“ Guruji Vijaya Rao teaches us much more than just dance. Through her emphasis on teaching us about Indian culture, I have learnt a lot about ethics and different cultural norms. This way of her teaching has helped me understanding my home country and my own Indian self. I am truly amazed, each time I can relate something Guruji teaches me to an incident from my daily life. “
The Computer Science student, Sivaranjini Chithambaram comes originally from the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu and discovered her love for dance at an early age. Since 1999, she and her family live in Switzerland. Soon after settling down in the new country her parents decided to support her talent and sent her to Vijaya Rao at the age of 10 years for Bharata Natyam lessons. In 2013, she completed her basic training with a Ranga Pravesha (stage debut).
Sivaranjini Chithambaram’s enthusiasm for this art grows day by day. She values the team of teachers at the Nateschwara Academy, the patience for the students and the calm but cheerful atmosphere. Indian dance enriches Sivaranjini Chithambaram’s life in various ways. Bharata Natyam gives her a lot of positive energy, helps her focus on her objectives and creates an inner happiness. Her appearance, grace and strength are typical for a dancer. She has the right genes for Bharata Natyam: she is feminine, lively and natural. As a student she has a thirst for knowledge and is very disciplined. She pleases the audience with her refreshing performances and is a great contributor to this art.
Since 2013, Sivaranjini Chithambaram is a member of the Nateschwara Dance Company and participated in the production “Om Sharavanabhava” of Pathagudi S. Ramaswamy. Besides her commitment to the dance troupe, she takes further dance classes at the Nateschwara Academy.