Sridevi akka

🪔 About

Sridevi Jagannath, affectionately known as "Sridevi akka" by her students, is a distinguished Bharatanatyam dancer, teacher, and choreographer. Hailing from Bangalore, India, she comes from a family deeply rooted in music and dance, with her mother, Karnataka Kalashree Smt. Ranganayaki Rajan, being an internationally acclaimed artist. Sridevi Jagannath began her dance journey at the tender age of five and has since dedicated over three decades to the art form. Her extensive training includes tutelage under esteemed gurus such as Smt. Padmini Ravi, K.J. Sarasa, the late Guru Smt. Bhanumathi, and Guru Smt. Lalitha Srinivasan (Mysore Style). She continues to refine her art, currently training under Natyacharya Smt. Shobana Balachandra and Smt. Padmini Ravi. In 1995, Sridevi Jagannath founded the Laasya School of Dance and Music in Durham, North Carolina, USA, where she has been nurturing countless students in the rich traditions of Bharatanatyam. The school celebrated its quarter-century milestone in 2020. Through her dedicated teaching, she has guided over 50 students to complete their arangetrams, with hundreds more having graduated under her mentorship. She is known for her meticulous teaching style, emphasizing strong fundamentals and theoretical understanding. Beyond teaching, Sridevi Jagannath is an accomplished performer, having graced stages across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and India. She was an auditioned artist for the Indian TV channel Doordarshan, performing in lead roles on several occasions. Her contributions to Indian classical dance have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Artist and Teacher Award in 2004, the Aryabhatta International Award in 2017, and the Konark Nritya Ratna Award in 2018. She is also the cultural ambassador for Heritage India, RTP, NC, and a member of DANC, actively promoting youth leadership through NATYA (North American Triangle Youth Association), an organization founded by her senior disciples. Sridevi Jagannath also serves on the Examination Boards of The Griffin College, London, and Pracheena Kala Kendra. Awards & Honours: Outstanding Artist and Teacher Award (2004), Leadership Excellence Award, Aryabhatta International Award (2017), Konark Nritya Ratna Award (2018).