Artistic Director, Natyanjali Kuchipudi Dance School

A woman in blue and white dress standing next to wall.

The Artistic Director, Her Vision and Her Approach 

Smt. Srilatha Suri

Smt. Srilatha Suri's commitment to the art of Kuchipudi over two decades radiates through her extraordinary journey, characterized by passion, innovation, and tradition. Her artistic skills, nurtured by revered Gurus Smt Jayalakshmi Narayan in Bharatanatyam and Padmasri Dr. Sobhanaidu in Kuchipudi, have established her as a guiding light in the realm of Indian classical dance.

Accomplished with a Masters in Kuchipudi Srilatha shares her wisdom and expertise with eager learners, ensuring the preservation and dissemination of Kuchipudi's cultural legacy. Her pursuit of perfection is evident in the intensive training and imaginative choreography she offers, motivating her students to excel in their artistic pursuits.

Srilatha Suri's influence transcends the stage, embodying artistry, elegance, and philanthropy. Her dedication to safeguarding the rich heritage of Indian classical dances, particularly Kuchipudi, serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists globally. Under her mentorship, students not only enhance their artistic abilities but also cultivate essential life skills like perseverance, collaboration, and creativity.

At the heart of Srilatha's teachings lies a profound belief in the transformative influence of the arts, breaking barriers and fostering cultural appreciation and unity. As the driving force behind the Natyanjali Dance School, she fosters a community of dedicated individuals committed to artistic brilliance and social responsibility. Her steadfast support for charitable causes underscores her belief in utilizing art as a tool for positive change.

Srilatha's journey exemplifies the significant role of cultural ambassadors in uniting diverse communities and celebrating the universal language of dance. Her recognition and accomplishments underscore her unwavering commitment to promoting cultural heritage and nurturing the upcoming generation of artists.

As a proponent of cultural awareness and service, Srilatha's contributions extend beyond the stage. Her involvement in charitable endeavors through Echoes of India reflects her deep-seated belief in giving back to society. By merging her passion for dance with philanthropy, she has positively impacted countless lives, offering crucial resources and aid to those in need and exemplifying the transformative power of art. Her legacy of creativity, dedication, and compassion continues to inspire generations of dancers and art enthusiasts worldwide.

Titles, Awards and Recognitions:

Titles 

  • Natya Visharada 
  • Nritya Bharathi 
  • Natya Mayuri 
  • Natya Kalapraporna 
  • Acharya Siromani 
  • Natya Kala Choodamani

Awards and Recognition

  • Andhra Pradesh Government Recognition Diploma in Bharatnatyam 
  • Special recognition award –Tana,Tantex,Silicon Andhra,
  • Recognition award from Andhra Pradesh State Cultural Council and Department of Culture
  • Award of Recongnition Telugu Mahila Sambaralu
  • Award of Appreciation Global Hindu Heritage Foundation
  • Special Recognition Award from Padmabhushan Sri Akkineni Nageswara Rao for the service to Kuchipudi

 

Productions and Choreography 

  1. Shiva Ganga 
  2. Meera 
  3. Panchabhootas 
  4. Suryashtakam 
  5. Ardhanareeshwara Stotram 

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS:
Srilatha has passionately given about 500+ performances and mentored about 300+ students, sculpting them into ‘The Dancer’ by creating an identity while imparting the correct traditional art of dancing methods and values. Several of her students have achieved outstanding national and International Recognition!

With Srilatha’s motivation and support, the Students of Natyanjali had the opportunity to participate in the International Kuchipudi convention and were also a part of a new world record in the Guinness World Records.

Srilatha Suri had conceptualized, scripted, choreographed and directed ‘Meera’ a Kuchipudi Dance Drama, a living legend and an historical epic story and Shiva Ganga in California, USA, as a fundraiser for Silionandhra.

Her passion for this Kuchipudi art and her promotional aspects and efforts were recognized by Andhra Pradesh Govt Cultural Department Minister Shri Vatte Vasanth Kumar and presented with a recognition award in 2010.

Srilatha Suri had performed in TTD Nadaneerjanam with blessings from Padmasri Dr. Sobha Naidu.

Srilatha Suri had conceptualized, scripted, choreographed, directed, and sponsored the TANTEX inaugural theme song.

Srilatha Suri imparts Natya vedam and Natya Shastra to her students.

Srilatha Suri had organized Natya Shastra workshops (one of its kind and for the first time) for DFW teachers and students of all art forms (Kuchipudi and Bharata Natyam, etc.).

Srilatha Suri has been identifying local talent and giving them an opportunity at Natyanjali events

  • Trendsetter:
  • Using Indian culture in the form of performing arts through classical dance: This approach has helped several students and parents follow cultural paths in a diversified society but create an identity.
  • Pioneered Dance Workshop concept: This approach helped students learn and fine-tune their skills and helped artists from Indian gain their livelihood. This trend has been followed by many dance shools in the USA and India, and it has also been followed by other performing art forms as well.
  • Pioneered and initiated Natya Shastra workshop concept: This extraordinary concept and approach helped students learn the core details and origin of this ancient art form. This trend is being followed by several dance schools in the USA.
  • Costumes and Jewelry: Srilatha's uniqueness in the presentation of dance ballets is in portraying originality.

Fundraising

  • For noble causes and performing arts, Srilatha Suri’s dance school, Natyanjalius.com, is a strong supporter of the community and has supported several nonprofit organizations by conducting/organizing events, presenting Kuchipudi Dance dramas (Ballets), and also group performances.
  • Srilatha Suri is also the Cultural coordinator for the Dallas Chapter of Yuva Bharathi, a non-profit organization that promotes up-and-coming artists.
  • She has been recognized by the AP State Cultural Council and Department of Culture for her propagation of Kuchipudi in the USA.
  1. Silicon Andhra for Promotion of Kuchipudi Art
  2. Kuchipudi Convention
  3. Vibha for the Tsunami Victims in 2005,
  4. For Hurricane Katrina Victims
  5. The Make-A-Wish Foundation to Raise Funds for Cancer Patients
  6. The AP Flood Relief
  7. Vidyadanam to Raise Funds for Chatralayas
  8. Asha Jyothi to Raise Funds for the Elderly Poor
  9. Sankara Eye Foundation
  10. Sankalpa
  11. Karuna

Media

  • TV9, TV5, DesiPlaza (Desiplaza had chosen Srilatha Suri to inaugurate their Internet TV channel and interviewed her first).
  • AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS:
  • Srilatha is the recipient of several awards and titles from various institutions, governments, etc.,
  • ‘Appreciation Award’ (2012): Awarded by well-known movie actor, Padmabhushan Dr. Akkineni Nageswara Rao for her contribution and service to Kuchipudi art and social service.
  • ‘TANA Recognition Award’ (2012), awarded by TANA President Mr. Prasad Thotakura for her contribution to the arts, promoting culture and social service.
  • ‘Natya Kala Choodamani’ (2012).
  • ‘Acharya Siromani’ (2011): Performed for Sanatana Dharma for a fundraiser to construct Chatralayas for poor students in India.
  • ‘Natya Kalapraporna’ (2011): A temple fundraiser for promoting culture, contribution, and dedication to performing arts.
  • ‘Recognition Award’ (2010) - State Cultural Council & Dept. of Culture, AP, India.
  • ‘Natya Mayuri’ (2009): For the TANTEX & TANA joint venture for the AP Flud Relief Fund, Garland Mayor presented this award for her contribution to arts, culture, and social service: http://www.narthaki.com/info/rev09/rev815.html.
  • ‘Special Recognition Award’ (2008) - Kuchipudi convention.
  • ‘Special recognition award’ (2005).
  • ‘Nritya Bharathi’ (2002): Silicon Andhra, presented by the Mayor of Cupertino for her contribution to promoting Kuchipudi.
  • ‘Natyavisharada’ (1984): A professional degree to practice Kuchipudi art and perform, presented by Padmashree Dr. Sobha Naidu.
  • Diploma in ‘Bharathnatyam’ (1980)— Awarded by the Andhra Pradesh Government, India.
  • Out Standing Community Services:
  • Manabadi : Srilatha Suri had created an event in Dallas to promote Manabadi (teaching Telugu to USA Children) by Silicon Andhra. She had raised funds to set up, promoted and made efforts to raise awareness among telugu community, which had been considered one of her outstanding achievements.
  • Award from Mayor Cupertino, CA: Srilatha Suri conceptualized, scripted, directed, took the lead role and acted in ‘Shiva Ganga’ Dance Drama at California, a fundraiser event organized by Silicon Andhra to promote Kuchipudi. This dance ballet's main aim is to depict how the precious water resource ‘River Ganges’ has been contaminated. Her contribution and passion for the art and culture had won the appreciation of the Mayor of Cupertino, and he awarded her ‘Nritya Bharathi.’
  • Award from the Mayor of Garland, TX: Srilatha Suri had conceptualized, scripted, choreographed, directed and took the lead role as ‘Meera’. This ballet depicts an artist's devotion to the Lord, a 15th-century real story of India. The event was organized by TANA & TANTEX together to raise funds for AP flood relief. This attracted the attention of Garland Mayor, and he awarded her ‘ Natya Mayuri’. She had custom-designed costumes and jewelry, making them exact replicas of 15th-century costumes and jewelry to make them authentic.

Organizational Affiliations

TANA, ATA, NATA, NATS
Echoes Of India, TANTEX, Divine Spark, Vibha, Shanka Eye Foundation, Sanatana Dharma,
OTHERS: Yuva Bharathi

A Few Notable Video Clips