Smt. Savitri Naidoo
Founder and Artistic Director of Chakras Performing Arts
A Bharatanatyam exponent in the classical Pandanallur style, Savitri Naidoo is a skilled choreographer, an inspiring teacher, and a pioneer in promoting Indian arts in South Africa. Her dance journey began with training in Western genres such as Ballet, Modern, and Spanish dance before she discovered the rich heritage of Indian classical dance.
Upon completing her HSC equivalent, Savitri, accompanied by her mother, traveled to India to pursue her passion under the tutelage of the eminent Guru Natya Kala Ratnam, Natya Kala Bhushan Smt. Indira Ragan, studying in the traditional Gurukul system. After her Arangetram, she further honed her skills in Kathak in Mauritius. With her guru’s blessings, she established Vadhini Natyalaya, later known as Vadhini Indian Arts, in South Africa.
Over the years, Savitri continued to expand her repertoire, learning from stalwarts such as Smt. Vyjayanthimala, Madurai R. Muralidharan, and the Dhananjayans. She also trained in traditional Indian folk dance at Darpana Academy (Ahmedabad) and Triveni College (Delhi).
A distinguished performer and mentor, Savitri has had the privilege of working alongside South Africa’s leading artists and choreographers. She has performed and conducted masterclasses in India, Mauritius, Poland, Germany, Botswana, and across South Africa. For over three decades, she spearheaded Vadhini Indian Arts, staging innovative productions, collaborative works, and outreach projects. She was instrumental in establishing Bharatanatyam as an HSC-equivalent subject in South Africa.
In 2010, Savitri immigrated to Australia, where she founded Chakras Performing Arts, building an institution rooted in the same values of sincerity, discipline, and passion. Since its inception, the academy has provided students with diverse performance opportunities at cultural and artistic events, embracing political awareness, social responsibility, and multicultural inclusivity. Chakras Performing Arts continues to uphold the strong traditions of Indian dance while embracing global artistic influences.
Performance Highlights
- Newcastle Bollywood Conference
- India Independence Day & Republic Day Celebrations (Indian Consulate, Sydney)
- Arpan & Bharatiya Rang
- Fiesta on Australia Day
- Asia Pacific Special Olympics (Opening & Closing Ceremonies)
- South African 150-Year Commemoration
- Chakras Productions & Nritya Dharshanam
- Rhythms of Bollywood & Harmony Day
- Snow White & Cinderella in India
- Numerous charity events
To date, 23 students have completed their Bharatanatyam training under Savitri’s guidance in Australia.
She has been honored with the Swami Thyagaraja Award for Arts and Culture Promotion in South Africa and, more recently, the Arts and Culture Award from GOPIO Australia for her continued contributions to the field.
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