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Lakshanya Siddarth is the Founder and Artistic Director of Natya Praana School of Indian Classical Dance. She believes that Bharatanatyam is more than just a dance form; it instills discipline, dedication, devotion, and builds skills that are essential in all areas of life.

Her journey in Bharatanatyam began at the age of five under the guidance of Smt. Shanthy Rajendran, a Kalakshetra graduate and Director of Nrithakshetra School of Indian Classical Dance. Lakshanya later continued her training with Smt. Rathika Mahadeva, a disciple of Natyacharyas The Dhananjayans. Further intensive training came under Sri P.T Narendran, one of the last direct disciples of Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale, the legendary founder of Kalakshetra. Lakshanya’s grandfather the Late Sri K Lakshmanan was also a renowned educationist and highly respected Tamil Scholar and Author in Sri Lanka, which laid the foundation for her to thrive in the eastern culture.

Lakshanya's passion for Bharatanatyam led her to immerse herself in the art form by studying at Natyacharyas Sri V.P and Smt. Shantha Dhananjayans’ Bharata Kalanjali Chennai, in the Gurukulam style of schooling. Learning under the direct tutelage of these maestros provided her with a profound understanding of not only Bharatanatyam but also related disciplines such as Yoga, Carnatic Music, Kalari Payattu, and Vedic Chanting. She was privileged to perform in productions such as ‘Kadhal Valli Kanda Murugan’ and Bharata Kalanjali’s 50th Year Revival of many excerpts from famous Dance Dramas choreographed by the Natyacharyas. She has performed far and wide across India, including the Banaras Hindu University and a month-long performance tour of the villages of Tamil Nadu. Her finale solo Margam was a grand success at Madras Music Academy, with maestros in her orchestra such as Kalaimamani Radha Badri on Vocal, Kalaimamani T.K Padmanabhan on Violin, and the legendary Natyacharya Smt Shantha Dhananjayan on Nattuvangam.

Founder, Artistic Director, Lead Choreographer,

Head Teacher

Smt. Lakshanya Siddarth

Upon returning to Melbourne with the blessings of her Gurus, Lakshanya founded Natya Praana, School of Indian Classical Dance in 2019. The name, bestowed by The Dhananjayans, signifies that dance is the Life force, that which keeps us existing, a philosophy that Lakshanya embodies and imparts to her students.

Lakshanya has a distinctive teaching approach, with her uniqueness lying in the fact that, like most of her students, she has grown up in Western society with a cross-cultural identity, thus enabling her to connect effortlessly with the next generation while guiding them to strengthen their sense of belonging to their ancestral roots and cultural traditions.

She is dedicated to guiding each student towards a deeper understanding of Bhatatanatyam, empowering them to become confident, successful individuals and enriching their lives through this beautiful art form.

Aishwarya is a dedicated Bharatanatyam student whose journey in dance began at the age of six under the guidance of her mother, Smt. Gayathri Thangavel. She further honed her craft at Guru Smt. Meena Elankumaran’s Nadanalaya Academy, laying the foundation for her artistic growth.

In 2023, Aishwarya commenced her enriching training experience under Guru Smt. Lakshanya Siddarth at Natya Praana. Alongside improving her own Bharatanatyam and Nattuvangam skills, she has developed a deep passion for teaching, and mentoring younger students with devotion and precision.

Aishwarya has graced numerous prestigious platforms across Melbourne, including annual school concerts, the Navaratri festival, Mahashivaratri Natyanjali, Pongal festival, Diwali festival, book launches, and IPAC 2021 and 2022. A remarkable highlight in her experience was performing during Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s visit to the Hindu Society of Victoria in 2021. Her artistry has also extended beyond Australia, with acclaimed performances in India at the Chidambaram Natyanjali, Mayiladuthurai Mayuranathar Natyanjali, Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar Natyanjali, and the 18th Vallalaar Isai Iyal Naatya Nataka Vizha.

Senior Dancer, Class Teacher

Kum. Aishwarya Gayathri Thangavel

Having roots from the esteemed Vazhuvoorar lineage, Aishwarya inherits a rich legacy of dance and music. She has been privileged to receive training from her uncle and aunt, the distinguished Guru Sri Swamimalai K. Suresh and Smt. Durgadevi Suresh. Other esteemed artists she has learnt from include Smt Divyasena, Smt Priyadarshini Govind, Smt Rama Vaidhyanathan, Smt Bragha Besell, and Sri PT Narendran.

Aishwarya aspires to pass on the beauty and depth of Bharatanatyam to the next generation, shaping graceful and expressive dancers.

Aishwarya’s further artistic pursuits include Carnatic Vocal Music under Guru Sri Ahilan Sivanandan and Thanjavur Bani Gayaki style Carnatic Veena under Guru Sri Hari Sivanesan.

Vini began her Bharatanatyam journey in Sri Lanka at the age of five, under the guidance of Smt. Thiruveni Shankar and upon moving to Melbourne she continued her training under Smt. Ushanthini Sripathmanathan. After coming under the guidance of Smt. Lakshanya Siddarth at Natya Praana, she has continued to show immense passion towards the art form and has always worked hard to achieve perfection in her dance.

In 2024, Vini completed her Arangetram under the guidance of Smt. Lakshanya Siddarth, graduating from Natya Praana. While continuing to refine her own Bharatanatyam and Nattuvangam skills, Vini has taken on the role of mentoring younger students with a deep respect for the art form.

She has performed in numerous events supported by community organisations, including Paalam, the Thai Pongal Festival, Melbourne Talkies' Bharathiyar drama, Melbourne Trinity festivals, and various temple festivals. Her love for Bharatanatyam extends beyond the stage, she actively observes senior artists to refine her skills and has also taken up Nattuvangam classes at Natya Praana, demonstrating a keen grasp of Layam. Vini has further enriched her artistry by attending workshops and masterclasses with renowned artists such as Smt. Rukmini Vijayakumar, Sri Parshwanath Upadhye, Smt. Priyadarsini Govind, and Smt. S. Divyasena.

Beyond dance, Vini has pursued Carnatic vocal and violin for several years under the tutelage of Sri Ahilan Sivanandan. Her deepening understanding of Carnatic music has greatly enhanced her Natyam and Abhinaya, allowing her to align her expressions with the emotional tones of various Ragams.

Senior Dancer, Class Teacher

Kum. Vinusakini Rajarajan