Sujatha Manjigani

🪔 About

Sujatha Manjigani is a Bharatanatyam dancer and teacher, trained in the Vazhuvoor style. She initially received training from Guru Smt. Choodamani Rao before continuing her studies under Guru Smt. Padmini Ravi. Her dance lineage also connects to grand-guru K.J. Sarasa's approach to holistic learning. As a young student, Manjigani performed in various programs across Bangalore, Mysore, and Vijayawada, including at Ganapathi Sacchidananda Swamy-ji's ashram. She was also part of "Satyam-Shivam," a flagship production by her guru Padmini Ravi, which toured Karnataka. Sujatha Manjigani founded Shakti Dance Academy in Charlotte, North Carolina, around 2010, with the aim of instilling a love for Bharatanatyam in children and adults. At her academy, she focuses on holistic learning and incorporates workshops from senior artists in India to enrich the curriculum. Her students regularly perform at various community events in and around Charlotte, such as the Nuvyug, TACGA, CTA, NATYA, Hindu Center, and Festival of India celebrations. They have also participated in events like the Asian (Dragon Boat) Festival, Charlotte Shout, Charlotte Vision Awards, Taste of Charlotte, and NCAAT. Manjigani trains her students for the SAMPADA Bharatanatyam Certification program, offered by Silicon Andhra and affiliated with the Potti Sriramulu University of Andhra Pradesh. In 2026, over 20 of her students are expected to take these exams, with some already having completed Junior Level and others preparing for Senior Level certification. Sujatha Manjigani continues her own training under her guru, emphasizing her belief in lifelong learning.