.jpeg)
Nithya is the daughter of Prasannadevi and Rajkumar, who hail from Peraiyur in Madurai. The family is currently residing in Chicago, USA. Nithya developed an interest in Bharatanatyam at a young age and, from the age of six, began learning the art systematically at the “Bharatam Academy of Dance Arts” in Chicago under the guidance of 'Natyam' Guru Smt.Vanitha Veeravalli. She has been learning Bharatanatyam for the past 12 years.
Meanwhile, Nithya completed her schooling at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in the state of Illinois, USA. This year, she is set to pursue higher studies in Biochemistry at the University of Chicago.
After completing her training in Bharatanatyam, Nithya’s arangetram was held on August 9 at the Chamber Hall on Kamarajar Salai in Madurai.
During the arangetram, Nithya performed seven pieces — Panchamurthy Anjali, Kali Kauthuvam, Swamiyai Azhaithodi Vaa (Varnam), Devi Neeye Thunai, Yaar Aadinaar (Keerthanam), Maadu Meikkum Kanne (Padam), and Thillana. With graceful expressions and dedicated performances, she captivated the audience and received an enthusiastic response.
At the felicitation and thanksgiving gathering held after the arangetram, 'Natyam' Guru Smt. Vanitha Veeravalli said that Nithya, who learned Bharatanatyam from her in Chicago, had presented the art wonderfully in Madurai. She said that Nithya’s interest and dedication towards Bharatanatyam made this achievement possible and presented her with the certificate for completing the arangetram.
Speaking next, Nithya’s mother, Prasannadevi, expressed her gratitude to her brothers, the teachers of Athipatti School, and everyone who had taken efforts to make the arangetram possible in Madurai.
Finally, Nithya’s father, Rajkumar, said that the “Bharatam Academy of Dance Arts,” where Nithya learned Bharatanatyam, functions like a Gurukulam. He also said that teacher Smt.Vanitha Veeravalli had taught Nithya not only Bharatanatyam but also discipline and good values. More than 500 people attended the event and made it a memorable occasion.
It is note worthy that Smt.Vanitha Veeravalli, founder of the “Bharatam Academy of Dance Arts,” where Nithya learned Bharatanatyam, has been running a Bharatanatyam school in Chicago for the past 30 years. She has trained thousands of students and has presented more than 50 arangetrams through her students at renowned temples and prestigious venues in Chicago. Dedicated to teaching and promoting the art of Bharatanatyam, Vanitha Veeravalli has received awards from the Government of Tamil Nadu as well as the “Master Artist” award from the State of Illinois, USA. She has also received appreciation from Padma Vibhushan Dr.M. Balamuralikrishna.