Our Philosophy
NAMASTHE! We believe that all forms of art serve as a means of self-expression and should be within reach of everyone. Our school's objective is to provide a secure and encouraging environment where students can nurture their creativity and hone their artistic abilities.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Padma Paadam School of Performing Arts Inc. (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization) is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our school embraces diversity and strives to ensure that every student feels respected and valued.
Award Reciepient 2024-25
Dhaathri Kanathala: Passionate Bharatanatyam Dancer and Aspiring Pediatrician
Dhaathri Kanathala, a passionate and dedicated 13-year-old Bharatanatyam dancer from Aldie, Virginia, has been immersing herself in the beauty of this classical art form for the past four years. Dhaathri has embraced the Pandanalluru style of Bharatanatyam, where her love for dance has only deepened. As a 7th grader, Dhaathri has already become an inspiring presence in the dance community, performing with grace and energy at cultural events, temples, and dance competitions across Maryland and Virginia. She consistently excels in academics, earning straight A's in all her subjects, and is also actively involved in various school activities, displaying a well-rounded personality and strong leadership qualities.
Her talent and determination have earned her the coveted Best Student of the Year award at both SBAT’s 5th Annual Day in 2022 and PPSPA’s First Annual Day in 2024. Recently, Dhaathri won second place at the Margazhi Festival 2025 Interstate Dance Competition held at the Hindu Temple of Delaware, a testament to her growing excellence. Bharatanatyam is not just a hobby for Dhaathri, it is her passion and her means of connecting with her heritage and emotions. Her memorable performance as Sita Devi in the Sampoorna Ramayana dance drama production by PPSPA highlighted her ability to convey deep, powerful emotions through her dance.
Dhaathri’s dedication to mastering her art is evident in her successful completion of two Gandharva exams, Prarambhik and Praveshika Pratham, and she is determined to continue progressing through the higher levels. She has also had the honor of performing an invocation dance at a lecture demonstration by the esteemed Bharatanatyam Guru, Smt. Sheela Unnikrishnan and the Sridevi Nrithyalaya team. Dhaathri’s dream is to complete her Arangetram and pursue a career as a professional Bharatanatyam performer, a goal she approaches with relentless passion. Outside of dance, she excels in sports like volleyball and tennis and plays the violin. With aspirations to become a pediatrician, Dhaathri is dedicated to combining her love for children with her desire to make a meaningful impact in the medical field. Her unwavering commitment to both her art and her future career is a reflection of her remarkable discipline and ambition.
