Nrityalaya - An Institution dedicated to the 
training and performance of Bharatanatyam and 
Kuchipudi-founded by Padma Dharnipragada. The 
curriculum covers an intensive study of the rich 
cultural heritage of India and the theory of 
NatyaShastra besides providing a firm foundation 
in "Nritta", "Nritya" and "Natya".

The institution (www.nrityalaya.org) provides:

-Training in classical Bharatanatyam  in the 
Pandanalore style and Kuchipudi

-A course in Nattuvangam , conducting a program

-An in-depth study of the theory of Bharatanatyam 
and Kuchipudi.

Padma Dharnipragada has been studying Bharatanatyam 
and Kuchipudi nearly all of her life, and is the 
disciple of the renowned masters Dr.Nataraja 
Ramakrishna, Smt.Gidugu Visalakshi and Dr.Uma Rama 
Rao.  Padma's precise yet graceful and subtle 
movements are a true reflection of these beautiful 
dance forms. Padma a totally dedicated artiste who 
never settles for mediocrity has carved a niche in 
the dance scenario.  

Padma commenced her artistic career at the age of 
six and gave her first performance at the age of 
eight.  Her excellent Abhinaya (Facial expression) 
skills, supreme rhythm and foot work, exquisite 
grace make her performance the perfect blend of 
nritta, nritya and natya.  She has given numerous 
performances throughout the United States and 
India.  Padma has choreographed and performed in 
title roles of several evening length dance 
dramas.  Her innovative choreography includes 
collaboration of  "Navarasas - the nine 
emotions",  "Karthikeyan" and  "Venkateswara 
Kalyanam" to name a few.