Founder, Artistic Director & Educator
Vid. Sowmya Vishal
Doordarshan Graded Artist · Bharatanatyam & Bharathanrityam Performer · Choreographer
Profile
A lineage of tradition, a voice of innovation
Vidushi Sowmya Vishal (aka Sowmya Shree V) is an acclaimed Bharatanatyam and Bharathanrityam dancer based in Bengaluru, known for her dynamic stage presence, rich training lineage, and dedication to the classical arts. A Doordarshan-graded artist and disciple of eminent Gurus Dr. Suparna Venkatesh and Guru Vithya Arasu, she brings a compelling blend of tradition and innovation to her performances.
She holds a Master’s degree in Bharathanatyam from REVA University, where she was honoured as the Best Outgoing Student, and is a gold medalist from the International Dance Federation. Ranked third in Karnataka in the Vidwath Antima exam (KSEEB), Sowmya also holds a Diploma in Movement Arts & Mixed Media from Attakkalari Centre. Her artistic journey spans over 500 performances across India and abroad, including prestigious festivals, temple spaces, and international forums.
In 2024, she choreographed a grand production featuring 700 dancers for the 75th Republic Day parade at Manekshaw Parade Ground, Bengaluru — an exceptional feat showcasing her large-scale choreography skills.
In 2025, she premiered her original Bharatanatyam production Amba, a thought-provoking work that explores themes of femininity, identity and gender through the timeless narrative of Amba and Shikhandi from the Mahabharata. Rooted in the traditional Margam format, the production offers a contemporary perspective on selfhood, resilience and transformation while remaining deeply grounded in the classical Bharatanatyam tradition.
Selected Performances
- Mysore Dasara Festival
- TTD Neeranjana Seva
- Natyabhishekam, Malaysia
- Hampi Utsava
- All India Kannada Convention
- Shillong & Odisha Kannada Sanghas
- Nrityaseva at Ananthapadmanabha Swamy Temple
- ICCR's Cultural Fridays
- Sai Nrityotsava
- Balavedike
- Nrityaseva at Udupi Sri Krishna Mata
Awards & Honours
- Bharatha Nritya Tilakam
- Suvarna Kannadathi Award
- Aralu Mallige Prashasti
- Swarna Ratna
- Rashtriya Bapuji Ratna Prashasti
- Shillong Kannada Sangha Prashasti
- Uttama Shikshaki, Karnataka State Teacher's Association
- Kala Ratna, Axis Max Life
Multidisciplinary Training
A versatile artist across forms
Sowmya is a versatile artist trained in multiple dance and movement forms including:
She is also a distinction holder in Drums (Rock & Pop) from Trinity College London (97%) and continues to evolve as a Carnatic vocalist under Vid. Dr. Chintalapalli Ramesh and BS Anand, and in Konnakol under Vid. BS Nagraj. She is a certified Yoga Instructor with a 200-hour TTC from Aayana Yoga.
Teaching & Community Initiatives
Sowmya is the Founder & Artistic Director of Anura Academy of Performing Arts, a non-profit committed to nurturing young talent in dance, music, and visual arts. Under her guidance, over 200 students are actively trained in Bharatanatyam. Her students consistently achieve distinction in KSEEB board exams and secure scholarships from leading cultural institutions.
She curates two significant platforms: