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.

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.

Hetvi is a rising junior at Coppell High School, with a deep-rooted passion for Bharatnatyam that began when she was 10. She trains in the Kalakshetra style under the guidance of her Guru, Praveena Vajja, at Natyom Dance Academy. Throughout her journey, she has gained a deep appreciation for Bharatnatyam, as it is a form of discipline, expression, and devotion. In addition to completing the Level 3 Certification through the SAMPADA program by Silicon Andhra, she actively assists in classes for younger students at Natyom. Her time and commitment at the academy have shaped her artistry, sense of seva, and cultural pride.

Outside of dance, Hetvi is an active part of HOSA, earning recognition in competitions and tournaments. She enjoys volunteering, leading teams, and exploring new places through travel, service, or new experiences that help her grow.

In addition to English, she speaks Hindi and Gujarati, and she finds joy in connecting with her cultural roots both on and off stage. Bharatnatyam has strengthened her expression and confidence, and preparing for her Arangetram has been a journey of hard work, gratitude, and love for the tradition.

Raksheetha Shree Varshenee is a rising junior at Coppell High School and has been passionately practicing the classical art form of Bharatanatyam for over ten years under the guidance of Guru Praveena Vajja at Natyom Dance Academy. Her dedication and commitment to this Kalakshetra style art form have earned her a Level 3 certification in Bharatanatyam from the SAMPADA Silicon Andhra Organization. Through years of training, she has honed her skills in expressive abhinaya and mastered the rhythmic complexities of this traditional dance form.

Beyond her own learning, Raksheetha actively volunteers at Natyom Dance Academy, assisting teachers in instructing beginner students, and values the strong sense of community she shares with her fellow dancers.

In addition to dance, Raksheetha is academically passionate about languages, having studied French and Spanish, and enjoys embracing new cultures and opportunities. She serves as a Junior Board Member of the DHHRM and is a nationalist at the GYEC 2025. She has also contributed to the technical aspects of theatre during the school year.

Raksheetha’s journey in Bharatanatyam is marked by consistent growth, discipline, and a deep love for the art form, reflecting her unwavering commitment to preserving and celebrating this rich cultural tradition.

Saanvi Singh is a rising freshman at R.L. Turner High School. Since she was a toddler, she has always loved dance, initially dancing ballet when she was 2 and a half and transitioning to bharatnatyam at age 5. Through the 9 years she’s danced under the excellent tutelage of Guru Praveena Vajja, she’s grown to appreciate and become closer to her culture, learning to hone the finer nuances of grace, passion, and hard work. With the guidance of her gurus, she’s gained a deep appreciation for this dance form.

Along with her consistent excellence in academics, Saanvi also excels in theatre, literature, and art. She’s participated in various theatre shows since she was 9, eventually rising to garner multiple awards, including the “Best Performer” award at the district level. She loves writing and has won several competitions. She worked as a writer and news anchor for her school’s journalism team. Art is a passion of hers that runs deep and she has had her art showcased on multiple occasions. Additionally, being NJHS president and being involved in Student Council has taught her important teamwork skills that have transferred into her synchronicity in dance. With the time spent practicing, she has formed a strong, irreplaceable bond within the Natyom community. In her free time, she likes watching films, listening to music, reading, and hanging out with her loved ones.