Ramya Gunashekar

🪔 About

Ramya Gunashekar is an accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer and an emerging artist of the younger generation, known for her passion for the art form and dedication to teaching. She began her Bharatanatyam training at the age of four in Chennai, India. She completed her arangetram at Natyarpana - School of Fine Arts under the tutelage of Guru Diyva Lakshmi. Ramya furthered her dance education in New York, where she continued to learn from Guru Indhra Rajashekar. Ramya Gunashekar is the Founder and Director of Mayura Dance Academy, based in Scarsdale, New York, which she has been running for approximately 15 years as of January 2024. The academy aims to preserve Indian culture by raising awareness among younger generations through dance and music, specializing in both traditional and modern Indian dance forms. Ramya is classically trained in Bharatanatyam and has been studying the art form for over twenty years. She has been teaching dance and working with children for over 20 years. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes passing on the elegant and rhythmic expressions of Bharatanatyam, fostering a connection with culture and its fundamental ideals. As an artist and instructor, Ramya has conducted lecture demonstrations and workshops in schools and libraries throughout the Tri-State area. Her performances include popular Bollywood events such as the Bollywood Awards at Nassau Coliseum, Indian concerts, and Diwali Mela's. Mayura Dance Academy was also exclusively chosen to showcase a Bollywood routine at Disney's first-ever Diwali celebration. Ramya is also a member of NOOTANA, a volunteer organization that promotes Indian culture in the Washington, D.C., and Maryland areas. Beyond classical dance, Mayura Dance Academy offers classes in Bollywood Fusion, Hip-Hop, Garba Raas, Ballet, Jazz, Salsa, and Contemporary. Ramya also owns "Shake it Off," a children's play space and activity center, and holds a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education with a Montessori background.