Indian classical dance pioneer KP Bhaskar dies

Singapore: Singapore`s Indian classical dance pioneer, KP Bhaskar, has died following heart-related illness.

The 88-year-old artiste, who passed away yesterday, is survived by his wife and classical dancer-choreographer, Santha, 74, three children and four grand children, reported the Straits Times today. The Kerala-born dancer arrived in Singapore in 1952 and became one of the first classical Indian dance instructors. Bhaskar and Santha taught Indian classical dances throughout Singapore and Malaysia in the 1950s and 1960s on shoe-string budget. He taught beginners Bharathanatyam and later expanded his academy to teach other forms of classical dances. Bhaskar also founded the Nrityalaya Aesthetics Society and was member of a number of arts and cultural institutions in Singapore. He received many awards during his services to dance and cultural activities including Singapore`s Meritorious Service Medal, Natya Kalanidhi from Indian poet Sudhananda Bharathiar, the Kala Vipanchee title from MBK Trust in Chennai in 1999 and Nritya Shiromani doctorate from the Pracheen Kala Kendra in Chandigarh in 2003. PTI