Chennai-based Bharatanatyam Guru and founder of Viswa Sikhara Natyalaya, V. Krishnapriya Raghavender, speaking exclusively to Natyahasini says: “It was the first time, we performed on an open stage in Shilparamam, Madhapur, and the audience was awesome. We are thankful to the Shilparamam authorities for giving us the opportunity to perform in the Pearl City.” She says that 22 of her students came to Hyderabad to perform and won the applause of the Rasikas.
Recalling her dance journey, Krishnapriya says that she started her dance journey at the age of five years, thanks to the encouragement of her parents – father K P Venkataramana and mother K Durga Baai (late). “In childhood, I was very furious about mudras, when my father took me in one of the dance programmes. I started gradually falling in love with the dance, and now I am happy where I have reached, though there are miles to go,” she says. Krishnapriya advices students to experience dance and learn it with passion. “All I learnt from my great gurus is style, teaching techniques and their nuances,” the dancer mentions.
Performance @ Temples: Krishnapriya mentions that they had the opportunity of performing across the length and breadth of the country. “Especially in temples like Chidambaram Nataraj temple, Tirupati Nadaneerajanam, Guruvayur Allan Temple, Kollur Mogambikai Temple, Tanjore Brahadeeshwar Temple among many others,” she says.
Giving a glimpse into Viswa Sikhara Natyalaya, the Bharatanatyam says that in their school, they teach the Tanjore style of Bharatanatyam. “At V.S Natyalaya, we offer a harmonious fusion of classical dance, vocal that nurtures creativity, discipline, and self-expression,” says the founder-director. Krishnapriya adds that since the establishment of her Natyalaya, 15 years ago, 14 students have performed their Arangetram.
What VS Natyalaya Does?: Apart from teaching dance and music, at VS Natyalaya, according to the Bharatanatyam Guru, her institute conducts Slokas & theory with notes, Nattuvangam, Certification Programme, Grade exams and Stage shows. “We also conduct online classes, and in conducting Bharatanatyam classes, I am assisted by Meena, Abhinaya and Kalyanasundaram and in music by Sagambari. Our main branch is at Ambattur, and other branches at Thirumullaivoyal, Kallikuppam, Sennerkuppam, Iyyappanthangal, Pudur, Red Hills, and Avadi, while Music is taught at Ambattur and Thiruullaivoyal only, where over 400 students are receiving training,” she says and adds that V S Natyalaya students won the First Prize in the state-level competition conducted by the Tamil Nadu government.
In a sincere advice to students, a Masters in Science and Dance and Masters in Philosophy, V. Krishnapriya Raghavender, tells students to follow passion and work hard for that, develop and maintain our traditional culture in any aspect.