Bharatanatyam dancer and Guru Chaitanya Kusuma Priya’s dance journey began under Guru Sri Chennamsetty Haranath in the temple town of Tirupati. An engineering graduate, Chaitanya underwent two decades of training under Guru Sri Chennamsetty Haranath, who learnt under stalwarts – late Smt. Usha Srinivasan and Guru Padma Shri Sri K.N. Dandayudhapani Pillai, to set up her own dance school, Naada Mudra School of Dance and Music, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, King Koti, on September 29.
Speaking exclusively to Natyahasini, Bharatanatyam dancer and Guru Chaitanya Kusuma Priya, shares that the decade-old Naada Mudra’s journey has been a series of milestones, each adding depth to its legacy. On the birth of Naada Mudra, Chaitanya says, that it took birth within the walls of a small flat in Domalguda, with its first student, Priyanka. With lot of hope and ambitions, the school faced space constraints and neighbour’s anger and with the suggestion of an eager student, Komal moved to a community hall in Jalvayu Towers at Lower Tank Bund, Hyderabad. “This hall, with its open spaces and echoing floors, became the cradle where Naada Mudra’s roots deepened for the next five years. Here, classes were more than just lessons—they were collective celebrations where both teacher and students danced together, learning not just technique but the joy of moving as one,” she recalls.
Dance, A Discipline: Chaitanya clarifies that Naada Mudra wasn’t just built on steps and routines. “It was founded on a philosophy—dance is not just performance; it’s discipline, self-reflection, and resilience. The goal from day one was clear: to teach dance not just as an art but as a way of life. Students are trained to think, to analyse, and persist, whether in perfecting a mudra or mastering the theory that underpins their art,” she says, quickly adding that the mission was, and continues to be, to prepare students who can stand confidently on any stage, in any part of the world.
After her engineering though Chaitanya did pick up a job in Chennai, she felt her calling was in dance and continues to concentrate on her passion even after her marriage to Ratnakar Arni and the birth of her daughter Vaarenya. Though Chaitanya moved to UK after her marriage, she did return to her roots and the couple decided to make Mana Hyderabad their home. Once in Hyderabad, finding the right guidance was an uphill battle, one that stretched on for four long years. She connected with Swathi Mahalakshmi Kukrety, through Facebook, who has become a beacon of support and wisdom now. She is currently learning Odissi under Guru Swati. “Under Guru Swati, the journey found its true rhythm,” she says and recollects her father’s advice: “Be honest in what you do; success will follow.”
Taking one step at a time, the Bharatanatyam dancer says, “The first significant crescendo came with Prathama in 2020 at Shilparamam, Madhapur—a performance by the first batch of students that felt like a rite of passage.” This was followed by Chaitanya’s own Nattuvangam Arangetram in 2021, guided by Guru RLV Hemanth Lakshman garu, solidifying Naada Mudra’s place as not just a learning centre, but a hub of excellence. Also, dancing in the holy city of Ayodhya in 2022, under the banner of World Bharatanatyam Dancers. “The Arangetram of two senior students in January 2023— Kasula sisters who had grown under Naada Mudra’s nurturing wings—marked another chapter of success, bringing a sense of fulfilment and pride beyond words,” she says.
Nattuvangam Guru: Sharing her thoughts on Kalaimani RLV Hemanth Lakshman sir, who has taught Nattuvangam, Chaitanya, says: “Lakshman sir has been an exceptional mentor. His dedicated teaching over the past 4.5 years, culminating in a poignant Nattuvangam Arangetram, has been a journey of rhythm and refinement, guiding me through the rhythmic heart of Bharatanatyam.”
With the birth of her daughter in 2019 and COVID pandemic in 2020, Chaitanya didn’t take any back seat, she connected with her students and organised programmes in Zoom link. From the lower Tank Bund, the school moved to their own place in Nagaram, Kapra, and has added many feathers to its cap. “Eighteen students of Naada Mudra earned distinctions in exams conducted by Pracheena Kalakendra, Chandigarh. It was a testament to the institution’s commitment to nurturing talent with depth and integrity,” says the Bharatanatyam Guru. Sharing some of their success, Chaitanya, says that for two consecutive years they have figured in Guiness Book of World Records through their art form. “With performances in Naadaneerajanam, TTD Channel (October 2022), and for Shivaratri at Kapileswara Temple, Tirupati (February 2024) are some of our well-appreciated performances,” she says.
Learning In Progress: As they say for an eager student, learning never ends, Chaitanya is delving into the sophisticated world of Karanas, under Smt. Vithya Arasu. “Vithya Arasu’s profound insights into Nātyaśāstra have enriched my understanding, allowing me to embrace the deeper layers of classical dance.,” says the classical dancer.
The students of Naada Mudra, who will be performing on September 29 include Kondaparthi Lasritha Sai, Jallepalli Naga Deva Harishini, Returi Venkata Sai Tarini, Boddu Neethika Santhoshini, Meghavath Ananya, Chandras Sri Laasya, Upagna Challa, Kanuganti Rituparna, Kondlem Keerthi Priya, Gavya Rajput, Aadhira Siji, Sanaboina Srilatha Ramakrishna, Ragini Amol Yadav, Edula Tanvi Sri, Muthyala Aikyatha Vimal, Chilla Tejaswini, S. Shambhavi Priya, Manasa Mandala, Vissavajjhala Kamakshi Krishna Niharika, Katasani Sri Lipika Reddy, Ritisha Marikanti, Godha Sudharshan, Gagana Surarchita Puvvada, Varthika Durbha, Salluri Taruni, and Kunchala Deeksha.