Artistic Director

Shilpa Ashok

Shilpa has performed at several prestigious dance festivals at the regional and national levels in India, presenting pieces such as Sindhoora Ganapa, Mohini Bhasmasura, Sundapa Sunda, and Velapuri Vaibhava under Aruna Kalavidaru Production. Her performances have been a celebration of Bharatanatyam’s rich tradition and its ability to transcend time and culture.

A passionate educator, Shilpa began teaching at the age of 18 and has since accumulated extensive experience in nurturing dancers of all ages and levels. She is deeply committed to passing on the art form’s traditions, both through her classes and through her Artistic Direction at Nitya Natyashale.
In addition to her work at Nitya Natyashale, Shilpa serves as Vice President of Sandalwood Arts & Entertainment Inc., an organization dedicated to promoting Kannada language, Karnataka culture, and the arts.

Shilpa founded Nitya Natyashale in October 2020 with a singular vision: to spread awareness of Bharatanatyam, nurture young talent, and pass on the Guru-Shishya parampara (teacher-student tradition) to future generations. With her unwavering dedication to both the art form and its cultural roots, Shilpa continues to inspire her students, creating an environment that promotes discipline, passion, and personal growth through Bharatanatyam.