"For many Americans, Indian culture means the occasional curry and a passing acquaintance with Ravi Shankar. Kripa Baskaran would like to change that". - a feature from the Wisconsin State Journal

"Our audience were enchanted by her performance. Her dedication and passion for Bharatnatyam is evident in the energy she brings to her performance and is equally reflected in the dedication of her students, I am delighted to have found Kripa".

- Asian Moon festival

Kripa is an accomplished dancer and choreographer who has travelled world wide to perform the most revered South Indian classical dance, Bharathnatyam. She is a gifted artist from the younger generation of Bharatnatyam dancers who began her journey at the age of 7 and did her arangetram (dance debut) at 14 with instruction from gurus Smt.Chandrakala and Thanjai Sri.Hemnath. She then pursued the art form in depth with the guidance of guru Dr.Ambika Kameshwar. Kripa had intensive training in Nattuvangam, art of conducting a dance recital under Dr.Ambika Kameshwar and additional training in Kala Peetham under Smt.Pavithra Srinivasan. Under the tutelage of Dr. Ambika Kameshwar, Kripa matured into a talented Bharatanatyam dancer. She has also done nattuvangam for renowned dancers like Dr.Ambika Kameshwar and Smt.Vijayantimala Bali. As a trained classical singer, Kripa also provides vocal support for the dance concerts. Kripa is the director of Natyarpana school of dance where she offers weekly dance lessons in bharatnatyam. Kripa has been teaching this art form for over a decade now and has been applauded by both public and press for her excellence in perfection and dedication towards the art form.

"Kripa Natarajan's abhinayas were of highest order. Kripa has acquired proficiency in all aspects of dancing. Her thillana "deva guru deva" was very brisk and extremely enjoyable. On the while, it was flawless.

- Dinamani, Madras

Kripa has worked an an instructor in the Department of dance for the continuing education division at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Over the last 15 years, Kripa has given several performances in India and around the world and her most notable venues in India are:

Kripa's fluency in dancing and her grace in presentation is admirable. Guru Ambika has done a wonderful job in grooming this youngster

- The Hindu, Chennai

Kripa expanded the outreach of Bharatnatyam through an innovative collaboration with another Indian dance form 'kathak'. Kripa's most notable dance production was a 'Jugalbandi' - a dance fusion between Kathak and Bharatnatyam which was staged in Nottingham Play house, United Kingdom in November 1995. The dance fusion was performed by Nottingham's eminent kathak dancer Vina Ladwa and Kripa Baskaran in bharatnatyam style which dazzled the Nottingham audience. Kripa did a series of shows in United Kingdom such as:

"Kripa Baskaran performed a jugalbandi with Vina Ladwa, Nottingham's sole kathak dancer. It was a dance delight to the audience".

- The Evening post, Nottingham, UK

Kripa strives to spread the Indian culture and traditional values through her dance school "Natyarpana", where she offers free dance lessons for aspiring underprivileged students. Kripa and the Natyarpana dancers constantly perform for fund raisers and noble causes. Some of such Kripa's notable shows are:

"It was breath-taking and mesmerizing - slaying of keechaka, Mahabaratha".

- Madison Times

Kripa has choreographed several classical dance productions, composed jhatis, semi-classical and folk dances of India. In the US, Kripa and Natyarpana students are regularly invited by public schools, Universities, Multi-cultural events, community functions and fund-raisers.

Kripa is licensed through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to practice as a special education program ad for prekindergarten to Grade 12. Kripa has an aptitude and a passion for working with special needs children. She has taught creative dancing to children with Autism, Cerebral palsy and Down's syndrome and represented her teacher's organisation RASA where daily classes are held focussing on the holistic development of children with special needs. RASA is a 100% voluntary organization that is dependent on your donations to continue with its work of caring for the special people. Click here to know more about RASA.