Geetha Raaj

🪔 About

Geetha Raaj, also known as Geetha Raaj Karkera, is a distinguished Bharatanatyam guru, performer, and institution head based in Florida, USA. She is the director of Nritya Academy, which offers comprehensive dance education. Geetha Raaj teaches both theory and practical aspects of Bharatanatyam, providing certification programs, Associate degrees, and Bachelor's degrees through an affiliation with Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, for dancers aged 10 years or older. Geetha Raaj is a senior disciple of the esteemed Shri Raja Rajeshwari Bharathanatya Kala Mandir and received training from renowned Gurus Mahalingam Pillai, Govindaraja Pillai, Karunambal, and Padmashri Adyar Lakshman. She has been actively teaching Bharatanatyam since 1990, initially in India and then in Florida, USA. Over her extensive career, she has guided 150 students through their arangetrams, with 81 arangetrams specifically credited to her in Florida. Her academy, Nritya Academy, operates in various Central Florida locations, including Tampa, Orlando, Altamonte Springs, and Melbourne. Geetha Raaj has collaborated with institutions such as the University of Florida and Disney World for various performances. Her students have also performed at events like the Florida Folk Festival in 1998. She holds a Master's degree in Microbiology and Education, and a Bachelor's degree in Nursing. Geetha Raaj is a third-generation Bharatanatyam dancer in her family, a legacy continued by her daughter, Dr. Sabrina Madabhushi, and her grandson, Parth Iyyangar Madabhushi, who was the first boy in Florida to complete his Bharatanatyam arangetram under her guidance. Awards & Honours: Natya Kala Ratna (2018), Nrithya Shiromani.