Shobhitha Ravi

🪔 About

Smt. Shobhitha Ravi, a Pittsburgh native, is a dedicated Bharatanatyam teacher and performer. She received her training in the Kancheepuram Ellappa Pillai style under the tutelage of Natyakalavathi Smt. Jaya Mani, whom she considers her beloved Guru and senior disciple. Shobhitha has also received guidance from acclaimed Bharatanatyam artist Smt. Revathi Ramachandran for various productions and attended a residency workshop with renowned artist Kalaimamani Rama Vaidyanathan. In 2008, Shobhitha Ravi founded Natyakriya in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she passionately teaches Bharatanatyam to students of all ages, including a program adapted for adult learners. Her commitment to each student's learning journey is evident in her disciplined instruction, creative choreography, and ability to inspire the next generation of dancers. Natyakriya has grown to over 100 students, with ten students having completed their arangetram under her guidance. Shobhitha has performed across the United States and India, with notable performances including "Ayurkulathilakam" (June 2005), "Lakshmi Vaibhavam" (July 2005), and solo programs for temple anniversary celebrations. She has also conducted lecture-demonstrations to promote understanding of Bharatanatyam within the Pittsburgh community. Academically, Shobhitha Ravi holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Mathematics and a Master's in the Art of Teaching for Secondary Mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh. During her university years, she played a significant role in expanding the reach of Indian classical dance, leading the university's classical dance team, Nrityamala, to a first-place victory at Laasya 2011. She also served on the executive board for Laasya 2012 and co-founded Dhirana, the University of Pittsburgh's first classical dance competition, for which she continues to serve as a judge.