Dancers and Choreographers

Shruthi Kezhakepuram Purushotham is a distinguished traditional dancer known for her mastery and innovative approach to Mohiniyattam, blending contemporary themes with the rich history and regional roots of Indian classical dance. Her artistic journey began as a Bharatanatyam disciple under Guru Ashok Kumar and later expanded into Mohiniyattam under Guru Sreedevi Unni, before evolving further under the mentorship of Guru Nirmala Paniker. Shruthi holds a Contemporary and Mixed Media diploma from the Attakalari Centre for Movement Arts, along with postgraduate degrees in dance from Bharathi Dasan University and English from Bengaluru University. A graded artist of Doordarshan and a certified assistant professor of dance by the University Grants Commission, India, she was awarded the Junior Fellowship for outstanding Mohiniyattam artists by the Ministry of Culture in 2019. A published author, Shruthi's children's book *Mohini Made Friends* seeks to introduce Mohiniyattam to young audiences through a creative nonfiction narrative. She heads the Taamara Dance Centre, which trains artists in Mohiniyattam and Bharatanatyam, and is the founder and managing trustee of the Taamara Foundation, which focuses on art employability and its promotion.

Shriraam T. is a distinguished dance artist, researcher, and educator with over 25 years of experience in the world of dance. A proud graduate of the University of Melbourne’s Victorian College of the Arts, Shriraam was the first South Asian to earn a First-Class Honours in a Masters of Dance. His extensive training includes Bharatanatyam, the Margi technique of Karanas, Bharata Nrityam, Hatha Yoga, and Kalaripayattu, under the mentorship of renowned gurus like Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam and Dr. Gayatri Kannan. Shriraam began his journey in Melbourne, training under Smt. Renuka Arumughsamy at the Kalanjali School of Dance and later continued his studies in Chennai under Dr. Sujatha Mohan at Padmashree Nrityalaya and at Nrithyodaya with Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam. As the founder and artistic director of Shri Nrityam, Shriraam is committed to blending critical pedagogy with dance practice through the Shri Nrityam Sadhana program, which has reached students worldwide. His works, such as *My Inner Monologue*, *Sacred Sensuality*, *Misra*, *Abhimathi*, and *The Ascend*, reflect his deep exploration of subjective perception, integrating dance science, somatic movement, and Shakta philosophy. Shriraam continues to refine his artistry through performance and research, making significant contributions to the global dance community.

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Swetha Swaminathan is a Bharatanatyam dancer, teacher, and Veena performer based in Chennai. A disciple of Guru Smt. Vaidehi Harish, she has performed at prestigious sabhas and temples across Tamil Nadu and teaches at Nritya Samsrti. Swetha holds a Master's in Fine Arts (Bharatanatyam) from Annamalai University and has won multiple awards, including the "Excellence in Fine Arts Award" from MOP Vaishnav College. In 2024, she was selected by the Sangeet Natak Akademi to perform at the Republic Day Parade and represented Bharatanatyam at the IPL 2024 opening ceremony.

Tharmeega Manimaran is a recent graduate of McMaster University with a diverse background in film and theatre acting, Bharatanatyam, Koothu, human rights advocacy, and community engagement. Passionate about the intersection of performing arts and social justice, Tharmeega has contributed to various sectors through her artistic talents and dedication to humanitarian causes. Her multidisciplinary experience and deepening connection to Tamil culture and identity have shaped her work as both an artist and an activist. Tharmeega has had lead roles in films such as *Sem Mann* (Shastram Productions), *Thayakam* (Eelam Play), and *Neelira* (Stone Bench Productions), and has performed in notable Tamil theatre and Koothu productions like *Sakunthalai* (TMKM Canada), *Kathavarayan Koothu* (Ariyapoomalai), and *Paari Mannan* (Annamalai University). As a Bharatanatyam dancer, she has showcased her talent in performances such as her Arangetram in 2017, the Toronto International Dance Festival, and the World Tamil Conference (FetNA) in Chicago. In addition to her artistic endeavors, Tharmeega has worked as a Human Rights Officer and Head Library Curator for the Tamil Rights Group, where she curated archives on the Tamil Genocide and led awareness initiatives. She has also contributed to community-building efforts, including her role as a student teacher at the Indo-Canada Dance Academy and her involvement in organizing the Lec-Dem Symposium on Hinduism through the Arts. Tharmeega was recognized with several awards, including the Mental Health Youth Ambassador Award by the City of Markham and the International Languages Student Ambassador Award for "Tamil Dance" from the Toronto Catholic District School Board. She also holds a diploma in Yoga from Annamalai University and has a strong academic record, graduating summa cum laude with an undergraduate thesis on "Dance as Activism for Eelam Tamils in the Diaspora."

Shreejith Sathyan is a dedicated and accomplished classical dancer, specializing in Bharatanatyam, Kerala Nadanam, and Kuchipudi. Born on 26th October 1999, he hails from India and has an extensive academic background, earning a Post Graduate degree in Ancient History & Archaeology from the University of Madras (2020-2022), and an undergraduate degree in History from Loyola College, Chennai. Shreejith began his classical dance training under Ambika teacher and received further mentorship from renowned Gurus such as Kalamandalam Roshin Chandran, Kalakshetra Girish Madhu, and Sruthy Jayan. He has performed on prestigious stages across India, including the Guruvayur and Pathmanabhaswami temples, and participated in major festivals like the Margazhi Festival and the Nrithyathi Festival. Shreejith has been recognized with several awards, including First Prize in Bharatanatyam and Kerala Nadanam at the State-level Kalolsavam, the NatyaMayura award by AIDA, and the Keral Nritha Award from Kalanidhi Charitable Trust. His solo recitals at the Krishna Gana Sabha in Chennai and performances at esteemed venues like the Madras Music Academy and Narada Gana Sabha reflect his growing prominence in the classical dance community. Beyond dance, he has excelled academically, graduating with distinction and pursuing a life devoted to art and culture.

Swetha Swaminathan is a Bharatanatyam dancer, teacher, and Veena performer based in Chennai. A disciple of Guru Smt. Vaidehi Harish, she has performed at prestigious sabhas and temples across Tamil Nadu and teaches at Nritya Samsrti. Swetha holds a Master's in Fine Arts (Bharatanatyam) from Annamalai University and has won multiple awards, including the "Excellence in Fine Arts Award" from MOP Vaishnav College. In 2024, she was selected by the Sangeet Natak Akademi to perform at the Republic Day Parade and represented Bharatanatyam at the IPL 2024 opening ceremony.

Sutanuka Bhadury is a Bharatanatyam artist and teacher based in Chennai. She holds a Master’s in Bharatanatyam from Madras University and has been recognized as a B-Graded artist by Prasar Bharti. With awards like the CCRT National Scholarships, she has performed globally, including in South Africa and Thailand, as part of Kalakshetra Foundation’s repertoire. Sutanuka has also performed for high-profile dignitaries such as the PM of India and the President of China. Since 2020, she has been teaching Bharatnatyam online and offline, with over 20 students worldwide, while continuing to perform solo in Kolkata and Chennai.

With over 15 years of experience, Yasna is a passionate Bharathanatyam dancer known for her technical skill and expressive performances. She holds an Asia Book of Records title for Pinnal Kolattam, has performed on Shankara and Doordarshan channels, and represented Tamil Nadu at a national-level competition. Yasna has also won accolades at Kalaielakiya Vizha, performed at the Republic Day Parade before the Chief Minister, and showcased her talent at Malaysia’s Murugan Temple during Thaipusam.

Rishika A, based in Bangalore, is a Bharatanatyam choreographer, performer, and engineer with over 18 years of experience. Trained at the Upadhye School of Dance, she has performed at prestigious events across India, winning accolades like Hidden Idol. As the Founder of Natyam Dance Academy, Rishika trains students in classical and contemporary styles while also excelling in Western dance. Balancing her engineering career, her achievements include performing at the 2018 Hockey World Cup Inauguration and winning the dance reality show Sirinadu Sirigeje.

Vid. Megha P. Rao Bharatanatyam Artist | Choreographer | Teacher With 20+ years of experience, Megha is a Graded Doordarshan Artist and a prominent Bharatanatyam performer and teacher. She has performed over 1000 shows across India and the U.S., including major festivals like the American Natya Festival and Margazhi Nrityothsava. As Artistic Director of Dhirana Academy in Bentonville, Arkansas, she trains 100+ students annually and has choreographed unique productions like Navarasa Margam and Baala - Tale of Kanha. Megha is also an Ambassador of Good Will for Arkansas and featured in Marquis Who's Who in America.

K. Jayalakshmi, originally from Tirupati, has been pursuing her passion for dance in Chennai for seven years. Trained under Smt. Sasikala at S.V. Music and Dance College, Tirupati, she earned a Diploma in Bharatanatyam from Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts and a Master’s from Annamalai University. She has performed at prestigious events, including the Spirit of Youth Festival (Chennai), Naadeeranjanam (Tirumala), and Natyarangam (Narada Gana Sabha). Skilled in Bharatanatyam and Andhra Folk Dance, she teaches part-time at The Chennai Waldorf School, DAV Girls Senior Secondary School, and Swaranatya Bangalore, while also being a member of NRUTYABHYAASA.

Anitha Ravindaran is an accomplished Bharatanatyam artist, educator, and social worker dedicated to art, education, and empowerment. She holds an M.A. in Natya and has mastered 108 Karanas under renowned mentors. As Secretary of CK Art Development Trust and Ini Oru Vidhi Seivom, she fosters creativity and supports child education and women’s empowerment. Her performances have graced prestigious stages like the Music Academy, earning her accolades such as the Kala Shironmani and Rukmanidevi Arundale Awards. Known for her resilience and passion, Anitha is committed to nurturing young dancers and driving positive change through art and advocacy.

Harini Priya is a dedicated Bharathanatyam dancer with over 16 years of experience in practicing and performing this classical art form. Specializing in the Kalakshetra Bani style, she has been teaching Bharathanatyam since 2021 and is currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Bharathanatyam at Annamalai University. Harini has achieved notable accolades, including the Kala Thilakam Award (2014) from Rithanjali School of Fine Arts and participation in a world record event honoring Rani Velu Nachiyar in 2024. A recipient of the CCRT Scholarship, her passion lies in exploring the depths of dance, traveling, and engaging in research. She is proficient in Tamil, English, and Hindi.

Vidhusi Manasaa S is a dedicated Bharatanatyam artist specializing in the Vazhuvoor style, trained under the guidance of Adhyapika Keeran Mayee of Saraswati Kala Kendra in Chennai. Since 2008, she has graced prestigious stages and performed at renowned temples like the Rani Seethai Hall, Guruvayur Shri Krishna Temple, and Thillai Natarajar Temple. Her achievements include participating in the “Natya Mayuri” dance competition on DD Podhigai TV, receiving the Shri Sai Natrajar Award in 2022, and performing at prominent festivals like the Navaratri Art Festival in 2023. Vidhusi is focused on expanding her repertoire and performing on larger platforms, bringing her blend of grace, precision, and devotion to the classical dance community.

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Sneha Tamilchelvan, a Bharatanatyam artist with 13 years of performing experience and 7 years of teaching experience, is currently pursuing an M.A. in Bharatanatyam at Madras University. She has studied under the guidance of Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam at Nrithyodaya and holds a Diploma in Dance from Kalakshetra Foundation. Sneha is the founder of Dhrutha Dance Academy and the director of Sri Kalakushala Foundation, sharing her passion for Bharatanatyam through teaching and performance.

Nitya Rani is a full-time Bharatanatyam and Yoga practitioner and tutor based in Chennai. Originally from Jharkhand, she pursued an undergraduate degree in Bharatanatyam from the Kalakshetra Foundation and is currently working on her Master’s in Bharatanatyam at the University of Madras. Trained in Hatha Yoga at the Sivananda Ashram in Madurai, she continues to teach and practice both Bharatanatyam and Yoga, specializing in the body movement nuances of these disciplines. Nitya is currently guided by Gurus Renjith & Vijna in Chennai.