Aparna Sundaram

🪔 About

Smt. Aparna Sundaram is an accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer, teacher, and choreographer, recognized for her exquisite execution, flawless rhythm, flowing grace, and powerful projections of various moods and Abhinaya. She began her Bharatanatyam training at the age of five in India under Guru Smt. Sowbhagya. Her dance education continued under the guidance of Smt. Vasundara Doraiswamy, with whom she specialized in Abhinaya, and Smt. Krupa Padke. She successfully passed her Junior, Senior, and Vidwath examinations in India. After moving to the USA, Aparna Sundaram continued her dance studies under Smt. Indumathy Ganesh in Fremont, California. She performed her solo stage debut, known as Arangetram, in 2003 in the Bay Area, under the tutelage of Guru Smt. Indumathy Ganesh. In 2005, she established the Swapanthi Dance Academy in San Diego, California, where she serves as the Artistic Director. Through her academy, she focuses on traditional Bharatanatyam training, incorporating Naatyashastra with the theory of Rasa, body language, chaaris, bhava, angahaara, Karnas, and nritta hastas. Aparna Sundaram has performed extensively in numerous Sabhas and academies both in India and internationally, including performances in Europe and various dance festivals in San Diego. She has also participated in dance competitions, representing India at state and national levels and achieving first place. Her contributions to the art form have earned her the title "Natya Tilakam" for her exceptional artistry. Committed to continuous learning, she attended a three-week intensive dance workshop at Chinmaya Naada Bindu in Pune, India, guided by Smt. Rama Bhardwaj. Prior to dedicating herself full-time to dance, Aparna Sundaram worked as a Montessori school teacher for elementary classes for over ten years and holds a Diploma in Child Development from Miramar College, San Diego. She is also a certified Yoga Teacher, instructing adults. As of 2018, she had been teaching Bharatanatyam for over 12 years in San Diego. Her son is a classical singer and has served as her vocalist for live orchestra ensembles for eight years as of 2023. Awards & Honours: Natya Tilakam.