Govind Pillai is a dancer, choreographer, teacher and director trained in the classical Indian movement art of Bharatanatyam. Deeply in love with classical Indian music and dance, yet constantly challenging its boundaries, Govind’s work is critically acclaimed and celebrated for it’s ability to chart new directions through beauty and provocation. Govind is happiest when in the studio dancing, or teaching the lovely students of the Karma Dance academy. With a track-record of sell-out productions and festival appearances internationally, Govind has appeared at prestigious venues and events including the Sydney Opera House, The Arts Centre (Melbourne), Princess Theatre (Melbourne), Bangarra Theatre (Sydney), Arts House (Melbourne), Melbourne Town Hall, Woodford Folk Festival (Queensland), Melaka Arts & Performance Festival (Malaysia) and the Victorian College of the Arts (Melbourne) and toured shows including to Sydney, Toronto, Auckland, Melbourne, Hobart and Byron Bay. Govind also actively contributes to the Australian arts scene through past and present roles which include: Director of Karma Dance Inc., Chair of the Board of the National Theatre (St Kilda); Lead Male Dancer of Samskriti Dance (Sydney); Vice President of Flare Dance Co. (Melbourne), and Dance Advisor to the Federation of Indian Music and Dance Inc. (Victoria).

Manjusha is a Naarm/Melbourne-based multidisciplinary performer, producer and Intangible Cultural Heritage practitioner. Holding a Master of Cultural Heritage Management from Deakin University, Manjusha brings academic depth alongside extensive experience in producing, touring, and community-engaged practice. As a producer, she has supported the tour for Temple of Desire with Karma Dance Inc, with sold-out seasons. Her work is grounded in collaboration, strategic partnerships and cross-cultural exchange, with a focus on building sustainable pathways for independent artists within Australia and globally. APAM 2026, Manjusha is seeking presenting, touring and international co-commissioning opportunities for Temple of Desire and future works touring in 2027–2028.

Divya Shreejith Kumar is a Bharatanatyam artist with an active practice in performance, teaching and choreography. Learning from the age of five, she completed her Master Diploma in Bharatanatyam under Smt. Priya Dinesan. Her 25 years of classical dance practise includes a brief stint at Mohiniyattam. In Melbourne she joined Karma Dance and resumed her training with Govind Pillai - presenting her solo graduation performance in 2017. Since then, she has progressed her training in interrelated aspects of the art including rhythm, notation, composition, choreography and more. She looks to spread her love for the art by making it accessible and by inspiring students. Recently Divya presented a new choreographic work on post-natal depression. Divya is a member of Karma Dance’s touring group and also has an active presence in Melbourne’s community arts scene across platforms such as the Fed. of Indian Music and Dance VIC, Kerala Hindu Society (KHSM), and Telugu Language and Culture Federation Australia (TLCFA). 

Adrian van Raay is a qualified sound engineer and graduate of the SAE (Sound and Audio Engineering) Institute in Melbourne. He is an experienced production manager and has overseen aspects as broad as technical specification and management, stage management, front-of-house and the administration of production finances and budgets.

Evie Gofman is lead singer of Melbourne rock band Paper St. She brings energy, creativity, and leadership to every project. With experience in music, performance, and coaching, she connects with people confidently and authentically.

Arjun Bhattacharya is a year 12 VCE student, creative designer, and automotive enthusiast. From LEGO and art to original car concepts on YouTube, Arjun combines creativity, teamwork, and enthusiasm to contribute to everything he takes on.

Sandhya Pillai is a passionate performer and practioner in the ancient classical Indian styles of Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam and Bharatanatyam and has choreographed and performed several solo and group works in all three dance forms internationally. She has both stage and television performances to her credit. Her passion for dance started at the tender age of five when she learnt her first dance steps from her mother.