Dedicated to nurturing the rich heritage of Bharatanatyam, we inspire students to embrace the art form with grace, discipline, and passion.
Dedicated to nurturing the rich heritage of Bharatanatyam, we inspire students to embrace the art form with grace, discipline, and passion.
Guru Sivanuja believes that Bharatanatyam is more than a performance art—it is a sacred journey. Her teaching emphasizes discipline, expressive storytelling, and technical mastery, all grounded in a profound respect for the cultural heritage. In her classes, students find a nurturing space to discover their own voice, while embracing the rigor and tradition of classical dance.
Guru Shrimathi Sivanuja Balaji is a revered Bharatanatyam artist and educator, with over 30 years of dedicated experience in mastering and teaching this classical dance form. Trained under the legendary Padmashri Adyar K. Lakshman and Shrimathi Krishnaveni Lakshman, she deepened her expertise in the intricate Karanas under the mentorship of Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. Padma Subramaniam. Her profound understanding of Carnatic music, nurtured by Vairamangalam Shri Lakshmi Narayanan, complements her dance practice and enriches her holistic approach to the arts.
An internationally recognized figure in the world of Bharatanatyam, Guru Sivanuja Balaji holds prestigious roles, including coordinator for Griffin College London in Minnesota and guest artist at the Ordway Center. She also contributes her insight as a valued member of the Cowles Center Program & Education Committee’s advisory panel. As an alumna of the esteemed Kalakshetra College of Fine Arts, she carries forward the rich legacy of the Kalakshetra style, preserving its classical essence while innovating to keep it vibrant and relevant for today’s audiences.
Through her school, Guru Sivanuja Balaji has mentored countless students who have become accomplished performers and teachers themselves. Her commitment to preserving the purity of Bharatanatyam, while allowing it to evolve, ensures that this beautiful art form continues to thrive through future generations. Through her unwavering devotion and leadership, she continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of dancers, leaving a lasting impact on the global Bharatanatyam community.
Her visionary outlook extends beyond the stage. Guru Sivanuja Balaji collaborated on the groundbreaking film REFUGE alongside choreographer Jennifer Aravey and award-winning filmmaker Philip Harder, blending classical Bharatanatyam with contemporary cinematic storytelling to create immersive experiences that expand the dance form’s reach.