Dedicated to nurturing the rich heritage of Bharatanatyam, we inspire students to embrace the art form with grace, discipline, and passion.
Dedicated to nurturing the rich heritage of Bharatanatyam, we inspire students to embrace the art form with grace, discipline, and passion.
“Classical dance is not just movement—it is a journey of the body, mind, and spirit. Through discipline, devotion, and creativity, we honor tradition while inspiring the next generation of artists.”
— Guru Shrimathi Sivanuja Balaji
Guru Sivanuja Balaji is a revered Bharatanatyam performer, cultural leader, choreographer, Nattuvanar (nattuvangam artist), rhythm artist, artistic curator, and educator with over 30 years of experience in Indian classical dance. An alumna of the world-renowned Kalakshetra College of Fine Arts, Chennai, South India, she carries forward its distinguished legacy of artistic discipline and classical excellence.
She received advanced training under the legendary Padma Shri Adyar K. Lakshman and Shrimathi Krishnaveni Lakshman, and specialized in the intricate Karanas under Padma Bhushan Dr. Padma Subramaniam. Her deep grounding in Carnatic music, nurtured by Vairamangalam Shri Lakshmi Narayanan, enriches her holistic and rhythmically nuanced approach to dance education and performance.
In addition to Bharatanatyam, Guru Sivanuja Balaji is a trained Mohiniyattam and Kuchipudi dancer and choreographer, bringing a rare breadth of stylistic understanding while preserving classical integrity and expressive depth.
Ram Gada has earned the rare and prestigious distinction of being the first Asian Indian American elected to the Honorary Council of the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS), after serving for nine years as Director on its Executive Council and receiving Emeritus Award. This remarkable achievement reflects his decades-long dedication to cultural preservation, community leadership, and strengthening the presence of Indian heritage within Minnesota’s diverse cultural landscape.
A trained Mechanical Engineer, Ram has been rooted in Minneapolis since 1965. Over the course of several decades, he built a highly successful career as an engineering consultant, known for his expertise, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. His work in the Mechanical Engineering and Energy Conservation field earned him respect across industries, while his collaborative spirit made him a trusted advisor and mentor. He served as the President of ASHRAE Minnesota Chapter and Chapter Historian.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Ram has been actively involved in numerous cultural, civic, and community organizations throughout Minnesota. He has consistently played key roles in supporting Indian arts, history, and cultural education, helping build stronger bridges between communities. His leadership, integrity, and service-minded approach have made him a guiding figure for many cultural initiatives in the state.
Ram’s support for Nritya Kalakshetra Academy of Performing Arts Minnesota (NKAPA) reflects his passion for preserving classical arts and promoting opportunities for youth and adults to remain connected to their cultural roots. His encouragement and advocacy continue to uplift the mission of NKAPA and inspire the broader community.
Varadarajan Chari is an Indian-American economist and Professor of Economics at the University of Minnesota’s College of Liberal Arts, where he teaches macroeconomic theory, public economics, and monetary economics. He is internationally recognized as one of the leading theorists in modern macroeconomics, best known for his foundational contributions to understanding economic fluctuations and macroeconomic policy analysis. His research has significantly influenced debates on fiscal and monetary policy, financial regulation, and economic crises, and his work is widely cited by scholars, central banks, and international institutions.
Chari is a Fellow of the Econometric Society, reflecting his standing and lasting impact in the field. Beyond academia, he is a dedicated supporter of the arts and cultural ecosystem in Minneapolis and has played leadership roles in several prominent community and cultural organizations. He is deeply passionate about nurturing Indian classical arts and cultural education, believing in their power to preserve heritage, inspire future generations, and uplift the community at large through shared cultural values and artistic excellence.
Rahul Balaji is a senior at UC Berkeley majoring in Molecular & Cell Biology with a focus on neuroscience. His academic experience spans neuroscience research in the Feldman Lab, biotechnology consulting, nanotechnology, and AI-driven medical diagnostics—work that reflects his commitment to advancing healthcare innovation and equity.
Beyond academics, Rahul is an accomplished musician and performing arts leader. He is a trained percussionist with several years of experience performing world percussion with the Minnesota Youth Symphonies (MYS), a skilled Mridangam artist, and a refined pianist who has completed all levels of the MMTA curriculum. He also serves as Production Chair for Zahanat, UC Berkeley’s competitive Bollywood fusion dance team, where he oversees production design, logistics, and rehearsal coordination.
Rahul is a recipient of the Barbara James Award for his extensive community service, reflecting his dedication to mentorship, cultural engagement, and giving back.
As a Director and Treasurer of Nritya Kalakshetra Academy, Rahul brings strong organizational leadership, artistic depth, and a service-oriented mindset. He is committed to supporting the Academy’s mission of youth empowerment, cultural preservation, and excellence in the performing arts.
Senior Company Dancer & Mentor
Performer, Cultural leader, Choreographer
Guru Shrimathi Sivanuja Balaji is a revered Bharatanatyam performer,
cultural leader, choreographer, Nattuvanar (nattuvangam artist), rhythm
artist, artistic curator, and educator with over 30 years of experience in
the mastery, performance, and teaching of Indian classical dance. An
alumna of the world-renowned Kalakshetra College of Fine Arts, Chennai,
South India, she carries forward its distinguished legacy of artistic
discipline and classical excellence. She received her advanced training
under the legendary Padma Shri Adyar K. Lakshman and Shrimathi Krishnaveni
Lakshman, and further specialized in the intricate Karanas under the
mentorship of Padma Bhushan Dr. Padma Subramaniam. Her deep grounding in
Carnatic music, nurtured by Vairamangalam Shri Lakshmi Narayanan, enriches
her holistic and rhythmically nuanced approach to dance.
In
addition to Bharatanatyam, Guru Sivanuja Balaji is a trained Mohiniyattam
and Kuchipudi dancer and choreographer, bringing a rare breadth of
stylistic understanding to her artistic practice while preserving
classical integrity and expressive depth.An internationally recognized
figure in the Indian classical arts community, Guru Sivanuja Balaji serves
as Coordinator and Senior Examiner for Griffin College London (Minnesota),
is a Guest Artist at the Ordway Center, and contributes her expertise as
an Advisory Panel Member for the Cowles Center Program & Education
Committee. She is also a trusted advisor to prominent arts and cultural
organizations across the United States and serves as a guide and mentor
for South Asian Art Forms at the University of North Carolina at
Charlotte, supporting academic excellence and cultural scholarship.As a
sought-after choreographer, performer, and artistic curator, she has
conceptualized, performed in, and guided numerous productions that bridge
tradition with meaningful contemporary expression. Through her
institution, Nritya Kalakshetra Academy, she has mentored generations of
students who have become accomplished performers, educators, Nattuvanars,
and cultural ambassadors.
Beyond performance and pedagogy, Guru
Sivanuja Balaji is actively engaged in research exploring the relationship
between performing arts, human lifestyles, and holistic well-being,
examining how movement, rhythm, and expression contribute to physical,
emotional, and mental health.Extending her vision beyond the proscenium,
Guru Sivanuja Balaji collaborated on the acclaimed film REFUGE, alongside
choreographer Jennifer Aravey and award-winning filmmaker Philip Harder,
seamlessly blending classical dance with contemporary cinematic
storytelling. Through her artistry, leadership, and devotion, she
continues to leave an enduring impact on the global Indian classical arts
landscape.
Senior Company Dancer and Chorographic Assistant/ Teacher & Rehersal Director
Vibashreya Srivatsan embarked on her Bharatanatyam journey at a young age,
training under Sri Suryanarayana Murthy at the age of seven. She further
honed her craft under the esteemed Kalaimamani Smt. Krishnakumari
Narendran, Founder of Abhinaya Natyalaya, completing her Arangetram under
her guidance. As a dedicated member of Abhinaya Natyalaya, she has
performed at renowned sabhas across Chennai, captivating audiences with
her grace and expressive depth.
Her artistic pursuit continued after she moved to the United States for
her Master’s studies, finding a new creative home at Nrithyakalakshetra
Academy of Performing Arts. Since 2015, she has refined her technique and
choreographic expression under Guru Smt. Sivanuja Balaji, continuously
striving to enhance her technical prowess while deepening her artistic
interpretation. She has performed at prestigious venues such as the
Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival, Mahaperiyava Manimandapam in New Jersey,
and a special feature on Fox News Channel. In 2024, she presented
Ramaanubhavam, a solo production that highlighted her ability to blend
tradition with her own choreographic innovations.
Beyond performance, Vibashreya is committed to cultivating a love for
Bharatanatyam in the next generation. Since 2018, she has been an
instructor at Nrithyakalakshetra, mentoring young dancers with the same
fervor that have defined her own journey. She believes in the
transformative power of dance to inspire and bring communities together,
using her artistry to create a meaningful impact. In her continuous
pursuit of artistic growth, she has also been training in Kathak since
2018, expanding her repertoire and deepening her understanding of India’s
rich classical traditions. Through her performances and teaching, she
aspires to preserve and evolve the art form, ensuring its beauty and
significance resonate across generations.
Company Dancer, Mentor, and Event Planning coordinator
Meenakshi Shunmugam is a passionate Bharatanatyam dancer and a skilled IT
Program Manager by profession. From an early age, Meenakshi discovered her
love for dance, performing folk dances at a variety of events, including
the prestigious Indian Republic Day celebrations. Her initial experiences
sparked a deeper connection to the art form, leading her to pursue formal
Bharatanatyam training.
Her journey in dance was rekindled years later when she began training
under the expert guidance of Guru Smt. Sivanuja Balaji. Meenakshi has
since performed at prominent venues such as the Ordway Center, the Hindu
Temple of Minnesota, the SV Temple, as well as numerous school and
community events. In addition to her performances, she has hosted several
dance programs at the academy, spreading her love and enthusiasm for
Bharatanatyam to others.
For Meenakshi, the beauty of Bharatanatyam extends far beyond the stage.
Beyond her own practice, she is a dedicated mentor and teacher, actively
sharing her knowledge with students at the academy.
Meenakshi views dance as a lifelong journey—one that offers an endless
ocean of knowledge to explore. Committed to continuous growth, Meenakshi
strives to experience and explore the ever-unfolding depth of
Bharatanatyam.
Vijayasanthi Pilavadian is a Lead Software Architect at a multinational
corporation and a passionate Bharatanatyam dancer, performer, and mentor.
Having learned Bharatanatyam in her childhood, she rekindled her love for
the art after a long hiatus, training in the Kalakshetra style at NKAPA.
Under the esteemed mentorship of Guru Smt. Sivanuja Balaji, she has had
the privilege of performing at renowned venues, including Fox News
Television, the Rotary Club of Edina, the Hindu Temple of Minnesota, the
Minnesota Tamil Sangam, and the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts.
Beyond performing, Vijayasanthi is deeply committed to preserving and
passing on this ancient art form to the next generation. She believes that
Bharatanatyam is not just a dance but a cultural expression, and inner
transformation. As a mentor, she has guided students on their journey
toward Salangai Poojas and Arangetrams, helping them refine their
technique, expressions, and stage presence.
She strives to make Bharatanatyam accessible to diverse communities,
encourage young dancers to embrace this classical tradition, and use dance
as a way to give back. She actively participates in community events,
cultural programs, and educational initiatives, ensuring that this
timeless art continues to inspire and connect people across
generations.
For her, Bharatanatyam is more than just a dance form—it is a moving
meditation, a space of profound awareness, and a source of inner peace.
The best part ? That post-dance calm and clarity are simply unmatched. If
sitting still isn’t your thing—just dance!
Gayathri Dileepan is a 4th-year MD/PhD student at The Ohio State University. After completing her arangetram at age 12 she joined NKAPA to learn the Kalakshetra style of Bharatanatyam. Under the mentorship of Guru Smt. Sivanuja Balaji, she has performed at a variety of remarkable locations, including TPT live television, the Target Field stadium, the Southern Theatre, and the Ordway. She has taught for 10 years at the academy and helped many students prepare for salangai poojas and arangetrams. Gayathri founded the first competitive Indian classical dance team at the University of Minnesota, Agni, and after moving to Ohio, she joined OSU's competitive team, Inaayat, while balancing medical school. Currently, she remains strongly involved in dance, performing a collaborative piece with a contemporary ballet dancer earlier this year at the Columbus Museum of Art.
Sameera Reddy plays a vital role in advancing the mission and visibility
of the organization as the Fundraiser and Marketing Coordinator. With a
strong passion for community engagement and arts advocacy, she leads
initiatives that strengthen outreach, build meaningful partnerships, and
support the sustainability of the academy’s artistic and educational
programs.
Sameera brings a strategic and creative approach to fundraising and
marketing, overseeing event promotions, donor engagement, and
communications efforts. She is committed to amplifying the academy’s
presence across platforms while fostering connections with supporters,
sponsors, and the wider community.
Through her dedication and collaborative spirit, Sameera helps ensure that
the organization continues to grow, thrive, and make classical dance
accessible to future generations.
Suja Durai serves as the Administration and Operations Manager for Nritya Kalakshetra Academy of Performing Arts, a nonprofit organization committed to nurturing excellence in Bharatanatyam. With a heartfelt love for Indian culture and classical arts, she plays a key role in supporting the academy’s operations, student coordination, and community engagement. Suja is deeply dedicated to fostering a warm, organized, and supportive environment where students grow in discipline, physical and mental strength, expressive artistry, and confidence—empowering them to shine on stage and carry forward the rich legacy of this timeless classical dance tradition for generations to come.
