Past Arangetrams

Shraya Bhatia 2014

I was eight years old when I first knew I wanted to be a dancer. It wasn’t until I met Priya that I found my confidence and grace that I would not otherwise have. Not only did Priya spent countless hours working with me, she also never gave up on me even through the most difficult times. Through her guidance I went from being a shy young girl and slowly blossomed into a graceful and passionate young woman. Priya made an immense impact on my life that I will carry on forever. She always pushed me, even when I thought I was trying my hardest, because she knew I could do better. I’m not sure exactly who I would be without her influences and because of Priya, bharatnatyam will always be a part of who I am. Dancing is all about the freedom of expression and telling a story through movements and emotions. Priya taught me that dance comes from the heart, and to be the best, you have to love dance with every ounce that you possess. Always an inspiration, Priya will continue to produce passionate and incredible dancers as she embarks on this amazing new step. I consider myself truly privileged to have been her first student to complete their arangetram, and cannot wait to see all the amazing things she will do with her future students.

Trupti Potdukhe 2015

Devika dhir 2017

“I have been a student of classical dance throughout my childhood, and studied with various teachers.  I strongly feel that it wasn’t until I started training with Priya as an adult that I grew into a true dance artist.  

As a guru, Priya pushed me to achieve so much during my Arangetram training.  Her ability to connect with her students, identify their strengths, and use them choreographically is a hugely underrated skill.  She was able to harness my neurosis and turn it into art, which is a flowery way of saying she was able to seamlessly take on an adult student who could be set in her ways a little bit and afraid to try new things, and force me to achieve more.  For as much as I drove her crazy with my anxieties, it is a testament to the level of comfort and trust that I have with her. I am truly honored to be her student.

More than a teacher though, she has become one of my greatest friends, and it is the connection that we have in our friendship that translates to our guru-shishya relationship.”