Anita Ranjani

🪔 About

Anita Ranjani is an Indian classical dancer and teacher specializing in Bharatanatyam and Kathak. She initially resisted dance as a child but later dedicated her life to learning, teaching, and performing these art forms. Ranjani received her training from esteemed gurus, including The Dhananjayans and Shoba Sharma. She explores her North and South Indian heritage through her practice of both Bharatanatyam and Kathak. Ranjani is the founder of Naatya Seva, a Conservatory for Indian Classical Performing Arts, which she describes as the first of its kind in the United States. Her vision for the conservatory emphasizes conserving tradition while acknowledging the evolving nature of the arts. She is actively involved in mainstreaming Indian classical performing arts in the US, including pioneering a festival to bring northern and southern Indian art traditions together on mainstream stages. Her efforts have also led to the annual celebration of September 6 as Indian Classical Performing Arts Day in Philadelphia through legislation. Ranjani has performed extensively, with over 70 performances at various venues worldwide, including the Kimmel Center, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Mylapore Fine Arts Club in Chennai. Awards & Honours: Indian Classical Performing Arts Day legislation.