Guest Performers

Two special guest performances, celebrating the art of Bharatanatyam.

Akshath Piram in a Bharatanatyam pose, studio portrait with a teal curtain Akshath Piram performing Bharatanatyam on stage, one leg raised Akshath Piram performing Bharatanatyam on stage, in a low kneeling pose
Guest Performer

Akshath Piram

Disciple of Acharya Smt. Indhumadhi Gopalakrishnan
Salangai School of Performing Arts, Delaware

50+Awards, titles & recognitions
Junior AmbassadorGriffin College London

Akshath Piram, a 15-year-old sophomore in high school, began his Bharatanatyam training at the age of four under the guidance of his mother and Guru, Acharya Smt. Indhumadhi Gopalakrishnan, Founder and Artistic Director of Salangai School of Performing Arts, Delaware.

Honors & Recognitions

With over 50 awards, titles and recognitions at state, national and international levels, Akshath has earned prestigious honors including:

  • Bala OjaswiAll India Dancers Association
  • Param Nrithya Ilavarasan PuraskarAll India Dancers Association
  • Sarga PrathibhaSARGAM Sacramento
  • Natya Kala Vipanchee AwardGriffin College London
  • Bala Natya RatnaTom Mediaas
  • Bala Kala BharathiBharat Kalachar
  • Live4You Hall of Fame Award2023

Other distinctions: Natya Choodamani, Child Prodigy Gold Medal, Nrithyakala Balaratna and Saptami Super Star.

Performed at

Akshath has performed at several prestigious Chennai platforms, including:

  • Bharath Kalachar
  • Brahma Gana Sabha
  • Rasika Ranjani Sabha
  • Malar Cultural Associations
  • Pushpanjali Cultural Trust
  • Thyaga Brahma Gana Sabha

Beyond the Stage

Beyond performing, Akshath has developed a strong foundation in the musical dimensions of Bharatanatyam. He accompanies Arangetrams on Nattuvangam, including at the prestigious Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana Festival, and also accompanies live Carnatic music concerts on the Mridangam. His involvement as a dancer and percussion accompanist reflects his dedication to understanding and exploring the art form beyond the stage.

Visit Akshath’s website Back to festival home
Rithika Ashok in a dance pose
Guest Performer

Rithika Ashok

Artist & Arts Administrator
New York City

M.A.Arts Administration, Columbia University
Minor in DanceCollege of William & Mary

Rithika Ashok is an artist and arts administrator based in New York City. She is well-versed in a myriad of styles, from Indian classical and folk to western styles like ballet, modern jazz, tap and hip-hop.

Training & Education

She trained professionally for several years, obtained her Minor in Dance from the College of William and Mary, and went on to receive her M.A. in Arts Administration from Columbia University this past May.

On Stage & Screen

Artistically, she has been part of several projects in New York, including:

  • Lessons From My MothersDancer & collaborator, world premiere
  • Unaccustomed EarthChoreographer, upcoming Netflix series

Performed at

In New York, Rithika has performed at venues like:

  • Gibney
  • Dixon Place
  • Balance Arts

Beyond the Stage

Professionally, Rithika has worked as an administrator at the Juilliard School of Dance and now works as a financial consultant for art organizations around the country.