Natya Srishti School of Dance

 The Natya Srishti School of Dance was founded in 2010 by Shree Lakshmanan to impart training in the traditional Pandanallur style of Bharathanatyam. The school aims to preserve this ancient art form within the framework of the an American cultural identity. The school offers certification level courses in Bharathanatyam that can be used to earn college credits and more. Her students have participated in various large scale events including the Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana Festival and Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America (FETNA), and have went on to incorporate their dance into mainstream education, film, TV, theatre, and music.  Beyond the stage lights, Shree's commitment extends to teaching her students to give back to the community. The school has received special recognition for its work in inspiring the formation of the Vibha Artists Program, focused on ensuring art can have a meaningful impact on society. As an advocate for the arts through nonprofits like Association for India’s Development, Vibha, and the PERIOD Movement, she tirelessly champions the

transformative power of art.

Shree Lakshmanan, an accomplished artist, embarked on her dance journey at the tender age of five, completing her milestone arangetram at the age of eleven. Shree incorporated dance seamlessly into her life, performing at renowned venues in India such as Narada Gana Sabha, Karthik Fine Arts, Mylapore Fine Arts, Devakottai Kanda Sashti Festival, Tamil Isai Sangam, Meenakshi Amman Temple, and appearing on the National TV channel, Doordarshan in many solo and group productions. Shree moved to Dallas in 2000 and after completing her graduate degree in Finance from the University of Texas at Dallas, she reignited her love for dance through teaching. She has performed extensively throughout the US, Bahrain, and the UK. Shree considers it a profound blessing to share her learning with her students, fostering a new generation of passionate and skilled performers. Her unwavering commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of Bharatanatyam reflects her dedication to the art form and her desire to inspire those who join

 her on this journey. 

 Dr. Kalarani Ramachandran trained under Padma Shri Mrinalini Sarabai at Darpana Dance Academy and received the title "Nrithya Kala Bhushan." She did her post graduate degree in Bharathanatyam from M S University, Baroda and her doctorate from MK University, Madurai. Natya Kalaimani, Singarmani, Natyaratna are some of the titles she has held to her credit. She helped lead and set the syllabus for graduate and post graduate levels in Annamalai and Madras Universities and also served as head of the Department at Meena Muthiah College, Chennai.  She has also trained in Mohiniattam from Kala Mandalam, Kerala and in Kuchipudi from Sri. Acharyalu, Ahmedabad. She has authored three books and was recently recognized for her achievements by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai. She presently resides in Chennai and focuses her dance teaching techniques to suit special needs children at Mitra (NGO).