Guru Smt. Sridevi Jagannath

Sridevi Jagannath is an exemplary Bharatanatyam dancer, captivating audiences with her awe-inspiring performances in one of the oldest and most magnificent Indian Classical Dance forms. With over three decades of experience, Sridevi's talent has been honed under the tutelage of renowned Gurus like Smt. Padmini Ravi, Smt. K.J. Sarasa in Bharatanatyam, and her mother, Ranganayaki Rajan, in Music. Her dedication to the art form led her to establish the esteemed Laasya School of Dance and Music in 1995.

Throughout her journey, Sridevi has had the privilege of receiving guidance from distinguished dancers such as the Late Guru Smt. Bhanumathi and Guru Smt. Lalitha Srinivasan (Mysore Style). Currently, she continues to train under the expert mentorship of Naatyacharya Smt. Shobana Balachandra and Smt. Padmini Ravi. Moreover, Sridevi's thirst for knowledge has driven her to explore the eighth classical dance form, Sattriya, which exemplifies her belief that learning is an everlasting process.

In the year 2020, Laasya School of Dance and Music proudly celebrated its quarter-century milestone. As a resident of Durham, Sridevi has been a cherished member of the Durham community for the past 28 years, where she has touched the lives of countless students through the Laasya institution. Her profound influence extends beyond local boundaries, as she has nurtured aspiring dancers both in the area and overseas. Many of her students, guided by her expertise, have successfully completed their arangetrams, marking their official dance debuts, and have become accomplished teachers in nearby regions. Since its establishment, Laasya has earned a stellar reputation as one of the leading institutions for teaching Bharatanatyam in the NC Triangle area. Fondly addressed as "Sridevi akka" by her students, she imparts her knowledge to individuals of all age groups, making her a household name in the Triangle Indian community and beyond.

Sridevi's mastery extends not only to her exceptional talent as a danseuse but also to her incredible skill as a teacher. She places great emphasis on learning the fundamental aspects of dance correctly, insisting that her students build a strong foundation from the very beginning. Over her 28 years of teaching, Sridevi has trained more than 60 students to successfully complete their arangetrams. To reinforce concepts and foster continuous growth, she regularly conducts workshops, inviting guest artists from around the world to ensure her students learn from the very best.

Sridevi's performances have mesmerized audiences across various parts of the United States, Canada, Australia, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and India. Her dance productions presented at international levels include spellbinding showcases such as Krishna Bhakti Mala, Let Go, Ananya, MUDRA – The Mark of an Indelible Woman, Dashavataram, Karnataka Navarasolasa, Yaatra – A Soulful Journey, and Sama2va from Samatva - a groundbreaking project addressing the stigma surrounding mental health in Asian communities, to name a few. Notably, her recent collaboration project "Raja Simha," inspired by The Lion King, received rave reviews from art connoisseurs in the NC Triangle area. She also co-founded "Srishti - The Creation," an informal group of dancers dedicated to preserving and advancing the dance tradition.

Passionate about expanding her repertoire, Sridevi has embarked on the journey of learning the 8th classical dance form, Sattriya. She is a devoted disciple of Acharya Dhipankar Aradhara and Dipjyoti Das, and her commitment recently culminated in a remarkable Sattriya dance recital titled Nartan Yaatra in Bengaluru, India.

Sridevi's immense talent and contributions to the art form have garnered numerous accolades and recognition. She has received prestigious awards including the Heritage India Award for excellence in teaching, the Leadership Excellence Award from Pratham, the Aryabhatta International Award bestowed by the Government of Karnataka in June 2017, and the Konark Nritya Ratna Award presented by the Government of Orissa in 2018. Additionally, her exceptional dedication to Sattriya earned her the Natyasarvabhouma International Award in 2022.

Committed to giving back to the community, Sridevi actively supports various Indian and American societal causes through the medium of dance. Whether it be fundraising initiatives or volunteering efforts, she wholeheartedly contributes alongside the Laasya team. Notably, her endeavors have raised over $25,000 for Pratham through grand dance productions like Mudra and Matsyakanya. Moreover, Laasya School has raised over $4,000 for the NC chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Recognized as a cultural ambassador for Heritage India in RTP, NC, Sridevi actively participates in promoting cultural awareness and exchange. She is a valued member of DANC, a non-profit organization dedicated to upholding the mission of artists worldwide. As a strong advocate for youth leadership, Sridevi takes immense pride in initiating NATYA (North American Triangle Youth Association), a non-profit organization managed by senior students of Laasya. NATYA aims to promote solo classical dances in the Triangle area and has successfully hosted numerous captivating concerts.

Beyond her contributions as a performer and teacher, Sridevi also serves on the Examination Board of The Griffin College, London. Additionally, she holds a position on the exam board of Pracheena Kala Kendra. Notably, she possesses an MBA in Global Management and is a certified Life Coach, further reflecting her multifaceted abilities.

Sridevi Jagannath's life has been a harmonious blend of exceptional artistry, profound teaching, and a relentless commitment to both her craft and the community. Her captivating performances, remarkable teaching methods, and selfless service have left an indelible mark on the world of Bharatanatyam and beyond.