My Dance Journey
My dance journey began when I was just eight years old, when I took my first steps into the world of Bharatanatyam. This classical Indian dance form, known for its grace, precision, and expressive storytelling, quickly captivated my heart. Over the years, I dedicated many hours to perfecting the intricate footwork, hand gestures, and facial expressions that define Bharatanatyam. Through rigorous training and disciplined practice, I developed not only my technical skills but also a deep appreciation for the cultural and historical significance of this ancient art form.
As I progressed, I had the opportunity to participate in various performances, each one pushing me to refine my craft further. Along the way, I faced numerous challenges, from mastering complex choreography to balancing dance with my academic and extracurricular commitments. However, these obstacles only strengthened my determination and passion for Bharatanatyam. Dance has become more than just a hobby; it is a vital part of my identity, a source of joy, and a medium through which I express myself and connect with my heritage.
about my teacher
Acharya Smt. Aparna Ram stepped into the world of Bharatanatyam as a young 5 year old, under the esteemed guidance of renowned Guru Kalaimamani Smt. Ranganayaki Jayaraman, Director of Sri Saraswathy Gana Nilayam. Sri Saraswathy Gana Nilayam is an 85-year-old institution devoted to promoting classical art forms whose students have their own established dance schools in various parts of the world. With a decade of extensive tutelage, Aparna joined hands with her Guru Smt. Ranganayaki Jayaraman in training numerous students for their arangetrams, stage productions, and her passion towards spreading this art form for the next generation.
As a young teenager, Aparna has given numerous solo and group performances all over India, Colombo, Mauritius, and the United States. She has performed in the prestigious Konark dance festival, Chidambaram Natyanjali festival, programs of Iyal Isai Ndaga Manram, Chennai Doordarshan, and almost all prestigious Sabhas in Chennai. She has been part of many dance productions of Sri Saraswathi Gana Nilayam. The title “Natya Thilakam” was awarded to Aparna in appreciation of her contribution towards the art.
Aparna’s commitment to imparting the knowledge and spreading the art form, her vision of a dance school came to reality in 2002, when Sri Saraswathi Nrityalaya was inaugurated with the blessings of Guru Smt. Ranganayaki Jayaraman. Aparna engages her students in rigorous training and provides exposure to various competitions and stage exposures in adn around New Jersey in various dance festivals.
As quoted by J.F. Kennedy, “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” Aparna diligently pursues her tutelage with Guru Smt. Padmini Krishnamurthy, the current director of Sri Saraswathy Gana Nilayam.
Along with an ardent love for this art form, Aparna enjoys being around children, mentoring and guiding them beyond dance, which she sees as a medium to spread our rich Indian culture.
On the work front, Aparna is a certified management accountant and working as a Chief Financial Controller in a private equity firm.
Meet the orchestra
Smt. Deepa Venkat
Deepa Venkat is a versatile artist trained in Carnatic violin. She is a disciple of Shri CS Anuroop, Thrissur. Deepa has performed several solo concerts and also accompanied leading Carnatic musicians in New Delhi, She has features in several prestigious venues like India International Center (New Delhi), Triveni Kala Sangam (Delhi), and Delhi Tamil Sangam. She has been actively accompanying artists for Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, and vocal Arangetrams across the United States.
Sri Sandeep Iyer
Sandeep Iyer is an IT professional and an ardent music enthusiast. As a child, he was always excited about rhythm patterns and the tones of various instruments. During his childhood days, he was trained for a few years in Carnatic vocals and Mridangam. Over the past couple of years, he has been actively advancing his skills in Mridangam under the guidance of his Guru, Sri T.S. Nandakumar. Sandeep has accompanied and collaborated with many artists in the tri-state area for music and dance concerts in major venues including the Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival. Sandeep considers it as a blessing and the biggest highlight of his musical career to be able to perform his Mridangam Arangetram with the legendary Padmashri A. Kanyakumari. In the light music world, Sandeep has been performing as a lead vocalist and percussionist with various fusion bands back in India and in the United States.
Smt. Lavanya Mahadevan
Lavanya Mahadevan has been teaching Carnatic music and Bharathanatyam for the past 16 years. She learnt Carnatic vocals under the instruction and guidance of the late Smt, Rajeswari Neelakanthan who was an A grade radio artist in Trichy. Lavanya Mahadevan is a National Scholarship awardee for Music and holds a diploma in Carnatic music. Lavanya has participated in SaReGaMaPa on Zee TV, SaReGaMaPa Marathi, and Indian Idol during her college days. She has also sang cassettes in India for Malayalam and Marathi albums. Lavanya started Kala Aradhna Dance and Music Academy in New Jersey in 2008. Kala Aradhana caters to the cultural needs of the local community. Students of the school have performed in numerous programs to promote and popularize Classical dance and music in New Jersey. Some of these events include Sangeetha Utsavam at Shri Krishna Vrindavana temple, Global Music Day by Namam, Indian Cultural Program by NJTS, Tygaraja Utsavam and many more.
Discover the program
To take a look at the list of songs, their meanings, and additional meanings, please click below.
Anusha's Arangetram 