Harikishan S Nair is a multi-faceted dance artist, choreographer, teacher, dramaturge, mentor, and rehearsal director based in Toronto. As the Founder and Artistic Director of Regatta Kala Kendra, he is a leading voice in the South Asian dance community, known for his deeply embodied practice and his commitment to fostering equity in the Canadian dance sector. His work bridges classical South Asian aesthetics with contemporary discourse, challenging institutional norms and advocating for the visibility and inclusion of racialized dance artists.
Born and raised in Kerala, India, Harikishan began dancing at the age of three. He is fluently trained in Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, and Kuchipudi, and his extensive performance career has taken him across India, the UK, the USA, and Canada. He has collaborated with celebrated artists including Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam, Madurai R. Muralidharan, Dr. Menaka Thakkar, Janak Khendry, Brandy Leary, Harikrishnan, and Lata Pada. His artistic practice is rooted in both lineage and innovation, balancing tradition with a contemporary sensibility.
Harikishan’s choreographic works and teaching residencies are regularly presented at major festivals and institutions across North America. He is also the Co-Founder of ATAM Arts Collective, Associate Artistic Director of ĀNANDAṀ Dancetheatre, and Co-Director of the South Asian Dance Alliance of Canada (SADAC).
His artistic and leadership journeys have been supported by the Metcalf Foundation, Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, and Toronto Arts Council, recognizing his vital contributions to reshaping Canada’s artistic landscape through a South Asian lens.