Priyadharshini Ravindhran

Priyadharshini Ravindhran began learning Bharata Natyam at the age of 5 from several teachers of various styles in the United States as she moved across 4 states growing up.  It was in Texas, however, that she became exposed to the symmetrical and perfection-finding style of the well-known Kalakshetra Instituion of Chennai in India through her teacher, Bana Ramantah, and her gurus, the Dhananjayans.

Priya completed her basic training arangetram in 1993 under the guidance of a Dhananjayan-disciple, Bana Ramanath.  Having performed in several school productions and events, her study of this art continued at workshops and camps held by the Dhananjayans as well as summer-long visits to Chennai to train at Bharata Kalanjali, the Dhanajayan’s India-based dance school.

After moving to California in 1994, Priya joined Kala Vandana Dance Company directed by another Kalakshetra disciple, Sundura Swaminathan. She participated in several of Kala Vandana's productions and performances, including the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival in 1995 and 1996. Along with her sister, Subhashini, Priyadharshini built a foundation in performance through several full-length recitals touring many US cities as well as Chennai, India

In 2003, Priya dedicated 6 months to intensely train at Bharata Kalanjali in Chennai.  She returned to the US to perform “Anubhava” meaning “Experience” to exhibit her mature development as a performer and introduce her original choreography. Priyadharshini participated in the 2007 December Dance Festival for the Nadha Brahmam Sabha in Chennai.

In addition to performing, Priya has previously been a staff teacher at Kala Vandana Dance Center in San Jose.  She began Priyanjali Dance early 2007 to provide an opportunity for dancers looking to keep up with their training as well as introduce Bharata Natyam to beginners and the young professional community in San Francisco.

In 2008, Priya produced "Environmental Conciousness" to promote awareness on this topic. In 2010, Priya recieved her first grant from the Zellerbach family foundation. Through her affiliation with Dancers Group, a San Francisco-based nonprofit organization that supports the dance community, and other various organizations in San Francisco, Priya continues to seek out opportunities to use Bharata Natyam as a vehicle to talk about everyday events. Priya's dedication to this art inspires her to keep the ancient dance form traditional while applying a thematic context that is contemporary yet timeless. She is grateful to all her teachers, and through their blessings, she continues performing and teaching.