About Tanvi
It's All About My Story
My Roots, Tradition & Culture Shaped My Dance
With deep love and humility, I bow at the Lotus Feet of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba—my eternal guide, my protector, and the light that has gently shaped every part of who I am. I also offer my gratitude to my parents, whose unwavering strength, faith, and support have been my foundation.
I was born into a home where tradition wasn’t just something we spoke about, it was something we lived. From family prayers and bhajans to the sounds of Tamil spoken at home and the aroma of traditional dishes being prepared, I was raised in a home where culture was alive in every moment.
Looking back on my journey, one passion has always remained constant: dance. It didn’t begin with a stage or formal training, but with small moments at home: spinning to music playing on the TV, choreographing steps in my living room, and finding joy in movement long before I understood its depth. Over time, that playful passion evolved into something more intentional. Each performance, class, and rehearsal became a stepping stone that led me to where I am today. What began as childhood curiosity has transformed into a lifelong love, a way for me to express emotion, connect with culture, and ground myself through rhythm and story.
Early days
Before I ever entered a dance class, I was already dancing. As a little girl, I would dance to songs playing from the television. That love for movement slowly made its way into real stages: from community and cultural programs to dances at Tamil programs and skits at our Sai Center, I was always eager to perform.
My parents recognized this early enthusiasm and encouraged me to explore different styles, leading me to train in ballet, tap dance, and hip hop. But everything changed the first time I saw the older Akkas perform Bharatanatyam. Their presence was magnetic, each expression, each gesture telling stories that stirred something deep in me.
Recognizing my passion, my parents enrolled me in Bharatanatyam classes at a young age. I began my formal training at age 6 under Guru Radhika Giri. Those early years laid the groundwork for my understanding of rhythm, posture, and expression. I still remember preparing for small performances at local temples and cultural programs, simple pieces like Pushpanjali and Ganesha Kautuvam that gave me my first taste of classical dance onstage.
These experiences, though small in scale, had a lasting impact. They helped me understand the discipline behind the art and taught me how to carry myself with grace and confidence. At age nine, I joined the class of Smt. Chandna Talluri, where my journey began to take a deeper and more transformative shape.
Guru's Guidence
Global Dance Odyssey
When I joined Chandna Aunty’s class at age nine, everything about dance deepened. It was no longer just about remembering steps; it became about storytelling, discipline, and the love for such a beautiful art form. Her teaching style, rooted in both compassion and high standards, shaped me not only into a stronger dancer but into a more focused and grounded version of myself.
With her guidance, I progressed from foundational pieces like Pushpanjali and Alaripu to more challenging and expressive works such as Bho Shambo, Thillanas, and Padams. Each item brought new lessons, not just in technique, but in stamina, expression, and spiritual connection.
One of the most memorable milestones in my journey came at the age of 12, when I had the opportunity to travel with Chandna Aunty to London. We performed at the inauguration of the Hanuman Mandir and were blessed to receive a medal and blessings from Sri Ganapathi Sachidananda Swamiji. It was the first time I realized how far dance could take me, across continents, cultures, and into sacred spaces that held deep meaning.
Through the years, I’ve performed in Badrinath, Thiruvanamalai, cultural programs, and community events, each experience shaping me in unique ways. But what I hold closest are the countless hours spent in class: sweating through repetitions, laughing through mistakes, and slowly learning that true growth doesn’t happen on stage. It happens through all the dance classes, in the quiet work, and in the love and patience of a Guru who sees what you’re capable of, even before you do.
To my Guru and dear friend, Smt. Chandna Talluri Aunty —you have been the heart of my dance journey. For over a decade, you’ve poured patience, strength, and unconditional love into my growth. You saw potential in me long before I believed in myself, and your steady encouragement has shaped not just the dancer I am, but the person I’m becoming. Thank you for pushing me when I needed it, laughing with me during long rehearsals, and for never settling for anything less than my best. Your belief in this art form is contagious, and I feel so honored to carry your teachings forward.
I’m deeply thankful to have received guidance from Kalaimamani Sri Suryanarayanamurthy Sir, whose expertise helped sharpen my posture, build my stamina, and refine my technique. His dedication to the craft brought a new level of clarity and discipline to my practice, leaving a lasting impression on how I approach Bharatanatyam as both a dancer and a student of the art.
To the girls who’ve danced beside me all these years, Arshia, Apara, Ghrini, Nitya, Prashanthi, Poorna, Saisri, Sahanna and Shrusti – you’ve made this journey feel like an escape from reality. Whether it was breaking into laughter during adavu drills or bonding over sandwich parties after long classes, your friendship has been the joy behind the work. Thank you for growing up with me, sweating through practices with me, and sharing in every stage of this experience.
Dance will always be more than an art form to me. It’s been my mirror, my escape, my prayer, and my joy. As I step into this Arangetram, I do so with a heart full of love for the people who carried me here, and for the stories still waiting to be told through movement.
Sathya Sai Baba & Parents Blessings
Dance Journey with Devotion and Grace
To my parents, you have been my greatest supporters since day one. Thank you for opening doors, creating opportunities, and standing by me with unwavering love through every chapter of my life. When I look back at old practice videos, I see not just myself dancing, I see the two of you behind the camera, correcting angles, giving feedback, and cheering me on. Thank you for driving me to countless classes, handling every costume and registration detail, and showing up to every performance with so much pride. Your quiet sacrifices and constant encouragement are what have carried me here.
To my grandparents, your blessings and love have shaped so much of who I am. Whether it was through stories, quiet encouragement, or the values you passed down, you’ve given me a foundation that continues to guide me. I carry your strength and spirit with me every time I dance.
To my brother, Prathvin—you’ve been my day one. From making sure I always had flowers after a performance, even as a little kid, to being my emotional support (even when you didn’t fully understand what all the fuss was about), your steady presence has always meant the world to me. You’ve never questioned my passion; you’ve always just respected it. That support, simple and unconditional, is all I could ever ask for.
To my sister, Hannah—thank you for always being so excited for me, no matter what. Your genuine curiosity to learn about Indian culture, and the love with which you show up for me in every way, make me feel seen and celebrated. I’m so lucky to have you by my side.
To my Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins—both here in the U.S. and India, thank you for your unwavering love and constant encouragement across the miles. Whether it was heartfelt phone calls after a performance, cheering me on from afar, or being physically present when it mattered most, your support has always made me feel deeply loved and never alone. I treasure the way you celebrate my wins and hold space for me in every season of life. I feel so lucky to be part of a family that spans oceans but stays closely tied at heart.