Srija Wang

Srija Wang is a Bharatanatyam artist trained in the Kalakshetra style under Guru Smt. Vanishree Ravishankar (disciple of Savithri Jagannath Rao) and Guru Kalaimamani Smt. Roja Kannan. She has been dedicated to rigorous training since 2015. In 2023, she began advanced Karana training under Dr. Padma Subramanyam, completing it in 2025 and continuing with her Nrtya Sangraha choreography program.

A passionate practitioner who came to Bharatanatyam later in life, Srija’s journey began with Bollywood and Bhangra dance before deepening into classical study. She has trained extensively in India and completed her arangetram in Chennai in 2023.

Srija is the founder of Nrityaarpana School of Bharatanatyam, where she emphasizes strong fundamentals, discipline, and adherence to traditional pedagogy, ensuring students develop a solid foundation in adavus and talam before progressing to performance

Artists Statement:

My work in Bharatanatyam is rooted in tradition while exploring its relevance across cultures and time. Trained in the Kalakshetra style, I approach the form with a deep respect for its structure, discipline, and lineage. At the same time, my journey into Bharatanatyam—coming to it later in life and from a non-Indian background—has shaped a perspective grounded in curiosity, study, and intentional practice.

I am particularly interested in the language of movement as a bridge between cultures. My current work explores the intersections between Indian classical dance and Chinese traditions, especially through the study of Karanas under the guidance of Dr. Padma Subramanyam. This has opened a deeper understanding of movement vocabulary, body architecture, and the historical connections between Indian and Chinese performance traditions.

Through my choreography, I aim to create work that is both rooted and expansive—honoring the rigor of Bharatanatyam while situating it within broader cultural and historical narratives. Projects such as Kalasangama reflect my interest in tracing artistic exchange along the Silk Road, drawing connections between Indian and Chinese classical forms through shared philosophical and aesthetic foundations.

As a teacher, I am committed to preserving the integrity of the form. I emphasize strong fundamentals, clarity of movement, and a deep understanding of rhythm and expression. I believe that discipline and patience are essential to artistic growth, and I strive to create an environment where students can develop both technical strength and meaningful connection to the art.

Ultimately, my work is driven by a desire to engage deeply—with the form, its history, and its potential to communicate across cultures—while remaining grounded in the principles that define Bharatanatyam.