Biography

Priya Venkataraman a world-renowned exponent of Bharatanatyam, is known for her adherence to the classical traditional repertoire'. Priya started dancing at the young age of seven and has a cumulative performing experience of over two decades. She received her early training under Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan and continues her training with Guru A. Lakshman and Mrs. Bragha Bessell. Priya spent twelve years of her initial career in the United States where she performed extensively and taught Bharatanatyam through her dance school Kalakriti. Twelve of her students have completed their "Arangetram" under her guidance. Priya has done some exceptional experimental work in collaboration with international artistes. Priya's collaborative work with the US based modern dancer Sandra Schramel and musician Byron Wise (Eyes beneath the night) was critically acclaimed. Priya's experience in theater extends to acting in a nationally televised serial and choreographing for a play by Terrance McNally staged at the Milwaukee Chamber Theater. Priya has had the opportunity to perform at some prestigious venues across the globe. She has performed for US President Barrack Obama's official visit to India in 2010 Program for the Royal couple in Bhutan, 2011  Black Arts Festival, Senegal  International Festival of Bangkok, 2010 Jeonjhu Sori International Festival, South Korea Festival of India, Bogota, Colombia  Has toured extensively in North America, West Indies, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, Europe and Africa.  In recognition of her efforts to propagate the art form in the United States, she was awarded a fellowship by the Illinois Arts Council in 1995 and again in 2002. Between 1995 and 2003, six of her students were also given scholarships to pursue their training under Priya. A recipient of the Lakshmi Viswanathan award for abhinaya and the Rohini Krishnan Endowment award from Sri Krishna Gana Sabha, Priya is a sought after performer, choreographer and television anchor. She lives and teaches in New Delhi. She also performs with a group presentation and Ensemble: Choreographer: Priya Venkataraman Sets : Naresh Kapuria The program commences with a short musical invocation as is customary in all classical dance presentations in India. The dance performance begins with Mallari followed by a hymn in praise of the Lord of dance. “Nrityaharam” – a specially composed piece, Nrityaharam brings out the architectonic beauty of the dance form while playing with melody and rhythm. Padam : this is a love song which highlights the abhinaya or mimetic aspect of Bharatanatyam. A slow moving piece, the item describes the love and longing of the heroine...Solo presentation by Priya Venkataraman. The grandeur of Shiva’s dance is explored in the Muthuswamy Dikshitar kriti “Aananda Natana Prakasham”. A vibrant dance wherein the beauty of Shiva’s dance is described. Tillana : This is the final item in a Bharatanatyam performance where fast percussive foot work is interspersed with sculpturesque poses. Music :  Vocal : Kuldeep Rai ; Mridangam & Music Composition : G. Vijayaraghavan Some of her performances include: Nishagandhi Dance Festival, Trivandrum 2013 Khajuraho Nritya Samaroh, Madhya Pradesh 2012 International Dance Day celebrations, Patna 2012