Guru Srimathi Parvatha Chidambaram is a highly respected educator, director, and champion of Bharathanatyam based in Rochester, New York. She is the disciple of Dr. Padma Subramanyam (recipient of the Padma Vibhushan Indian national award and founder of the dance form known as Bharata Nrityam). She underwent rigorous training in the Bharatha Nrityam style of dance, graduating in theory, practical, teacher's training and Nattuvangam. As the founder of the Bharata School of Dance and Music, Guru Smt. Parvatha has devoted her career to performing, choreographing and teaching while maintaining stylistic rigor, and spiritual essence of Bharatanatyam. Understanding the intricacies of these art forms has also enabled her to explore beyond the confined boundaries of her traditional art forms.
Under her meticulous direction, students undergo rigorous and intense training that goes beyond mere physical posture; Srimathi Parvatha fosters a rich understanding of Sanskrit stotras, raga, thrithala (rhythm), and the ancient mythological epics that constitute classical storytelling (abhinaya).
She was featured as one of "The Changemakers" at the Rochester Museum of Science, which highlighted the actions of area women from diverse backgrounds who were innovators, creators, organizers, and leaders — whose life or work was transformative or impactful in ways that inspire and empower others to shape a better future.
Selected Performances & Works
- ✿ The Dance Festival of India in Thailand
- ✿ "Light of Asia" — a musical on the life of Buddha
- ✿ Documentary: Identity Through Art
- ✿ Raga & Ragini at Memorial Art Gallery, Rochester
- ✿ Guru Samarpanam — India
- ✿ Hari Hara Smaranam — India & Rochester
- ✿ Raadha Samedha — India
- ✿ Anvaya (The Binding Thread) — India
- ✿ Collaborative productions with Irish, Puerto Rican & Tap dancers
- ✿ Bharata Annual Performances at Hochstein and India Community Center
"The relationship between Guru and Shishya (disciple) is the foundational cornerstone of this sacred art. Through years of patient, daily mentorship, Tejasvi has learned to translate dry mathematical rhythms into liquid grace, and simple expressions into deep, soul-stirring storytelling."
— On the Guru-Shishya Parampara
