Archana Arangil

🪔 About

Archana Raja is a distinguished Indian classical dancer, teacher, and choreographer, proficient in both Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam. Her artistic journey began with foundational training in Bharatanatyam under the esteemed Guru Sheela Unnikrishnan at Sridevi Nrithyalaya in Chennai, India, culminating in her Arangetram in 2006. After two decades as an established Bharatanatyam dancer, Archana Raja embarked on learning Kuchipudi during the pandemic lockdown, training under Kasi Aysola, Director of Prakriti Dance, and presenting her Kuchipudi Rangapravesam in January 2023. Based in the United States, particularly the Bay Area, Archana Raja is the Artistic Director of Laya Dance Company, where she creates solo and group works and mentors the next generation of dancers. She also serves as the Artistic Associate of Prakriti Dance. Her career as a soloist has led her to perform at prestigious dance festivals globally, including the Kalarasa Dance Festival (Barcelona), Dancing the Gods Festival (New York City), Pongal Dance Festival (Chennai), New York Kuchipudi Festival, Jacob's Pillow Festival, and the Nishagandhi Festival (Kerala). Archana Raja is known for her innovative approach, integrating diverse genres of music and storytelling into traditional Indian classical dance, and developing solo projects that explore contemporary themes such as women's issues and plastic pollution. She has collaborated with renowned choreographers like Dr. Anita Ratnam and Padmashri Shobana. Awards & Honours: Nrithya Ratna Award, Graded Artist in Doordarshan National for Bharathanatyam (2017), CCRT (India) scholarship holder (2011).