Lavanya Karthikeyan

🪔 About

Lavanya Karthikeyan is a dynamic young Bharatanatyam artist, Carnatic vocalist, and Carnatic violinist. Her journey in Bharatanatyam began at the age of five, with initial training under her mother and first Guru, Smt. Radhamani Varadhachary, in the Pandanallur style. She further explored the Kalakshetra style under Smt. Satyapriya Iyer. Currently, she is receiving advanced training from Sri. Shankar Kandasamy, Head of the Department of Dance at the Temple of Fine Arts, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Beyond dance, Lavanya is also an accomplished Carnatic vocalist, having trained under Vid. Sri Abilash Giriprasad for several years. Her musical journey also includes the Carnatic violin, which she started learning at the age of five with Smt. Sandhya Anand, and is currently refining her skills under Vidwan Rajeev Mukundan. Academically, Lavanya holds an Associate Degree in Bharatanatyam from Alagappa University. She completed her High School Diploma from Pearson Online Academy, USA, in June 2023. She commenced a Bachelor of Fine Arts Program with a major in dance in January 2025 and an Advanced Diploma in Carnatic Vocal at Tamil Nadu Dr J. Jayalalitha Music And Fine Arts University in September 2023. Lavanya has performed extensively in the USA, including the tri-state area (New Jersey, New York) and online platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her notable performances include appearances during the Chennai Margazhi season, Navarathri and Shivarathri festivals at the Temple of Fine Arts Malaysia, and a group performance at LaMAMA Theater in New York City. She has also participated in the Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana's flagship program, Sustaining Sampradaya, in 2019 and 2023. Her Dance Arangetram took place in March 2024 at Vani Mahal, Chennai, and her Vocal Arangetram was held in July 2023, also at Vani Mahal, Chennai. She is recognized for her skills in choreography and teaching. Awards & Honours: YoungArts award with distinction in Dance/World Dance, 1st place - Senior Krithi Category (2023), 1st place - Dance Choreography Competition (2018), Winner of several competitions for Carnatic Vocal, Winner of several competitions for Carnatic Vocal, 2nd Place - Junior category (2020), Special mention (2020), 1st place (12-17 category) - Regionals, NJ (2017), 1st place (12-17 category) - Regionals, NJ (2018), Superstar award (Performance category) (2016), 1st place - Violin Krithi in Junior category, 1st place - Violin Krithi under 15 category (2017), 1st place - Violin Krithi under 15 category (2018), Topped Championship board for Indian Raga contests (Violin and Dance, Intermediate category) (2017), Finalist - Tanpura Competition (2021).