About Me.

In my former self as Rajesh, at the age of 10, I started my training in Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and the basics of Mohiniyattam under Guru Smt Kalamandalam Sumathi of Natyalaya School of Dance in Perumbavoor, Kerala.

 

Later, I joined the Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts, Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai, Tamilnadu, India and completed a 6-year professional certification in Bharatanatyam and also served as a tutor in Bharathanatyam in Kalakshetra for four and a half years.

 

At the same time, I was gaining professional training in the nuances of Kuchipudi dance, one of the most graceful dance styles I ever fell in love with. 

 

In 2008, I transitioned to being Laksha. I moved to the United States, settling in Chicago. Since 2018, I have been working with Mandala Arts, a South Asian performing arts group, and Shewolf, a sacred movement community. Working as a performer and choreographer has inspired me to further flourish the artist in me.

 

I am very grateful to these organizations because without whom I wouldn't have become one of today’s recognized Indian classical dance artists in Chicago.  I am a member the LGBTQ community and a proud recipient of two prestigious honors: the 2019 3Arts Award in Dance and the 2019 Spark micro grant for visual artists. 

 

I take each of my artistic steps as a responsibility to spread awareness about our marginalized trans community and its survival in the society.

 

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