Acclaimed as an artist, whose dance performances are both beautiful and significant, Shoba Natarajan is one of the foremost exponents of two classical dance styles of India - Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi. Shoba commenced her artistic journey at the age of five under the legendary dancer, Padmabhushan Kamala Lakshman. She gave her first formal stage performance at the age of eight and continued her tutelage with the reputed guru, Kalaimamani S. K. Rajaratnam Pillai. Fascinated by Kuchipudi, Shoba came under the influence of the world-renowned, Padmabhushan Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam and is today one of the leading exponents of this style. Shoba's dance is distinguished by its spiritual depth, emotive range, sensitivity, and classical purity. Her unsurpassed skill in abhinaya (expressive dance), flawless sense of rhythm, mastery of form and footwork, and impeccable grace make her dance the perfect fusion of music, movement and mime. Audiences worldwide have been deeply moved by the poetic charm of Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi through Shoba's sophisticated and richly layered interpretations of these idioms. Shoba has danced the lead role in several of Dr. Chinna Satyam's productions, and is best known for her stirring portrayal of Srinivasa in 'Srinivasa Kalyanam.' Shoba has played an active and important role in popularizing Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam around the world. In 1984, she became the first Kuchipudi dancer to tour the Soviet Union. She has also undertaken several dance tours of India, the United States, the former Soviet Union, Europe, and Southeast Asia.