Today we’d like to introduce you to Anjana Ramesh Sarma.
Hi Anjana Ramesh, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I often say that I started dancing before I could even walk properly. My introduction to the world of Bharatanatyam (a traditional Indian classical dance form) happened at the age of three, simply because I was tagging along with my older sister to her classes. I wasn’t just watching the movements; I was captivated by the storytelling and the theatre of it all. Before I knew it, I was on stage giving my first performance, though I never imagined then that it would become the center of my life. As I grew, each practice session allowed me to ‘go deeper within’, helping me experience a beauty in the art that transformed it from an engaging childhood hobby into a passion that began to deeply influence my life.
Despite this deep connection, I initially followed the conventional academic and career path expected of me in a society where the arts are often viewed as extracurricular rather than a viable profession. I was a high-achieving student pursuing a rigorous professional qualification in accounting and finance. As the demands of my studies grew, dance took a backseat for nearly a year, and I began to feel as though I was losing a part of myself. Then, in what felt like an overnight decision, I chose to step away from the path I had been pursuing in finance and dedicate myself to the in-depth study of dance, eventually building a career that has led me to advanced academic research and a PhD.
Today, I am a globally acclaimed Bharatanatyam dance professional, an internationally certified Yoga instructor, and the Director of URise Academy of Indian Arts. I’ve performed from Africa to Australia, but at my core, I am still that person who found her soul in the studio. My life is now a rewarding blend of performing, teaching over 300 students, and working to make the arts a respected, mainstream profession.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has certainly not been a smooth road; life has been my “biggest and most benevolent teacher” through its difficulties.
Professionally, the obstacles have been multi-fold:
– Societal Skepticism: Choosing dance over a corporate finance career meant facing constant questions from a society that rarely accepts career choices outside of traditional academics
– The Struggle for Professional Respect: In the performing arts, especially as a young artist, one of the greatest challenges is garnering respect and being viewed as a professional rather than a hobbyist
– Systemic Hurdles: As an administrator, I constantly battle the lack of funding for art events and the challenging paperwork associated with government associations
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At the heart of my work, I am a storyteller, using the ancient and expressive language of Bharatanatyam, the classical dance form of India. I am a performing artist, choreographer, teacher, internationally certified yoga instructor, and the Director of URise Academy of Indian Arts. My work has taken me to stages across the globe, but over the years, I have come to see my role as extending far beyond stage performance.
A significant part of my work is teaching and mentoring the next generation of dancers. I am deeply invested in helping students develop not just technical skill, but also a deeper understanding of their bodies and the art form they practice. I focus on body alignment, physical awareness, and injury prevention, while ensuring that the depth and integrity of the traditional art form remain at the center. I believe that technical rigor and mindfulness can—and should—coexist.
My academic journey has also become an important part of my artistic practice. I hold a PhD in Dance, through which I explored the deep spiritual and physical connections between dance and yoga. This research has shaped my work in “Natya Yoga”—the confluence of dance and yoga. For me, these are not two separate disciplines. I am fascinated by the ways in which they can come together to create a more holistic approach to movement and expression.
When I think about what I am most proud of, it isn’t necessarily the prestigious festivals and performances that have taken me to stages across the globe. My greatest sense of fulfillment comes from seeing how dance can transform the lives of my students. One experience I am especially proud of is mentoring a Chinese student through her Arangetram, the traditional solo debut of a Bharatanatyam dancer, in just two years. She began learning Bharatanatyam with me, and her daughter later joined her in training as well. Despite the language barrier, dance became our shared language, allowing us to communicate, connect, and work together toward this important milestone.
Another experience that has stayed with me is teaching a 90-year-old woman. Although she was physically unable to move or dance very much, she was deeply excited by the storytelling aspect of Bharatanatyam. She would light up when expressing a story through her face and eyes, Watching her reminded me that the essence of dance is not always in how much we move, but in how deeply we can feel and express—and that art truly has no age limit.
Alongside my artistic and teaching practice, I also work as an arts administrator, creating opportunities and platforms for the next generation of artists through community programs. Through URise, I try to create spaces where artists can come together, collaborate, and find meaningful opportunities to present their work. I believe that supporting the arts is not only about preserving what has been passed down to us, but also about creating a sustainable future for the people who will carry these traditions forward.
Ultimately, I see my work as a bridge between tradition and the contemporary world. I am deeply rooted in a centuries-old art form, but I am not afraid to explore new ideas, bring in modern scientific understanding, or look at the art form through global perspectives. Whether I am performing, choreographing, teaching, researching, or creating platforms for other artists, my goal remains the same: to keep Indian classical dance alive, relevant, and evolving, while showing that a life in the arts can be deeply fulfilling, intellectually meaningful, and professionally respected.
I don’t see myself as just a dancer. I see myself as a cultural ambassador, carrying a centuries-old tradition into the modern world and helping others discover the depth, beauty, and transformative power of the arts.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I truly believe that my journey has been shaped by a powerful support system—people who encouraged me to take the plunge when others doubted me and who helped me become the artist and person I am today.
My mother deserves a very special mention. She founded the arts organization I lead today and eventually made the courageous decision to leave her corporate career to pursue her passion for music. Watching her journey taught me to not wait too long to pursue what truly brings me happiness. She also gave me the opportunity to lead the organization, which became an invaluable platform for me to grow not only as an artist, but also as an arts administrator and manager.
I am equally indebted to my gurus, especially Smt. Kirti Ramgopal and Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam, for the knowledge and wisdom they have shared with me. Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam, had a particularly profound influence on my artistic journey. Her ideas, scholarship, and creative approach completely transformed the way I think about and approach dance.
My partner has also been a tremendous source of support, particularly as I navigated the transition of moving to the US and building my teaching practice from scratch. Starting over in a new country and establishing a new community around my art has been both exciting and challenging, and having someone who believes in my vision and encourages me through every step has meant a great deal to me.
My students, too, are an enormous source of inspiration. They bring a sense of freshness and rejuvenating energy to my work and constantly remind me why I chose this path. They also inspire my commitment to making this deeply nuanced and technically demanding art form accessible to as many people as possible, so that anyone with the interest and dedication to learn can find a place within it.
I am also grateful to the many fellow artists and collaborators who have been part of my journey. Working alongside other artists has continually challenged me to grow, think differently, and create new possibilities for the arts. I believe that the arts thrive when we build communities that support one another, and I am grateful to everyone who has contributed to that journey with me.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://uriseindia.com/leadership/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anjanarsarma/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anjana.ramesh.927
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AnjanaRamesh
- Other: https://youtu.be/7-t6TB_4Nw0?si=s1VF7sr1wm2e4jXg
