Artistic Director, Alarippu Dance School

Smt. Radhika Dinesh is an accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer who has been immersed in this South Indian classical art form since the age of five. A disciple of the renowned Guru Smt. Mythili Kumar, Artistic Director of Abhinaya Dance Company, San Jose, she belongs to the illustrious artistic lineage of the Abhinaya tradition.

As one of Guru Mythili Kumar’s early disciples, Radhika has performed in numerous Abhinaya productions and has graced over fifty prestigious venues across the United States and India, including the celebrated San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival and the Asian Art Festival. In recognition of her artistic excellence, she was honored with the Balasaraswathi Award for Excellence in Dance (1993).

Born into a distinguished family of Bay Area Carnatic musicians, Radhika’s artistry is deeply rooted in music. She is the granddaughter of composer and vocalist Sri P. V. Natarajan, daughter of vocalist Smt. Vasanthi Kannan, and niece of violinist Shanti Narayanan and mridangam artist N. Narayanan. She has choreographed and presented dance works based on her grandfather’s compositions, preserving and celebrating her family’s musical heritage.

In 2012, Radhika founded Alarippu Dance School, with a vision to nurture disciplined, expressive, and culturally grounded dancers. Having been born and raised in California, she brings a unique sensitivity to teaching children growing up in the United States, fostering strong Guru–Shishya bonds and a lifelong connection to classical arts.

Beyond dance, Radhika is an educator by profession and currently serves as the Principal of a K–8 elementary school in Modesto, California. Her deep understanding of pedagogy and differentiated instruction enriches her teaching, allowing each student to grow with confidence, artistry, and individuality.

Through her dedication to tradition, mentorship, and artistic excellence, Guru Radhika Dinesh continues to shape the next generation of Bharatanatyam dancers in the Bay Area and beyond.