Preeti Vinayak Shah

🪔 About

Preeti Vinayak Shah is a distinguished Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, vocalist, nattuvangist, and educator, recognized as a 5th generation professional in the art form. She is the great-granddaughter of the renowned composer Andavan Pichai and the great-great-granddaughter of philosopher and scholar Sri Tandalam Sankaranarayana Shastry. Preeti Vinayak Shah received her initial training in Bharatanatyam at Padma Vibhooshan Smt. Kalanidhi Narayanan's school, Abhinaya Sudha. She further honed her skills under Smt. Ambika Buch and Smt. Lalitha Sastry, completing her Arangetram and advanced training under Gurus Shri Narasimhachari and Smt. Vasanthalakshmi. Her expertise encompasses fast-paced footwork, intense facial expressions, and the art of Nattuvangam. Preeti Vinayak Shah founded the Natyam Arts Academy, where she imparts training to students of all ages in Atlanta, Georgia. She has been a guest faculty member at Southern Methodist University and Texas State University since 2020, conducting Master Classes in Konnakol and presenting "Konnakol to Kritis." She moved to the United States in 1993 and also holds a Master of Science degree in Neuro-endocrinology. In 2017, she authored her first book, "Just Like That," an anthology of poems. Preeti Vinayak Shah has performed at major cultural organizations in India during the December Dance Festival and has been specially invited to perform for dignitaries like the Cultural Secretary of France, Jack Lang. Awards & Honours: Top Ten Upcoming Dancers in South India (1992).