At the time when people acknowledge the diminishing acceptance and admiration for Indian heritage and culture among the present generation there are few torch bearers who not only love their culture but forwarding it to the next generation as well. Indian origin Bharatnatyam Dancer Vidushi Asha Adiga is one such personality who is a trained classical dancer, choreographer, educator and social activist.
Asha Adiga is an Indian danseuse residing in the United States Of America at present, has more than 30 years of experience performing various Indian dance forms like Bharatnatyam, Carnatic Dance and various Indian folk dance. She is an Indian native who has got her training in classical dance forms here only. She started learning Indian classical dance at a very early age as her parents believed that learning Indian art forms will keep her connected to her Indian culture and roots, which she proved right later in her life. She is a child prodigy who performed at the prestigious Maison Des Cultures Du Monde stage in Paris France at just the age of 9 and also performed in Bal Bhavan Delhi.
Asha Adige completed her MBA in finance in 1997 from Karnataka but simultaneously kept her passion for dance alive and followed her dream of becoming an established Indian classical dancer. She has performed alongside many well established artists like Shobna Chandrakumar in various prestigious stages. Her shows are extremely popular in various countries across the globe among which Rama Eshwar Dance Drama, Sathya Narayan Katha dance drama, Shiva Shakti Dance drama, Nritya Yoga and Nadham have been covered and praised by international print and electronic media.
She has been conferred with various awards Kala lisri state award in 2006 by Air India Deccan Herald, Prajavani Rank Award 2006, Outstanding Young Indian Award 2003 for her excellence and contribution to Indian Art and Culture. Not only this her inaugural performance at Donald E Stephen convention was noted and honored by now Honorable Vice President of India and then Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu.
Not only is she a great dancer and performer but an educator as well. In order to impart her knowledge and learnings to present and next generation first she founded Sanskruti school of dance in Devangere Karnataka and later when she shifted to USA, she founded Acharya Performing Arts Inc in Illinois USA with a vision to expand prominent Indian culture and heritage in USA. Till now more than 500 students have learnt various art and dance forms in this prestigious institution where Asha Adige herself teaches Bharatnatyam, Carnatic and various folk dances and choreography.
Asha Adige willfully fulfils her social responsibility as an artist of repute, she has founded Nupur Geetha Inc ,a Non profit organization in 2012 which not only helps various needy artist find right stage and opportunities to showcase their talent but also in developing cultural awareness and intercultural dialogue through artistic expression of dance.
Vidushi Asha Adige is inspiring to modern day women who not only gives motivation to realize their dreams and aspirations but is a live example of how a grounded woman can touch the sky with her determination and dedication.