One
Nritta
Pure dance — rhythmic movements and footwork that celebrate the beauty of form and geometry.
Sri Saraswathi Nrityalaya
The Art ofBharatanatyam
Rooted in the Pandanallur bani tradition, Sri Saraswathi Nrityalaya is an artistic school of Bharatanatyam dedicated to preserving and sharing classical Indian dance through the sacred guru–shishya parampara.
Our Lineage
The Pandanallur Bani
We follow the Pandanallur style (Pandanallur bani), a prominent traditional school of Bharatanatyam developed by the legendary dance guru Meenakshisundaram Pillai (1869–1964) in the village of Pandanallur, Thanjavur district. This bani is renowned for its linear geometry, intense abhinaya, and distinctive choreography.
Two
Nritya
Expressive dance — storytelling through abhinaya, where emotion and gesture bring poetry to life.
Three
Natya
Dramatic dance — theatrical presentation combining dance, music, and narrative in a unified art form.
About the Guru
Smt. Aparna Ram
Acharya Natya Thilakam
Acharya Natya Thilakam Smt. Aparna Ram stepped into the world of Bharatanatyam at the age of five under the esteemed guidance of renowned guru Kalaimamani Smt. Ranganayaki Jayaraman, Director of Sri Saraswathy Gana Nilayam — an 85-year-old institution devoted to promoting classical art forms.
With a decade of extensive tutelage, Aparna joined hands with her Guru in training numerous students. She has given numerous solo and group performances across India, Colombo, Mauritius, and the United States — including the prestigious Konark Dance Festival, Chidambaram Natyanjali Festival, Chennai Doordarshan, and almost all major sabhas in Chennai.
The title ‘Natya Thilakam’ was awarded to Aparna in appreciation of her contribution towards the art. She continues her tutelage under Guru Acharya Ratnakara Smt. Padmini Krishnamurthy.
The art is passed from guru to shishya — not merely taught, but entrusted.
Our Story
Our School
Sri Saraswathi Nrityalaya — Artistic School of Bharatanatyam — was founded in 2004 in Mumbai by Smt. Aparna with the blessings of Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee, Kalaimamani Late Smt. Ranganayaki Jayaraman.
After training more than 100 students in Mumbai, Smt. Aparna started Sri Saraswathi Nrityalaya in New Jersey in 2014. In 2025, the school celebrated its 10th annual day with a grand production on Lord Muruga, with lyrics drawn from the ancient scripture Thiruppugazh.
2004Founded in Mumbai
2014Established in NJ
100+Students Trained
10Annual Productions
Beyond the Studio
Performances & Affiliations
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Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana
Students have performed consecutively for three years since 2024.
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Global Arts Academy, UK
Affiliated for theory examination and certificate programs.
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Telugu Association of North America
Students have performed at TANA events.
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Tri-State Performances
Active in NJ Natya Sangamam, NAMAM, Kerala Association NJ, and Hindu temples across the state.
Join Us
Begin Your Journey
We welcome students of all ages who wish to learn Bharatanatyam in the Pandanallur tradition. Reach out to enquire about classes, enrollment, and upcoming performances.
Serving students across East Brunswick and the New Jersey tri-state area.