Artistic Director
Padmaja Dharnipragada
Padmaja Dharnipragada has been studying Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi nearly all of her life, and is the disciple of the renowned masters
"Padmasree Bharatakalaprapoorna" Dr.Nataraja Ramakrishna, Smt.Gidugu Visalakshi  and Dr.Uma Rama Rao.  Padmaja's precise yet graceful and
subtle movements are a true reflection of these beautiful dance forms. Padmaja, a totally dedicated artist who never settles for mediocrity has carved
a niche in the propagation of Indian Classical Dance.  Padmaja commenced her artistic career at the age of six and gave her first performance at the
age of eight. Padmaja continues to be recognized for her stellar contributions to arts, dance, and cultural / social activities in India and the United
States of America.

  • Active exponent of Indian Classical Dance in        
    U.S.A for the last 14 years
  • Performed for National and Local Television
    audiences in India on numerous occasions
  • Gave over 1500  performances in India and U.S.A
  • Received many awards and titles to her credit.  
    Won a number of state and national level
    competitions held by the Andhra Balananda
    Sangham, and the Education Department of
    Andhra Pradesh, India.  
  • Recognized by the Honorable Chief Minister, and
    renowned movie actor, late Dr. N.T.Rama Rao on
    many occasions.  
  • Won the UNICEF competitions during the
    consecutive years 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984.

  • Gave extensive performances at Prestigious
    organizations like “Shankarabaranam” Association in
    Chennai, India, “Andhra Bhavan” New Delhi,  
    “Kalakshetra” Chennai, “Kuchipudi Dance Academy”
    in Kuchipudi, Andhra Pradesh and many more.
  • Critically acclaimed by local and national press both
    in India and North America.  Received              
    “Satvika Padmam” title (most graceful expressive
    dancer) from Indian Express National Newspaper.
  • A well-respected dancer, teacher and
    choreographer, Padmaja has choreographed and
    performed in title roles of several evening length
    dance dramas.  Her innovative choreography
    includes collaboration of  "Navarasas - the nine
    emotions",  "Karthikeyan" and  "Venkateswara
    Kalyanam", to name a few.
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Nrityalaya Dance Academy