Dr. Praveena Vajja is the owner and director of Natyom Dance Academy. She is the Disciple of Guru Natyacharya Shri Avasarala Rukmaji Rao, who is a disciple of Padma Shri Adyar K. Lakshman in Bharatanatyam Kalakshetra style and trained in Kuchipudi from Kuchipudi Kalakshetra established by Guru. Sri. Padma Bhushan. Dr. Vempati Chinasatyam Garu.

Dr. Praveena specializes in teaching Bharatanatyam, and also has extensive training in Kuchipudi and Kathak. With over 40 years of experience in learning, performing, and teaching dance, she brings deep expertise and passion to every class.

Natyom Dance Academy’s core curriculum focuses on building a strong foundation in Bharatanatyam, which enables students to easily learn other forms of Indian classical and modern dance. Students at Natyom graduate by taking certification exams in four levels through SAMPADA SiliconAndhra, culminating in performing their arangetrams.

Dr Praveena Vajja is on the Board of trustees of Sankara Nethralaya and the co-founder of Paving Hope, a non-profit organization that supports charitable causes through fine arts.

Dr. Praveena Vajja also specializes in presenting dance productions to convey storylines combining both ancient and modern principles in a way to make the Bharatanatyam vocabulary more accessible to the modern day audience.

Dr. Praveena Vajja founded Natyom Dance Academy after graduating from Andra Medical College MBBS, passing the USMLEs, and ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) exams. Although certified to be a doctor, Smt Praveena Vajja chose to follow her passion for dance and began Natyom Dance Academy whilst using her medical expertise to support her husband, Dr. Manohar Vajja with his medical practice.

Gargi Acharya is a rising sophomore at Coppell High School, deeply devoted to the classical art of Bharatanatyam. Trained in the Kalakshetra style, she has completed Level 3 Certification through the SAMPADA program by Silicon Andhra and continues to refine her craft through rigorous practice, performance, and seva. She volunteers weekly at Natyom Dance Academy, assisting instructors with beginner-level students and contributing meaningfully to the academy’s events and productions.

Gargi’s foundation in Bharatanatyam has been nurtured under the guidance of her Guru, Praveena Vajja, whose mentorship has instilled in her not only precision and grace, but also a deep understanding of the cultural and spiritual depth behind the art form. She is especially grateful to her parents, whose constant support and encouragement have been instrumental in her artistic journey.

Apart from English, Gargi speaks Hindi fluently. In debate, she has been fortunate to win several tournaments, and in theatre, she has taken on multiple leadership roles—experiences for which she is deeply grateful. These activities have strengthened her confidence, articulation, and expressive range. In recognition of her commitment to community service, she has been honored and appreciated for her volunteering work.

With Krishna in her heart, Gargi approaches every action with sincerity, devotion, and a respect for tradition.