Shankar Kandasamy is an established Bharata Natyam dancer in Malaysia. He heads the Bharatanatyam faculty of The Temple of Fine Arts Malaysia, where he was trained and continues to serve as Artistic Director, Choreographer and Performer. He has given many Bharatanatyam recitals both locally and travelled with the Temple of Fine Arts worldwide performing dance dramas and variety programmes. He is also trained in Odissi, Western Classical Ballet and other regional classical styles of India. This gives him a rich vocabulary of dance which he uses in choreography. Shankar has been one of the key choreographers in all major Dance Drama productions of the Temple of Fine Arts.

Being the head of the Bharatanatyam section Shankar has choreographed and conducted over 120 Arangetrams till this date. His sound working knowledge in Sanskrit and Tamil plus his Carnatic music training makes him double up as a resource person and music composer for the dance and dancers in Malaysia. He also serves as lecturer in the Degree Programme of the Malaysian National Arts Academy run by the Government of Malaysia. He sits on the National Arts Awards panel of the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage Malaysia, as Advisor.

Shankar Kandasamy is a receipient of the Bharata Kala Mani award conferred by Apsaras Dance Company.

AADARSHA Series

LAUNCHING a new concert series, Aadarsha – Celebrating Exemplary Artistry. Through this initiative, Apsaras proudly present artists who embody excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to their art forms. The title Aadarsha – meaning ‘ideal’ or ‘exemplary’ – reflects our dedication to showcasing role models in the performing arts whose journeys inspire, whose artistry uplifts, and whose presence enriches the cultural landscape. These are artists who light the path for future generations.