Viji Prakash

Vijaya Lakshmi Prakash, popularly known as Viji Prakash, is an Indian Bharata Natyam dancer, instructor, choreographer, and founder of the Shakti Dance Company and Shakti School of Bharata Natyam. She has been working in the USA since 1976, with a career spanning over 40 years in practicing, performing, teaching, and choreographing Bharata Natyam.

Key achievements and background: Began studying Bharata Natyam at age 4. Trained under the renowned gurus Kalyanasundaram and Mahalingam Pillai of the Sri Raja Rajeshwari Bharata Natya Kala Mandir in Bombay. Also studied Mohini Attam and Kathakali under Guru Kanak Rele. Founded the Shakti School of Bharata Natyam and Shakti Dance Company in Los Angeles in 1977. Has trained over 2,000 students, with over 300 students performing their solo debuts (Arangetram). The Shakti Dance Company has performed at prestigious venues such as the Hollywood Bowl and the LA County Holiday Celebration. Recipient of multiple prestigious awards, including the Best Guru Award from the Music Academy in Chennai and the Soorya LifeTime Achievement Award. Served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Bharata Natyam at UCLA from 1999 to 2015.

Personal life Viji was married to Prakash, and their daughter Mythili Prakash is also a dancer and choreographer specializing in Bharatanatyam.