Dr. Prathiba Batley is a widely renowned Bharatanatyam dancer, acclaimed for her innovative approach to this classical South Indian dance form. With over 300 performances worldwide and recognition as a three-time Indian National Champion, she has earned the prestigious Dance/USA Fellowship from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation for addressing social justice through dance.
Trained in the Kalakshetra style under Guru Preetha Ravindranath, Dr. Batley’s expertise spans Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Kathak, and theater. She challenges traditional Bharatanatyam norms, tackling issues like caste hierarchies, religious barriers, and women’s empowerment. Her performances delve into contemporary social themes, current issues, and secular literature, demonstrating the universal language of dance.
Dr. Batley's cross-cultural collaborations with jazz musicians, modern dancers, and flamenco artists highlight the global reach of Bharatanatyam. Her academic research, in collaboration with Dr. Matthew Allen, focuses on reviving the ainthinai padams of K. Ponnaiah (Pillai). She is also a prolific creator, creating the award-winning dance short film "Dirty Secrets", choreographing "The Great Celestial Cow", and directing celebrated productions like "Enticing Anklets" and "The Ballad of the Gypsy."
In 2012, Dr. Batley founded Eyakkam Dance Company, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to making Bharatanatyam accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences. Beyond her contributions to dance, she is a sought-after researcher and a statistician with over 60 peer-reviewed publications and 100+ conference presentations in leading journals.
Dr. Prathiba Batley’s exceptional versatility as a dancer, researcher, and educator cements her legacy as a transformative force in Bharatanatyam and beyond