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At Sharanya, we believe Bharatanatyam is more than a classical dance form. It’s a path to self-expression, confidence, and connection. Our school is dedicated to helping young South Asian students discover their voice, build independence, and flourish both on stage and in life.
At Sharanya, we believe Bharatanatyam is more than a classical dance form. It’s a path to self-expression, confidence, and connection. Our school is dedicated to helping young South Asian students discover their voice, build independence, and flourish both on stage and in life.
Through personalized guidance, thoughtful training, and a supportive community, we create a space where every dancer can grow at their own pace, explore their creativity, and embrace their individuality. Whether performing on stage or learning the intricate nuances of this art, students at Sharanya gain not only technical mastery but also the confidence and self-assurance to carry into every aspect of their lives.
Through personalized guidance, thoughtful training, and a supportive community, we create a space where every dancer can grow at their own pace, explore their creativity, and embrace their individuality. Whether performing on stage or learning the intricate nuances of this art, students at Sharanya gain not only technical mastery but also the confidence and self-assurance to carry into every aspect of their lives.
Celebrating the richness of Bharatanatyam while honoring each student’s unique journey, Sharanya is a place where artistry meets empowerment.
Celebrating the richness of Bharatanatyam while honoring each student’s unique journey, Sharanya is a place where artistry meets empowerment.
Our Founder
Our Founder
Rashi Narain
Rashi Narain
Rashi Narain is a Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer based in Sunnyvale, California. She pursued her study with Nalini Prakash in the Pandanallur style of Bharatanatyam and previously trained with Rani David from Kalairani Natya Salai.
Rashi also had the opportunity to expand her knowledge of the nuances of Bharatanatyam in India with gurus Adyar Lakshman and Chitra Visweswaran. Her study of other forms of classical dance include Kuchipudi with Anuradha Nehru from Kuchipudi Kalanidhi, and Kathak with Birju Maharaj. Rashi also studied classical Hindustani vocal music with Shubhashish Mukherjee to augment her practice and performance of classical Indian dance.
Rashi has also explored other world dance forms including Oriental (Belly) Dance, which she trained in at Caracalla Dance Theater in Beirut, Lebanon. Furthermore, she was a member University of Maryland’s hip-hop dance team, Dynamic, and continues to be an active alum.
In March 2011, Rashi founded Sharanya, to impart training in Bharatanatyam to students of all ages. Through the organization, she hopes to motivate students to understand the theory and practice that drives the art form by teaching traditional choreography through engaging and relevant approaches
In July 2009, Rashi received the “Natya Yuva Kalakaar” award to recognize her choreography and production of Kalairani Natya Salai’s Panchabootham. Currently, she collaborates with the Spilling Ink Project in Washington, DC in its season performances as well as in its arts education and outreach work in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
Rashi is a Lead Associate at Booz Allen Hamilton and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park and a Master of Science in Project Management from George Washington University.
Our Teachers
Our Teachers
Shraddha Rao
Shraddha Rao
Hailing from the coastal Indian city of Mumbai, Shraddha began her journey in Bharatanatyam under the tutelage of Guru Smt Tejaswini Lele in Tanjavur style. In 2007, she cleared her Visharad from Shreevallabh Sangeetalaya with distinction.
During eight years with Guru Smt Tejaswini Lele, Shraddha performed for several cultural events across Mumbai. While pursuing her master’s at Syracuse University, she captained the dance team and performed at various cultural events at the university.
In 2018, Shraddha pursued learning Bharatanatyam under Rashi Narain in Pandanallur style after moving to the DC metropolitan area. She completed her arengetram with Sharanya in August of 2023. She continues to perform professionally at cultural programs and festivals across the Washington, DC area.
Devayani Srinivasan
Devayani Srinivasan
Devayani began her dance journey at the age of seven, receiving a strong foundation in the Kalakshetra style from Smt. Radha Ganesan of Natya Nilayam. She later continued her training with Sharanya and, in 2018 completed her arangetram.
While attending the University of Maryland, College Park, she was a member of the classical Indian dance team UMD Moksha, and served as team captain in 2017. Her artistic background also includes training in voice—both choral and Carnatic—as well as Western and Carnatic violin. She was a member of UMD Anokha, the university’s South Asian a cappella group.
Devayani graduated from the University of Maryland with a B.S. in Bioengineering in 2017. She currently works as a Quality Engineer at Smith & Nephew, where she helps develop innovative tissue-based products for improved wound healing.
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