Sireesha Avadhanam

🪔 About

Sireesha Avadhanam is a distinguished Indian classical dancer, teacher, and choreographer specializing in Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam. Born and raised in Andhra Pradesh, India, she began her Kuchipudi training at the age of five, under the tutelage of Guru Smt. Sarada Devi, a direct disciple of the legendary Kuchipudi Master, Guru Vempati Chinna Satyam. She completed her Kuchipudi Ranga Pravesam at the age of twelve. At eleven, she also commenced her Bharatanatyam studies under Guru Dr. Ramanuja Sarma and Guru Late Rama Anjaneyulu garu, performing her Arangetram after six years of dedicated training. Avadhanam immigrated to San Diego, USA, in 2001, where she continued to practice and perform both dance forms. She holds a Master's degree in Kuchipudi from Aria University, having completed her Master's thesis under Dr. Yashoda Thakore, and has received advanced training in tala from Sri Renuka Prasad. With a career spanning over four decades, Sireesha Avadhanam has given hundreds of performances across India and the United States, earning recognition for her excellence in Kuchipudi. She has performed lead roles in Kuchipudi dance dramas choreographed by her gurus and has also directed significant productions such as Ganesha Nritya Nataka, Indian women warriors, Gajendra Moksham, Sri Krishna Leela, and Siva Tatvam. In 2005, Avadhanam established the Manjeera Academy of Dances in San Diego, which she officially founded in 2009. As the founder and artistic director, she has transformed the academy into a prominent institution for Kuchipudi in the United States. Through Manjeera Academy, she has mentored hundreds of students, guiding them through their Rangapraveshams and fostering a deep appreciation for traditional Indian dance. Her students have performed at numerous cultural festivals, fundraising events, and international platforms. Her daughter, Sriya Avadhanam, is also an accomplished Kuchipudi artist and a student of the academy.