Founder's Profile
Chaithanya Kusuma Priya Ari
There is a slice of lunacy in dancing that does everyone good
Chaitanya Kusuma Priya was born in the sacred temple town of Tirupati, situated in the Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh, India. A great classical dance teacher, Her parents, Smt. Geeta and Sri Krishna Murthy nurtured her during her early years.Her academic career was entirely in Tirupati. In addition to her technical education, she pursued a Master’s Degree in Arts, specializing in Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form. Chaitanya is a certified graded artist (B High) at Doordarshan in Bharatanatyam. Her journey into Bharatanatyam began at 5 under Guru Smt. Sasikala. Over two decades, she underwent rigorous training under Guru Sri Chennamsetty Haranath, disciple of the late Smt. Usha Srinivasan, a distinguished disciple of Guru Padmasri Sri K.N. Dandayudhapani Pillai senior student in Chennai.
She spent a short time in the United Kingdom and pursued her passion for this art form, during this time under the guidance from Guru Kalaimamani Smt. Chamundeswari Pani.Nattuvangam, the art of rhythmic support in Bharatanatyam, was an integral part of her training. She learned it directly from her Guru, who performed in several concerts. Chaitanya’s journey took a beautiful turn when she married Ratnakar, a pillar of support and strength who shares her belief that art should continue to evolve and be passed down as a divine blessing to future generations. In dance, Chaitanya has learned that every movement is a perfect blend of grace and artistic excellence. Her understanding of this art form was further enriched through Smt. Swathi Mahalakshmi Kukrety is a versatile artiste skilled in Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi dance, and Hindustani and Carnatic singing.
Through Chaitanya’s website, she invites you to explore her journey and the profound world of Bharatanatyam. This art encapsulates the essence of culture, spirituality, and the divine.” She started learning Nattuvangam under Kalaimani Guru Sri RLV Hemnath Lekshman from January, 2020. And given her Nattuvangam Arangetram under his guidance in August, 2022.She believes in the power of continuous learning. Even after becoming a teacher, performer, and choreographer, she knows there is always more to discover in the vast ocean of art. Her journey is a reminder that true mastery comes from embracing the role of a lifelong student, no matter how accomplished one becomes.
MY EXPERIENCES
Life as a Performer
With over two decades of dedicated learning and performance experience, Chaitanya Kusuma Priya represents the perfect blend of a performer, teacher, and choreographer in the realm of Bharatanatyam. Her dance is a true reflection of her deep passion, relentless dedication, and self-motivation. The fluidity and grace in her movements are the results of years of disciplined practice, while her expressive storytelling has resonated with audiences and earned her recognition from connoisseurs and critics alike.
Chaitanya’s artistic journey has been enriched by her collaborations with celebrated vocalists such as Ms. Jyothormayee Kondaveeti, Smt. Chinamma Devi, and Smt. Ramanavani. She has had the privilege of performing alongside talented musicians like Sri C. Haranath on Nattuvangam, Mr. Chakrapani on violin, Mr. Veeranarayana on flute, and Mr. Sudhakar on mridangam. Her ability to connect with the audience and convey intricate emotions through her dance has made her performances both memorable and impactful.
Life as a Choreographer
As a choreographer, Chaitanya Kusuma Priya brings a refreshing and innovative approach to traditional Bharatanatyam. Each piece is a thoughtful creation, designed to strike a balance between aesthetic beauty and technical precision. Chaitanya’s creative instincts allow her to experiment fearlessly, blending contemporary elements while staying true to the timeless essence of Bharatanatyam.
Her choreographic work is distinguished by its picturesque group formations and synchronized movements, making every performance visually captivating. Despite her modern influences, she remains deeply respectful of the tradition, ensuring that the cultural richness and spiritual depth of Bharatanatyam shine through in every piece.
Life as a Dance Teacher
At Naadamudra, Chaitanya Kusuma Priya’s teaching is guided by a commitment to offering a holistic dance education that nurtures both the mind and body. Her classes emphasize the richness and diversity of Bharatanatyam while preserving its authenticity and original grammar. Central to her teaching philosophy is the belief that Bharatanatyam holds a special place in the world of performing arts, deserving respect and understanding.
Chaitanya’s curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded education that balances practical training with a deep understanding of dance theory. She incorporates fitness exercises into her classes, recognizing that a healthy body is essential for a healthy mind. Her students also benefit from specialized workshops that enrich their understanding of both the technical and cultural aspects of Bharatanatyam.
She believes in preparing students for examinations in a manner that builds confidence and mastery. Rather than focusing solely on last-minute preparation, she integrates the meanings of slokas and theoretical concepts into regular lessons. This approach ensures that students are well-prepared and can face exams without fear.
Whether students opt for in-person classes at one of her centers or online sessions through Skype, Chaitanya welcomes all passionate learners to explore the art of Bharatanatyam in a supportive and nurturing environment at Naadamudra.
AWARDS
April 2022 - Guinness Book of World Records for performing 60 Jatis back-to-back in a relay by 125 Dancers all over the Globe for almost 4 hours conducted by Kalaimamani Guru Sri Madurai Ramachandra Muralidharan.
for performing 50 Jatis along with 125 Bharatanatyam dancers all over the Globe continuously back to back without a break for 1.5 hours which was conceptualized, composed, choreographed and conducted by Kalaimamani Guru Sri Madurai Ramachandra Muralidharan in January, 2021.
ISCKON competitions (1997, 1998, 2000) - 1st and 2nd places
Rotary club competition (1999) – 1st place
Inter-school competitions (1999) – 2nd place
Youth festival (2002) – 1st place
1996 – First performance in Annamacharya Kala Mandir, Tirupati.
- 1997 – 2010 – Performed at the annual Srivari and Padmavathi Brahmotsavams, Tirupati.
- 2000 – 2002 – Performed at Tallapaka, Tirupati.
- 2001 – Annamayya Kala Mandir on the occasion of Srivari Brahmotsavam, T.T.D, Tirupati.
- 2002 – Mahati Auditorium, on the occasion of Srivari Brahmotsavam, T.T.D, Tirupati.
- 2003 – Aasthana Mandapam on the occasion of Goddess Padmavathi Brahmotsavam, T.T.D, Tirupati.
- October 2004 – Annamayya Kala Mandir on the occasion of Annamayya Jayanthi Utsavam, T.T.D, Tirupati.
- 2006 – 2009 – Silpa Kala Vedika on the occasion of Srivari Brahmotsavam, T.T.D, Tirupati.
- 2009 – At Mahati Auditorium on the occasion of T.T.D employees meet, Tirupati.
- 2012 – “Faces of Woman” - at Sunderland, UK, on International Woman’s Day.
- 2012 – At Customs House, South Shields, Sunderland, UK.
- 2012 – Geeta Global Fest at The Hindu Temple Birmingham, UK.
- 2018 – Bharatanatyam Arangetram, Shilparamam, Hyderabad.
2018 – At Srirama Temple, Jubilee Hills on the occasion of Sriramanavami.
2019 – Kalaradhana, Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple, Srisailam.
2020 – Virtual Performance for Council of Indic studies and research, Uberoi Foundation, Umass Dartmouth.
2021 – 50 Jathis challenge conducted by Kalaimamani Sri Madhurai Ramachandran Muralidharan.
2021 – 60 Jathis Challenge in a relay conducted by Kalaimamani Sri Madhurai Ramachandran Muralidharan.
- 2023 – Srirama temple, Tirupati on the occasion of Sriramanavami Utsav.
1997, June - Performed as Angulimala (a demon and later becomes the disciple of Lord Buddha) in Angulimala Charitam in the association of Pyramid Society, Kurnool Dt, A.P.
2001, October - Presented Nava Durgey on the occasion of Durgaashtami, directed by her guru.
2002, April - Performed as Narthaki in Sita Kalyanam and Srinivasa Kalyanam.
2009, May - Performed as Narthaki in Annamayya Katha, directed by her Guru Sri Haranath in Naada Neerajanam (live show) at Tirumala.
March 2009- Performed as Sakuntala in Abhijnana Sakuntalam in T.T.D festival and the annual function of SHAAR in Nellore district.