Teacher

Vid. Thejashwini Ramarao is a distinguished artist, choreographer, script writer, and instructor specializing in Bharathanatyam, originating from the Mysuru district in Karnataka, India. Her extensive training encompasses the "Mysuru style" of Bharathanatyam, which she pursued under the tutelage of Guru Smt. Pankaja Ramakrishnaih at Sarveshwara Nrithya Kalamandira for a duration of 8 years. Additionally, she has honed her skills in the Pandanalluru style of Bharathanatyam, receiving guidance from her Guru, Dr. Kripa Phadke, at the Nrithyagiri Performing Arts and Research Center for a remarkable 15 years.

At the age of 19, Thejashwini achieved her Vidwath degree, equivalent to a master's degree, in the Pandanalluru style of Bharathanatyam, granted by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board. She has given many dance performances both in India and the United States, garnering acclaim for her exceptional talents. Furthermore, she has contributed to the field as an examiner for dance examinations administered by the Government of Karnataka, India, and has also lent her expertise as a judge for various dance competitions. Her dedication to the art form extends to delivering lecture demonstrations and facilitating dance workshops in the USA.

Following her Vidwath degree, Thejashwini embarked on a journey of imparting Bharatanatyam knowledge to a significant number of students, teaching more than 120 individuals at Basava Kendra in Mysuru for a period of four years. Upon relocating to the United States, she continued her teaching journey by becoming an instructor at "SBAT Alaya Nrithya," a Bharathanatyam school situated at the Shri Bhaktha Anjaneya Temple in Ijamsville, MD, USA. There, she dedicated seven years to teaching and overseeing administrative responsibilities, nurturing the talents of over 90 students. Her contributions extended beyond teaching, as she actively supported the temple administration in orchestrating various dance-related cultural events, competitions, and workshops.

Thejashwini possesses a particular fondness for the art of "Choreography" and derives immense joy from choreographing her dance compositions. Her exceptional talent in conceptualizing and choreographing her student's arangetram, titled "Acharya Devo Bhava: Discovering the Enlightened," received widespread recognition and admiration from art enthusiasts. Furthermore, she finds great satisfaction in learning and performing the nattuvangam instrument.

In recognition of her expertise, Thejashwini is a registered teacher and examiner affiliated with the Akhila Bharatheeya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal, located in Pune, Maharashtra. Additionally, she is an active member of the International Dance Council (CID) under UNESCO's auspices.

Beyond her illustrious dance journey, Thejashwini is a versatile theatrical artist who has actively participated in numerous district and state-level drama performances and competitions, all of which received enthusiastic acclaim from audiences. Her dedication to the craft extends to her proficiency in the Samskrutham language, which she diligently studied for 8 years as part of her school and college curriculum. She derives immense joy from teaching shlokas, Indian history, and culture to aspiring learners.

Thejashwini boasts two master's degrees—in Geoscience from the University of Iowa and Applied Geology from the University of Mysore. Presently, she serves as a production analyst at Fugro Geospatial Incorporation in Frederick, MD.

With a deep-seated love and passion for Indian culture, dance, and the art of teaching dance, Thejashwini Ramarao has successfully established her own dance school, "Padma Paadam School of Performing Arts Inc" situated in Maryland, USA. Her aspiration is to channel her ardor into nurturing a thriving institution where love and respect for these artistic and cultural traditions flourish to the fullest extent.