Natyamani School of Dance

NRITYA KALAI INFORMATION

STUDENTS PERFORMING IN NRITYA KALAI

	SHIVANI SHRIVASTAVA Shivani has shown a keen interest in dance since she was three years old. She has been learning Bharatnatyam from Smt. Sridevi Thirumalai for the last eight years. Shivani had her Arangetram in 2001 at the age of ten. Through Bharatnatyam, she has gained a deeper understanding of the rich Indian Culture. “Bharatnatyam has taught me hard work, discipline, creativeness, and the ability to believe in myself. I am honored to be learning from such a wonderful teacher and very thankful to Sridevi auntie for blessing me with such a gift.” Shivani is a freshman at Thayer Academy in Braintree, MA.
	NEHA GARGE Neha has been a student of Natyamani School of Dance since the age of 8 and is now 17 years old. Under the inspiring and disciplined tutelage of Guru Smt. Sridevi Ajai Thirumalai, her enthusiasm and dedication to this dance are now firmly rooted. In the fall of 2002, Neha successfully completed her Arangetram. She describes this as one of the most defining experiences in her life. She has also performed Bharathanatyam in India. Through dance, she has a acquired an immense appreciation for her heritage and rich Indian culture, as well as values such as respect, dedication, and perseverance.
	SWATI MADDULA Swathi has been learning Bharatanatyam from Smt. Sridevi Ajai Thirumalai since the age of six. Swathi has learned to love this art form and pursue dance and life with a determined, respectful, and dedicated attitude. She diligently completed her Arangetram in October of 2002. Swathi is an honors student at Shrewsbury High School. She will be a senior this coming September, and plans to continue dancing. Swathi has performed in various organizations such as the New England Hindu Temple, Telugu Association, Kannada Koota and India Society of Worcester. Besides learning Bharathanatyam, she has pursued music and athletics.
	GAYATHRY SOORIYAKUMAR Gaya has been learning Bharathanatyam at the Natyamani School of Dance since the age of nine. She showed great interest in this art form from the beginning. Through the guidance of her excellent Guru Smt. Sridevi Thirumalai, Gayathry has gained a deep appreciation for Bharathanatyam. This art form has inspired her to be a dedicated, disciplined, and hardworking student in all the tasks she faces.  She successfully completed her Arangetram this past July. Gayathry is a high honor roll student at Thayer Academy in Braintree Massachusetts. She will be entering her senior year this fall, and is determined to continue dancing.
	JYOTSNA VINAYAK Jyotsna has been learning dance from  Smt. Sridevi Ajai Thirumalai for the past Seven years. Learning this art form requires a lot of hard work and strict discipline.  These qualities have also helped her in her studies and other activities. Through this divine art form she has gained deeper understanding of our rich Indian culture.  Jyotsna is a junior at Ursuline Academy in Dedham, MA. Besides learning dance, Jyotsna also learns Carnatic Classical music from Guru Smt. Geetha Murali Iyer. Jyotsna is a part of her school swim team and track team. Jyotsna takes great pride in her heritage. She will be doing her Arangetram in September 2004.
	AHALYA KODALI Ahalya Kodali has been a student of Sridevi Thirumalai at the Natyamani School of Dance for seven years. Under her tutelage she has obtained an appreciation for the art form. Through learning this art, Ahalya has obtained a sense of determination and perseverance. Ahalya currently attends Ursuline Academy as a junior, where she is a high honor student. Besides dancing, she is a brown belt in karate, and actively takes part in her school sports. She will be doing her Arangetram in September 2004.
	SANGITA KESHAVAN Sangita has been a student of Smt. Sridevi Ajai Thirumalai since age six. This art demands focus, discipline, and commitment from the student. Sridevi’s teaching has been very inspiring and has brought out the best in Sangita. Bharathanatyam has helped Sangita to further understand her rich culture. Sangita, 14, is a High School freshman. Her other extracurricular activities include playing piano and flute, and volunteering at hospitals in her spare time. Sangita loves dance and hopes to continue with it throughout her life.
	ISHA PARULKAR Isha, age 15, has been learning Bharatnatyam under her guru Smt. Sridevi Thirumalai for the past 8 years. Her love for the art is evident through her participation in many religious and cultural programs and school assemblies. A headmaster list student at Worcester Academy, Isha is part of various clubs and activities and enjoys volunteering in Hospitals and Nursing Homes in her spare time. Although Isha intends to pursue a career as a doctor, she hopes to always stay in touch with Bharatnatyam.
	ANUNITA GARG Anu has been dancing since she was 7 years old.  She is 15 now, and has been learning from Sridevi for 6 years.  Anu has learned much more than just bharathanatyam.  She has learned to be disciplined, confident, and proud of her Indian culture.  Sridevi has really brought out the best in Anu, allowing her to dance her best, express herself, and have a new outlook on life.  Anu is a junior at Westborough High School and also enjoys playing on the school's soccer and track teams.