Today we’d like to introduce you to Gowri Lakshmi.
Hi Gowri Lakshmi, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
“Art doesn’t need any language; it has the power to connect minds.”
I am the Founder and Executive Artistic Director of Nrithyaveda school of Dance Plymouth MN.
My training is in the Indian classical dance form of Bharatanatyam. I teach, choreograph, and perform Bharatanatyam, and have taught hundreds of students over the last 20 years.
My journey began in a small town in South India named Madurai, where I was born and raised. I began dancing when I was five years old for a school dance program, and my admiration for it led me to embark on my journey exploring the beauty of dance. I was fortunate to learn under the guidance of my aunt Mrs. Revathi Rajamani initially, and later I continued my training with Naatya Kala Siron Mani, Mrs. Prema Karunanidhi, for eight years in Madurai. During this time, I not only developed my skills but also started assisting in her school programs and choreographies, eventually becoming a teaching assistant at her dance school, Sri Meenakshi Natyalaya. Although I completed my master’s in computer science, my true passion lies in teaching and choreographing Bharatanatyam dance items. I’ve always been drawn to the art form, and I find joy in sharing my knowledge with others. Each learning opportunity feels like I’m diving deeper into an ocean of traditions, techniques, and cultural richness, constantly learning and evolving as both a dancer and an educator. The blending of my academic background with my dedication to dance allows me to approach teaching uniquely, emphasizing not only the technical aspects of Bharatanatyam but also the rich cultural heritage it embodies. It’s this journey that truly inspires me to continue exploring and growing within this beautiful art form.
Later, I established my dance school in Chennai and performed at various venues and taught for milestone events like salangai poojai/Arangetram, and also worked as a dance teacher at Vivekananda Vidyalaya, Chennai. My training deepened as I learned a complete Bharathanatyam Margam under Guru Kalaimamani Madurai R. Muralidharan, which was a significant milestone in my journey. Later, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in two Guinness World Record programs organized by him. The first was for the 50 Jathis challenge, and the second was a COVID relief fundraiser for the Tamil Nadu government. These experiences enriched my passion for dance and allowed me to contribute to my community in meaningful ways. Each step of the way has shaped who I am as a dancer and an individual, and I’m grateful for the guidance and inspiration I’ve received throughout this journey.
Currently, I am enhancing my nattuvangam skills under Kalaivalarmani Dr. D. Suresh. It’s truly a vast ocean to dive into, and I feel like I’m still learning how to swim. The beauty of this art form is that there’s always more to discover, and I embrace the idea that we are all lifelong learners. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities to grow, and I’m excited to continue this journey as I deepen my understanding of dance and its intricacies. The learning never truly stops, and I always look forward to what lies ahead.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey of pursuing my passion has often felt like navigating a winding path, filled with unexpected challenges and the weight of financial commitments. Growing up in a low-income, joint family, where resources were often stretched thin, I vividly remember the moment I decided to start tutoring children. What began as a necessity soon transformed into a gratifying adventure! I earned extra income that helped fund my costumes and jewelry accessories for performances. Despite the financial hardships that lurked around the corners of my artistic journey, I cherished every moment, as each lesson brought both joy and fulfillment. Through all the ups and downs, I remain deeply grateful for the steadfast support of my parents, who have always been my greatest cheerleaders, and my amazing gurus who have brightened my path and shown me the way!, My husband, who has been my unwavering rock. His presence by my side has provided me with the strength and courage to chase my dreams. Their unyielding encouragement has truly made a remarkable difference in my life, adding layers of meaning to this beautiful dance journey I am on.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Nrithya Veda School of Dance?
Our Dance Institution is named as Nrithya Veda School of Dance, inspired by the Fifth Veda Lord Brahma created as, “Natya Veda”, which he conceptualized and created by taking literature from the Rig Veda, songs from the Sama Veda, abhinaya (expressions) from the Yajur Veda, and rasa (aesthetics) from the Atharvana Veda.
We specialize in teaching the Indian traditional classical Dance form Bharatanatyam & training for milestone events such as Salangai Poojai, Arangetram, and Nattuvangam. Nattuvangam is the rhythmic vocal percussion and cymbal accompaniment essential to Indian classical dances like Bharatanatyam, where a Nattuvanar (performer of nattuvangam) uses small brass/iron cymbals to recite rhythmic syllables called Sollukattu to guide the dancer’s movements, maintaining Tala (rhythm) and enhancing expression, bridging music and dance through intricate beat patterns and vocal cues.
I teach dance to students from ages 5+, I have toddlers, grade school and college students, working women, and mothers as my students.
I feel incredibly grateful that my students have the opportunity to connect with their ethnicity and roots through dance. Their genuine love for the art form brings me immense joy, and witnessing their passion and admiration is truly fulfilling. It’s heartwarming to see them grow and embrace this beautiful cultural heritage.
Our school holds a great importance in creating and displaying property-based choreographies such as: peacock-themed songs, dancing on a plate, dancing on sand (Chitra Natyam), Kavadi, & Story telling through dance and roleplay, etc. (Look for a collage in Images)
Our curriculum goes beyond teaching dance; students gain a deep understanding of its history, biographies, and theory. Additionally, we are affiliated with the International Dance Council UNESCO Paris, which allows us to provide international-level dance certification to our students.
Through my channel, We try to convey the love that we all have for the art form , Bharatanatyam.
Here as some links to watch
World Record Union Event
International Dance Council- 63rd World Congress of Dance Research
SHIVA THANDAVAM Bharatanatyam by NrithyaVeda School of Dance ICMDA -10World records
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ICMDA Aigiri Nandhini. 10 World Records Mega Event.Nrithya veda School of Dance. NVSD
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Dance helps me connect with my true self and the divine. Through teaching this art form, I can contribute to society and share the timeless wisdom of art. It provides a valuable inner journey, especially for energetic children and young people. Many face physical and mental challenges due to modern lifestyles, but learning Bharatanatyam encourages physical discipline, relaxes the mind, and unlocks creative potential.
Something surprising
In terms of accolades,
Here are a few of my achievements :
* “Yuva Kala Bharathi” award from Bharathi Yuva Kendra, Madurai.
* Two Times participation in Guinness World Record event & Asia Book of Records & India Book of Records Events.
* “Naatiya Sironmani” & “Nritya Kalai Vani” titles by JBWR Foundation.
* The Garuda Award by Pride India Culturals.
* Vriksha Book of Records honored with the Women Achiever 2024 award.
* “Pan Isai Nadana Thilagam” by Puducherry Natiyanjali Trust & World Records Union.
* Seva Rathna Award By ICMDA (International Carnatic Musicians and Dancers Association).
Apart from local events as a Team from NrithyaVeda school of Dance we participate in events such as
* Tejas Bala nritya utsav by All India Dancers association AIDA, India’s Trending Talent Competition.
* Samskar Bharathi Mahakavi Bharathiyar Mukthi Vizha organized by the Government of Tamilnadu India.
* 50 Jathis challenge Guinness Book of World Records program.
* Covid Relief fundraiser program and achieved another Guinness World Record Participant certificate for the highest number of people performing a choreographed dance online.
* ICMDA (International Carnatic Musicians and Dancers Association) Aigiri Nandhi event for 10 world records and received a World record holder certificate and medal.
* Participation in Parivaar – A Celebration of Community as Family Event By Shruthi Rajasekar
* “Natya Kalai Magal”, “ Natya Kala Jyothi” title from JBWR foundation.
* The Nandhi Award for National Level online Dancing fest conducted by Pride India Culturals.
* Dance event Nehru Yuka kendra Chennai ( Ministry of Youth Affairs & sports Govt of India)
* Siva Thandavam events by ICMDAInternational Carnatic Musicians and Dancers Association.
* Online dance tribute for the Ayodhya Ram Temple inauguration (recognized by Nehru Yuva Kendra, Govt. of India)
* Online Participation in the International Dance Council- 63rd World Congress of Dance Research at Athens.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nrithyavedasd.wixsite.com/schoolofdance
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nrithyavedaschoolofdance
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/viswa.gowri.507
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nrithyavedaschoolofdanceNVSD
- Email: Nrithyaveda@gmail.com
