Passage of the River

Padma Chebrolu is an accomplished teaching and performing dance and visual artist and is the artistic director of the Cultural Centre of India (CCI), which she founded in Cincinnati. Her exemplary artistic abilities, leadership, and creativity have created tremendous impact on the arts education and public appreciation for the heritage arts in Ohio’s schools and community organizations.

Padma is the recipient of the Ohio Heritage Fellowship Award from the Ohio Arts Council (OAC) in recognition of the dedication and significant contributions she had on the community through the advancement and preservation of traditional arts. She is also the recipient of the OAC Master Artist awards for Traditional Arts Apprenticeship for preserving cultural heritage. She has been recognized by the Honorable Mayors of Cincinnati for her artistic influence and contributions to the Cincinnati community. She is on the advisory board of OhioDance, the Ohio Teaching Artist Roster, Cincinnati Arts Association’s Artist on Tour for schools in the Greater Cincinnati area and has been recognized by Cincinnati Arts Association as the Art Educator. Padma frequently serves on OAC grant review panels. She is on the board of the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education and on the advisory board of OhioDance. Padma Chebrolu and OhioDance Exceptional University and College Student Scholarship award has been established as part of the annual OhioDance Festival. Films based on the Ohio River produced and directed by Padma Chebrolu have won many prestigious international film festival awards for excellence in the art of dancing and highlighting the importance of our environment.

Padma started dance at the age of three in India. She studied under several master teachers and learned various dance styles. She came to the U.S. as a graduate student to attend the University of Cincinnati and has since created a vibrant artistic community for the traditional arts with audience engagement through interactive and educational performances. Padma leads and enables CCI to give hundreds of performances, presentations, and workshops in Ohio communities to promote awareness, understanding, and a better appreciation for diversity and heritage arts. Her passion and unwavering commitment to arts education brings a complete cultural experience and cross-cultural understanding to support diversity and inclusiveness initiatives in our communities.