Life as a Performer

Ria is currently a sophomore at Casady School in Oklahoma City.  She began learning Indian classical and folk dance at age 5 from her mother under the roof of Nritya Arpan Dance School. During this time, she performed numerous solo and group dances at many different venues. She feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn this art form that has been passed down from generations and helps connect to her roots in India. For the past 3 years, Ria has been involved in helping teach young students at Nritya Arpan Dance School. Lately, Ria has been receiving training in performance techniques under the guidance of Smt. Utthara Unni, who is a well-known Bharatanatyam dancer and performer from Kerala. Mrs. Unni is an actress in Tamil and Malayalam movies, has directed a few short films, and also is a lead instructor at Temple Steps Dance Academy.

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Apart from dancing, Ria also excels academically and in extra-curricular activities. Among a few hobbies such as reading, traveling, and ballet, Ria’s passions, and interests include classical voice. She is a soprano and has performed solo and group both in Indian classical – Carnatic and western styles – particularly Opera. She has learned basic training in Carnatic music from Guru Smt. Kameshwari Pullela, and currently learning further from Guru Tulaja Mellacheruvu from Chennai. This complements her interest in Indian dance effectively. Ria has been receiving Opera training from Mrs. Danielle Herrington since last 8 years and learning piano from Ms. Tookah Sapper. She performed twice in a professional Opera production in Oklahoma City. Besides English, she sings in both German and Italian. In 2019, she was selected to participate in the Colorado Suzuki Vocal Institute in Copper Mountain. This summer she was selected by audition to solo track - vocal arts institute at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. Ria also enjoys playing the piano and has been training since age 6. Her favorite composer is Chopin. Her other extracurricular activities include being actively involved in policy debate since 9th grade. She attended Northwestern University Policy Debate Intensive in Summer 2020 and she will be representing the western district of Oklahoma at Nationals this summer.

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She has written an article in 9th grade that was published locally. She has also volunteered during summers and weekends and has earned the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award. 

Ria is extremely excited to perform this Arangetram which will be her initiation into the professional world of dance and looks forward to sharing her passion for dance with others.