Chaitanya
Kusuma Priya
About
Chaitanya Priya holds a Bachelor Degree in Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering and combines her technical prowess with a deep passion for the arts. Her academic journey also includes a Master’s Degree in Bharatanatyam from S.V. University, Tirupati, where she honed her skills in this traditional Indian dance form. Chaitanya is a certified graded artist (B High) at Doordarshan in Bharatanatyam. She embodies a distinctive fusion of creativity and precise artistry, gracefully uniting her deep understanding of Bharatanatyam with her passion for the arts. She found Naada Mudra School of Dance in 2014, dedicatedly nurturing young talents in Bharatanatyam.
Dancing With Your Heart
Guidance from Gurus for Artistic Excellence
She received her Bharatanatyam training at the renowned Dhandayudhapani Pillai School of Bharatanatyam under the tutelage of Guru Sri C. Haranath Garu, a disciple of the late Smt. Usha Srinivasan, a leading student of the legendary Guru, the late Padmashri K.N. Dhandayudhapani Pillai. While pursuing her Master’s degree, she also received rigorous training in the Pandanallur Bani style, further enriching her expertise in this ancient and graceful art form. In 2018, Chaitanya Kusuma Priya accomplished her Arangetram under the mentorship and guidance of Guru Smt. Swathi Mahalakshmi Kukrety.
- She commenced learning Nattuvangam under the guidance of Guru Kalaimani RLV Hemanth Lakshman in 2020 and completed her Nattuvangam Arangetram in August 2022.
- Presently, she is Pursuing Nattuvangam under Guru Sri RLV Hemanth Lakshman and Odissi under Guru Smt. Swathi Mahalakshmi Kukrety.
- She is also learning Natyasastra (Karanas) under Guru Smt. Vithya Arasu.
Elegant presentations on Stage
- 1996 – First performance in Annamacharya Kala Mandir, Tirupati.
- 1997 – 2010 – at the annual Srivari & Padmavathi Brahmotsavams, Tirupati.
- 2000 – 2002 – at Tallapaka, Tirupati.
- 2001 – Annamayya Kala Mandir for Srivari Brahmotsavam, Tirupati.
- 2002 – Mahati Auditorium for Srivari Brahmotsavam, T.T.D., Tirupati.
- 2003 – Aasthana Mandapam for Goddess Padmavathi Brahmotsavam, Tirupati.
- 2004 – Annamayya Kala Mandir for Annamayya Jayanthi Utsavam, Tirupati.
- 2006 – 2009 – Silpa Kala Vedika for Srivari Brahmotsavam, Tirupati.
- 2009 – At Mahati Auditorium for 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.
- 2023 – Srirama temple, Tirupati on the occasion of Sriramanavami Utsav.
- 2023 – Performed in Guruvayur, Kerala in September.
- 2023 – Performed in Ayodhya, Lucknow, for the First ever National Bharatanatyam Utsav in association with Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
Virtual Performances
- 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
Elegant presentations on Stage
1998–2010
TTD Brahmotsavams, Tirupati
2002 – 2004
ISCKON Tirupati
2017
Ugadi Sambaralu,
Aurangabad
2010–2022
Naadaneerajanam, Tirumala Temple
2012
International Women’s Day,
Sunderland, UK & Geeta global conference,
Birmingham, UK
2018
Kalaaradhana, Srisailam
Mallikarjuna Temple
2022
TTD Temple, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
2022
Golconda Nrtyotsav,
Hyderabad
2023
Harvard Univeristy,
Indian Heritage and
Culture seminar
(Virtual)
2023
National Bharatanatyam
Utsav in collaboration
with the Ministry of
Culture (New Delhi),
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
2024
Performance by her along with her students at Kapileswara Swamy Temple, Kapilateeetham, Tirupati.
THE LEARNING EXPERIENCES
Bharatanatyam Arangetram
Arangetram describes “ascending the stage” and holds substantial significance in Bharatanatyam. It marks the culmination of rigorous training and the start of a dancer’s career. The event begins with a traditional invocation to Hindu deities, followed by a captivating performance of various pieces in a ‘Bharatanatyam Margam. The program included the Alarippu (Chatuśra), Bhavayami Raghuramam (narrating the Ramayanam), Javali (Cenhurutti), and Tillana (Garuddhwani), all choreographed by Smt. Swathi Mahalakshmi. This transformative Arangetram 2018 marked a turning point in Chaitanya’s performing career.
THE LEARNING EXPERIENCES
Nattuvangam Arangetram
In Bharatanatyam, being a dancer is less intricate than being a Nattuvanar. Bharatanatyam ensembles center on the Nattuvanar, the pivotal figure. This individual skillfully wields a pair of cymbals called “taalam.” Traditionally, Nattuvanars hold esteemed positions as Bharatanatyam Gurus, mastering dance, music, and often choreography. Chaitanya greatly benefited from her guru’s comprehensive knowledge, which enabled the provision of impeccable Nattuvangam, enhancing her dance performances significantly.
AWARDS AND WINNINGS
Guinness Book of World Records
Chaitanya achieved a Guinness World Record by participating in a relay of 60 consecutive Jatis, performed over approximately 4 hours. The event was curated and conducted under Guru Kalaimamani Sri Madurai Ramachandran Muralidharan’s guidance in 2021.
India and Asia Book of Records
She has accomplished the remarkable feat of leading 140 global participants in performing 50 consecutive Jatis through an online platform amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
NAaDA MUDRA SCHOOL
The Founder
In 2014, Chaitanya embarked on a transformative journey, drawing from her vast reservoir of learnings and experiences. Step by step, she cultivated her passion for Bharatanatyam, eventually establishing the Naada Mudra School of Dance. With unwavering dedication, Chaitanya imparts comprehensive Bharatanatyam training to her students. Her approach extends beyond mere performance, embracing this ancient art form’s theoretical and practical dimensions
As of January 2023, her commitment to excellence has led her to expand her teachings. In addition to Bharatanatyam, she now introduces Nattuvangam, further enriching her school’s educational curriculum. Chaitanya’s journey continues to be a source of inspiration and growth for all who come under her guidance
