Sri Saraswathi Nrityalaya
The Art of Bharatnatyam
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.
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.
Nritta
Pure dance — rhythmic movements and footwork that celebrate the beauty of form and geometry.
Nritya
Expressive dance — storytelling through abhinaya, where emotion and gesture bring poetry to life.
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 Bharatnatyam at the age of 5 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 US — 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, current Director of Sri Saraswathy Gana Nilayam.
Photo Gallery
Glimpses from our performances, classes, and celebrations. Click any photo to view full size.
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 from the ancient scripture Thiruppugazh.
Begin Your Journey
Whether you are a curious beginner or an experienced dancer seeking to deepen your practice, Sri Saraswathi Nrityalaya welcomes you. Join us and experience the transformative power of Bharatanatyam in the Pandanallur bani tradition.