About Us
Celebrating the timeless art of Bharatanatyam where tradition meets devotion, grace, and expression.
About Our Academy
Sri Pranava Mudhra Dance Academy
A Registered Non-Profit Institution
Empowering students through the grace, discipline, and expression of Bharatanatyam
Founded with a vision to promote the classical art of Bharatanatyam, Sri Pranava Mudhra Dance Academy is a registered non-profit institution dedicated to nurturing cultural heritage and artistic excellence.
Our academy serves as a bridge between tradition and modern learning offering structured training, stage opportunities, and holistic development through dance. Students are encouraged to imbibe discipline, creativity, and devotion reflecting the true spirit of Bharatanatyam.
Our Story
Journey of Smt. Pramila Hariharan
Smt. Pramila Hariharan, a proud member of the International Dance Council (CID), began learning Bharatanatyam at the age of 7 under the tutelage of Guru Smt. Girija Murugan. After completing her Arangetram in 1998, her teaching journey began with schools and cultural institutions across Chennai.
Trained under the esteemed mentorship of Guru Kalaimamani Dr. Lakshmi Ramasamy, she earned her Master’s degree in Bharatanatyam from the University of Madras, a foundation that shaped her journey as a performer in her numerous productions.
Smt. Pramila Hariharan holds an M.A. (Bharatanatyam) from the University of Madras and continues her learning at Sri Mudhraalaya under her guru’s guidance. In addition to Bharatanatyam, she has pursued the Fundamentals of Ballet at Orange Coast College, as well as training in Pilates and Yoga, and has completed Yoga Certification courses from Saddleback College, Orange County, these multidisciplinary training helps to enhances her teaching methodology.
2000 – 2010
Dance Instructor @ Sri Ram Dayal Khemka Vivekananda Vidyalaya Junior College, Chennai
2002 – 2010
Founder & Instructor – Kalaivani Bharatanatya Vidhyalaya (Renamed to Sri Poorna Mudhra in 2009), Chennai
2007 – 2010
Dance Instructor @ T.S.T. Rajah Girls’ Mat. Hr. Sec. School, Chennai
2016 – Present
Founder & Instructor – Sri Pranava Mudhra Dance Academy (USA) – Official CID Member
Our Mission
To cultivate artistic discipline and cultural reverence through Bharatanatyam and allied art forms, guiding students toward holistic growth and Empowering every students toward mindful expression and Harmony.
Our Vision
To sustain and spread the rich heritage of Bharatanatyam worldwide connecting tradition with contemporary learning while honoring its spiritual roots.
Core Values
Discipline
Dedication to practice, punctuality, and perseverance in the classical tradition.
Devotion
Expressing dance as a spiritual offering the union of art and emotion.
Creativity
Encouraging artistic exploration while respecting classical grammar and tradition.
Community
Building cultural awareness and inclusivity through performances and collaboration.
Brief History
Bharatanatyam – Pride of South India
Bharatanatyam, the classical dance form of Tamil Nadu, is more than a performing art it is an expression of devotion, discipline, and divine connection. Rooted in the temples of South India, it evolved as a sacred medium to communicate with the Divine through rhythm, gesture, and emotion.
This art harmoniously unites Nritta (pure dance), Nritya (expressive dance), and Natya (dramatic storytelling), reflecting balance, grace, and spiritual surrender.
“Every movement and glance becomes an offering a bridge between the dancer and the Divine.”
The Tanjore Quartette Chinnayya, Ponnaiyya, Sivanandam, and Vadivelu refined the Bharatanatyam repertoire into the structured Maargam format, symbolizing the journey of the soul.
Ancient Tamil texts like Tholkappiam and Silappadikaram mention divine dancers the Devar Adiyars who offered art as Seva (service). These timeless traditions remind us that Bharatanatyam is not merely performed it is worshipped.
At Sri Pranava Mudhra Dance Academy, we carry this sacred lineage forward. Every class and performance is rooted in Shraddha (dedication), Bhakti (devotion), and Samskara (refinement), nurturing dancers to find grace not only in movement but within their hearts.
Training Levels at Our Academy
Beginner
Basic steps, posture, rhythm, & foundational exercises including stage etiquette & musical basics.
Learner
Introduction to Adavus, simple Jathis, devotional items, and introductory music theory.
Performer
Mastery of repertoire, Abhinaya, group presentation skills, and stage presence development.
Advanced
Solo choreography, theory, mythology, and performance refinement.