Guru Hema Sharma

Hema Sharma is a native of Chennai, India, where she started dancing (Bharathanatyam) at the age of 8 under the tutelage of Kancheepuram Gnaprakasam. She pursued advanced training under such renowned gurus as Padmashri Adyar K. Lakshman in Nattuvangam and Srimati Shanta and V.P. Dhananjayan in dance. She is also well versed in other Indian dance forms such as Kuchipudi, Mohini Attam, Kathak, and folk dances. She holds the titles of Natyaratna and Natyakalaratna. Hema Sharma established Nritya, School of Indian Dance and music in Kansas City in 1988 at the insistence of several community members who wanted her to promote classical Indian dance in Kansas City. The first dance school to be established in Kansas City, Nritya has come a long way in promoting the arts and culture of India through the Midwest. Over the course of her career as a dancer, Hema has been a dedicated performer, choreographer, teacher, and community volunteer, donating her time to spread the arts and culture of India throughout Kansas City. She is currently artistic director of Nritya. The school has expanded to currently include branches in Wichita, KS and Des Moines, IA. The Gateway Dance Theatre, Des Moines, with whom Hema has an on going collaboration, sponsors the classes in Des Moines, IA. Hema has worked tirelessly over the past 21 years to establish the Indian community as a strong constructive ethnic presence in Kansas City.

Nritya holds introductory workshops in Bharathanatyam specially designed to realize your dance potential. It is helpful for both children and adults to explore if they possess the inclination for dance before they enroll for a full time course. The introductory workshop is an interesting and informative package of dance and culture. Designed for the age group of 5 years and above, the classes will provide an insight into the basic structure of Bharatha natyam. Workshops will end with a performance by the students.

Mrs. Sharma is on the following Rosters: Touring Artists for Kansas Arts Commission, Teaching Artists for Kansas City Young Audiences. Mrs. Sharma holds a bachelor degree in accounting and economics, worked several years as a teller. She quit her job in 1993 to allocate more time to the community. Mrs. Sharma has been an active voice in the Indian Community since 1988. She has served the India Association of Kansas City on various different committees, as Program Chairperson. She was the Chairperson of Indian Association for the year 2002. She was the Program Chairperson for the year 2002 for the Hindu Temple and Cultural Center of Kansas City.

Mrs. Sharma has conducted hundreds of outreach programs integrating performing arts and cultural workshops in various Metropolitan Kansas City Schools and in the tri-state area. She volunteered her time every year for 2 weeks at the Center for International Studies of Shawnee Mission School District educating the 6th grade students on India. She has been the Mayor’s Ethnic Enrichment Commission Indian Commissioner since 1993.

Mrs. Sharma has been on the board for the past several years as a member, Third Vice Chairperson, Assistant Treasurer, Treasurer, and Chairperson for the past 2 years. Since she joined the EEC, she spent so much time volunteering for the good cause of EEC. Mrs. Sharma is the first recipient for 1994, 1995, 1996, 2001, 2004, 2007 Madalynne Brock Trophy award presented by the EEC for outstanding contribution to the cultural outreach community.