About Us

Nrithyanjali School of Dance

Nrithyanjali School of Dance, is a premier Bharatanatyam classical dance company based in the southwest suburbs of Chicago and serves the greater Chicagoland and the state of Illinois.The not-for- profit 501c3 organization, entering its 20th year of exceptional dance programs, provides traditional South Asian performing arts to Chicago and the surrounding areas, strengthening the region’s creative offerings. Dancers are highly trained, emerging artists who contribute to the cultural enhancements and diversity of arts opportunities in the Midwest. Close to two decades later, it has become a leading center in the community for education in the art and today boasts a culturally diverse and large student enrollment .

Nrithyanjali is highly devoted to the legacy of this art form as passed on by gurus and masters; and share in the desire to educate, foster and enrich global communities through the promotion and development of exceptional classical music and dances of India.

Our philosophy for our innovative works integrates story-telling, music, poetry, sculpture, literature and spirituality in a discerning and sophisticated way, while upholding the traditional beliefs of the art by providing a fresh and modern perspective. The repertoire of classes, workshops, performances ranges from groundbreaking solo works to novel group items which highlight the evolving nature of this beautiful dance form.  c

Donations: We are happy and grateful to accept your tax-free contributions. Nrithyanjali is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You can easily make donations via Paypal, by clicking on the button below.

Note: You do not need to have a Paypal account to make a contribution.

 
 

Artistic Director

Sushmita Arunkumar’s love for Bharatanatyam began during her childhood in India. A devout performer, meticulously trained under the watchful eyes of Guru Padmashri Adyar K. Lakshman, Sushmita’s talent for Bharatanatyam has won her several accolades.

Sushmita is a quintessential artist, gifted in transforming herself into the characters she portrays. Able to move both acutely and gracefully, she possesses the talent to call upon her own emotion as well as the emotions of the audience in order to tell a story through dance. She has performed widely in both India and the United States.

Awards

  • Award of Excellence in the Arts by the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, Lemont, IL, presented by Dr. Karan Singh (former MP Rajya Sabha)

  • Award of Appreciation for contribution to Bharatanatyam in Annmayya Tathwa Pracharam during the XVth Annamacharya Aradhana Utsavam by Sri Annamaacharya Project of North America

  • Award of Recognition by the Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple, Aurora, IL, for her performance in the Maha Samprokshanam - Maha Kumbhabhishekam of the temple

  • Balasaraswathi Award by Krishna Gana Sabha in 1995

  • A selection by the Tamil Nadu Government for their sponsored programs in the state during 1993 -1994

 

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