Anita Sivaraman

Anita Sivaraman is an accomplished Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dancer whose passion for the art is evident in her graceful, soul stirring abhinaya (expressions) and excellent command over laya (rhythm). The daughter and disciple of Mrs. Janaki Sivaraman, the founder and director of "Nrithyashala" in Baltimore, Maryland, Anita completed her arangetram at the tender age of 7. That was only her first step in her lifelong journey to follow her passion for dance. Anita was awarded the prestigious "Yuva Kala Bharathi" title for Bharatanatyam by Bharat Kalachar in Chennai, India (2007). She has worked and trained with several leading dancers in both Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi and has performed extensively in India, Canada, Europe, and USA.

Anita hails from a family of renowned artists. Her great grandfather is Sri. Papanasam Sivan, a Tamil composer and musical genius. Her grandparents are the late Dr. M.G.Ramachandran and Mrs. Janaki Ramachandran, well known cine artists in the Tamil film industry.

Anita graduated from The Johns Hopkins University with a double degree in Biology and Psychology and as a Woodrow Wilson Fellow, with research in dance therapy, particularly on the effects of Indian dance on special needs children. The Johns Hopkins University has recognized Anita for her long-term dedication and significant contribution to the arts through the "Homewood Arts Certificate" and the "Louis Sudler Arts Prize," an award that is only given to one highly qualified student across all departments of the university each year as having achieved a professional level in the art as a non-arts major.

Anita is currently a medical student at The George Washington University in Washington D.C. A young and talented dancer as well as teacher, choreographer, and nattuvanar, Anita not only captures the hearts and minds of her audience but also leaves a lasting image of the nrityam she so skillfully executes.