Leadership
Meet the artistic leaders of Natya Sudha, dedicated to preserving and evolving the rich traditions of Indian classical dance.
Founder
Tara Rajkumar OAM
Tara Rajkumar OAM is one of Australia's most respected pioneers of Indian classical dance. A performer, choreographer, educator and cultural leader, she founded Natya Sudha Dance Company and School in Melbourne in 1986, establishing Australia's first school of Mohiniattam and Kathakali.
Born and trained in India, Tara studied Kathakali under the legendary Padmasri Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair and Guru Madhava Panicker, and Mohiniattam under the renowned Guru Kalyanikutty Amma. Following a distinguished performing career in India, she moved to the United Kingdom, where she founded the country's first national Academy of Indian Dance in 1979—now known as Akademi South Asian Dance—helping transform the landscape of South Asian dance in Britain.
Since arriving in Australia, Tara has dedicated her career to building cultural connections through the performing arts. Under her artistic direction, Natya Sudha Dance Company has created acclaimed productions that combine the beauty of Indian classical dance with contemporary themes and cross-cultural collaboration. These works have been presented at major festivals, theatres and cultural institutions throughout Australia and internationally.
A passionate educator, Tara has developed innovative dance programs for schools and universities, including extensive work with Monash University, where she was an Honorary Fellow and Director of Dance at the Monash Asia Institute. Her acclaimed production Temple Dreaming toured India as part of the country's Golden Jubilee celebrations of Independence.
In recognition of her extraordinary contribution to the arts, Tara was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2009 for services to the performing arts as a teacher, choreographer and performer of classical Indian dance. Her many honours include the Victorian Honour Roll of Women Shaping the Nation, the Premier's Award for Community Harmony, the Australia Council Choreographic Fellowship, and the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.
For almost four decades, Tara has inspired generations of dancers through her artistry, scholarship and teaching. Her vision continues to shape Natya Sudha as a place where artistic excellence, cultural heritage and community come together through dance.
Director
Nithya Gopu Solomon
Nithya Gopu Solomon is the Director of Natya Sudha Dance School and continues the artistic and educational legacy established by founder Tara Rajkumar OAM. As the first graduate of Natya Sudha, Nithya has been part of the school's journey from its earliest years, completing her arangettam (debut solo performance) in 1994.
An accomplished Mohiniattam artist, teacher and choreographer, Nithya's movement practice is grounded in Indian classical dance while drawing inspiration from yoga, Kathakali, Kalaripayattu and Brazilian capoeira. She is also a qualified yoga teacher and teacher trainer, bringing a holistic approach to movement, wellbeing and artistic development.
Throughout her career, Nithya has performed in every major production of Natya Sudha Dance Company and collaborated extensively with artists across diverse disciplines, creating works that range from traditional classical performances to contemporary interdisciplinary productions. In 2021, she was Artist in Residence at Footscray Community Arts.
Alongside her artistic practice, Nithya holds Bachelor degrees in Engineering and Arts from Monash University and a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University. She was among the first graduates of Monash University's New Dances from Old Cultures choreography program, receiving the Ernst Morawetz Prize for excellence.
Today, Nithya leads Natya Sudha Dance School with a commitment to preserving the integrity of Mohiniattam while making it accessible and relevant for new generations of dancers. Under her leadership, the school continues to nurture students of all ages and abilities in an environment that values discipline, creativity, cultural understanding and artistic excellence.
