I am Ramya Shankaran, a passionate and dedicated practitioner of Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam with over 30 years of immersive experience as a performer, choreographer, and teacher. My journey in classical dance began at the tender age of four, and since then, dance has become an inseparable part of my identity—a sacred medium through which I express, evolve, and connect.
I was fortunate to train under Guru Sunitha, Guru Marie Stella from Kalaikaveri School of Fine Arts, and Guru Madhavi Chandrasekar, who nurtured my early years in Bharatanatyam. My dance education deepened under the mentorship of some of the most revered names in classical Indian dance—Professor C.V. Chandrasekar, Dr. Neena Prasad, Guru Vijna Vasudevan, and Acharya Thiru Renjith Babu. My exploration of Mohiniyattam was guided by Kalamandalam Guru Kumari Menon, whose instruction added fluidity and lyrical beauty to my dance vocabulary.
With a Master’s degree in Bharatanatyam, and diplomas in Mohiniyattam and Yoga, my academic and spiritual approach to dance has always been holistic. I believe in the harmony of tradition and modernity—presenting ancient stories through contemporary sensibilities. Each performance I choreograph or teach is an opportunity to honor the wisdom of our cultural heritage while making it accessible and relevant to today’s world.
My goal as a dancer and teacher is to inspire, educate, and transform—both myself and others. I strive to create a space where students and audiences feel the depth, grace, and strength of Indian classical dance. Through my work, I hope to serve as a bridge between the rich legacy of our past and the evolving vision of the future.
I currently perform, conduct workshops, and mentor students across the USA and India, through various platforms, festivals, and cultural organizations. With every step, I remain a devoted student of the art, committed to learning, sharing, and growing through dance.