Natya Ratna, Smt. Gita Umesh had her initial training in Bharata Natyam at the renowned Sri Rajarajeshwari Natya Kalamandir in Bombay. Thereafter, she underwent further training under Guru Natya Kalanidhi Swarna Saraswathi in New Delhi. She has given a number of public performances in India before distinguished audiences and has also been featured on TV.

Since 1976, Smt. Gita Umesh has been imparting training in this intricate art form to aspiring dancers in Nairobi, Kenya. She has steadfastly maintained the purity of this traditional dance form and a number of her students have already graduated under her guidance.

Her students have consistently won top honors at the Kenya Music Festival held annually. She is also continuously involved in new choreographies and dance dramas. She recently celebrated her 30th anniversary since the inception of her dance school in Nairobi. 

Guru Kalaimamani Sri. S.K. Rajaratnam Pillai was the foremost teacher of the Vazhuvoor style of Bharata Natyam.

He studied the intricacies of Bharata Natyam as well as Nattuvangam from the famous guru, Padmashree Vazhuvoor Shri Ramaiah Pillai.

His golden voice and his contributions in the field of Bharata Natyam are still remembered. Doyen among natyacharyas, he was known for his brisk jathis with crisp variations, for both singing and conducting the nattuvangam with amazing clarity.

Guru S.K. Rajarathnam Pillai has been looked up to by the dancing community, and his numerous students are scattered all over the world.

Conferred with the titles of Kalaimamani, Natya Selvam and Sangeetha Kala Sikamani, he was an acclaimed teacher of his time, propagating the Vazhuvoor style of BharathaNatyam.

He was not only known for his talent, but also for his humble and friendly nature.