc  Her choreographic repertoire includes thematic productions that delve into the ethos of spirituality, ecological awareness, and societal transformation. As the founder of the Anjali Bharatanatyam Research Trust, Lata Surendra has established a legacy of artistic excellence and mentorship. The institution, which completes its golden  jubilee  in  2024, has nurtured numerous aspiring dancers, including renowned personalities like Smt. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Through her institution, Lata Surendra endeavors to impart the aesthetics of Bharatanatyam to underprivileged children and leverage dance as a therapeutic tool for individuals with special needs. She believes that Dance  is a bridging  metaphor Linking worlds .

Biography

Lata Surendra was born on May 29, 1954, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, to Shri K.S. Parameshwar and Smt. A. Thankamma. From a young age, she displayed a deep passion for dance, setting her on a path to master the intricate art of Bharatanatyam.

Education Details

Lata Surendra earned a Doctorate in Philosophy and holds diplomas in Public Relations and Advertising, blending academic rigor and interdisciplinary expertise to enhance her artistic journey.

Career Achievements

Throughout her illustrious career, Lata Surendra has been the recipient of numerous accolades and honors, recognizing her invaluable contributions to the field of dance. Some of her notable achievements include:

• Maharashtra Rajyashaasan Sanskrutik Puraskar for Dance (2022)
• Kalashri Puraskaram from Kerala Sangeet Natak Akademi (2013)
• Padmabhushan Dr. Kanaka Rele- Kanaka Narthana Puraskar (2023)
• Kalasarathy Award (2023)
• Gaurav Puraskar in Palghar (2011)
• Swami Haridas Sammela (1979)
• Foxclues India's Top 100 Educator Award (2023)
• Asthana Natyamkala Shiromani Award (2024)
• Mahatma Gandhi Global Ambassador of Peace (Diplomatic Mission of Global Peace, 2021)
• SudarshanGaur Kalagaurav Award 2024

Notable Works

Lata Surendra's artistic portfolio is rich with diverse creative endeavors. She has curated innovative festivals that explore the intersection of art and contemporary issues, written insightful columns and poetry, and used Bharatanatyam for social outreach and therapeutic purposes. Her choreographic work features thematic productions that address spirituality, ecological awareness, and societal change.

As the founder of the Anjali Bharatanatyam Research Trust, Lata Surendra has built a legacy of artistic excellence and mentorship. Celebrating its silver jubilee in 2024, the institution has nurtured many aspiring dancers, including the acclaimed Smt. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Through her institution, Lata Surendra aims to impart the beauty of Bharatanatyam to underprivileged children and use dance as a therapeutic tool for individuals with special needs.

Legacy

Lata Surendra's impact extends far beyond performance, embracing scholarly research, cultural advocacy, and community engagement. She honors the legacy of her guru, Kalaimamani Vidwan Shri T.S. Kadirvelu Pillai, by maintaining his aesthetic principles and crafting new choreographic works inspired by his teachings. As a curator and educator, she seeks to broaden the scope of Bharatanatyam, bridging tradition with innovation and promoting cross-cultural dialogue.

Dr. Lata Surendra's distinguished career showcases the transformative potential of dance as a force for personal and societal enrichment. Her steadfast dedication to artistic excellence and social responsibility continues to inspire generations of dancers and cultural enthusiasts around the globe.