About the School
Founded in 2019 and based in Newark, California, Priyada Arts is a Bay Area Bharatanatyam institution dedicated to nurturing strong, thoughtful, and well-rounded dancers through structured pedagogy and a carefully curated curriculum. The name ‘Priyada’, of Sanskrit origin, means “with love” (Priya = love, Da = with), reflecting the school’s foundation in sharing knowledge and creating a welcoming space for all who wish to engage with this 2000-year-old art form. Under the artistic direction of Priyanka Raghuraman, the school draws from a rich lineage of traditional training while embracing innovative and evolving approaches to teaching, choreography, and stage presentation. Students are guided not only in technique, rhythm, and abhinaya, but are also gradually introduced to the broader dimensions of being a performing artist. Known for her keen eye for detail and perfectionism in areas such as makeup, costuming, and stage aesthetics, Priyanka thoughtfully mentors students in understanding the discipline, presentation, and professionalism that accompany classical performance.
Priyada Arts offers training for children, teens, and adults across various stages of learning, with an emphasis on sustained growth, individual attention, and artistic integrity. For younger learners, Priyanka also incorporates engaging games and creative learning methods centered around Bharatanatyam concepts, making the art form accessible and enjoyable even for children as young as four years old. In addition to regular classes, the school conducts annual student showcases, summer camps, workshops, and seasonal performance opportunities that encourage students to develop confidence, stage experience, and a deeper engagement with the art form.
Performances & Recognition
A curated showcase of student performances, stage journeys, and recognitions at Priyada Arts, reflecting Priyanka’s approach to teaching and mentorship.
IDIA Dance Festival is a prestigious annual Bay Area event curated by Sri Ganesh Vasudeva and Smt. Kavita Tirumalai, featuring renowned artistes alongside emerging dancers. Priyanka trained students from across the Bay Area for the Junior Showcase at IDIA 2025, where they presented Guru Smt. Anitha Guha’s acclaimed production, Hare Rama Hare Krishna. Priyanka adapted the original choreography through rehearsals at the Priyada Arts studio alongside planning costumes, lighting & Emceeing.
IDIA Dance Festival is a prestigious annual Bay Area event curated by Sri Ganesh Vasudeva and Smt. Kavita Tirumalai, featuring renowned artistes alongside emerging dancers. Priyanka trained students from across the Bay Area for the Junior Showcase at IDIA 2025, where they presented Guru Smt. Anitha Guha’s acclaimed production, Hare Rama Hare Krishna. Priyanka adapted the original choreography through rehearsals at the Priyada Arts studio alongside planning costumes, lighting & Emceeing.
In 2023, Priyada Arts moved into its own dedicated studio space and inaugurated it with Natyasamarpana, an intimate student showcase presented before a close gathering of audiences and well-wishers. The event was graced by dancers Smt. Aishwarya Venkat and Smt. Pooja Ganesh as Chief Guests, and also featured online participation from Priyada Arts’ international students.
In 2023, Priyada Arts moved into its own dedicated studio space and inaugurated it with Natyasamarpana, an intimate student showcase presented before a close gathering of audiences and well-wishers. The event was graced by dancers Smt. Aishwarya Venkat and Smt. Pooja Ganesh as Chief Guests, and also featured online participation from Priyada Arts’ international students.
The Annual Student Showcase brought together students across beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels in a thoughtfully curated Bharatanatyam presentation. The evening highlighted structured repertoire work, evolving stage confidence, and the school’s emphasis on disciplined progression through traditional margam pieces.
The Annual Student Showcase brought together students across beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels in a thoughtfully curated Bharatanatyam presentation. The evening highlighted structured repertoire work, evolving stage confidence, and the school’s emphasis on disciplined progression through traditional margam pieces.
Each year, Priyada Arts presents a student showcase celebrating the dedication and growth of its learners. In 2024, the school marked its fifth anniversary with Udbhava, showcased in the presence of Smt. Kavita Tirumalai and Smt. Akila Rao. The program featured student performances accompanied by live musicians, along with presentations by guest artistes and Artistic Director Priyanka Raghuraman.
Each year, Priyada Arts presents a student showcase celebrating the dedication and growth of its learners. In 2024, the school marked its fifth anniversary with Udbhava, showcased in the presence of Smt. Kavita Tirumalai and Smt. Akila Rao. The program featured student performances accompanied by live musicians, along with presentations by guest artistes and Artistic Director Priyanka Raghuraman.
Students across various levels at Priyada Arts regularly perform at annual festivals and cultural events across the Bay Area. In 2025, three senior students presented a 3 a.m. Akhanda Natyanjali performance for Mahashivaratri—the first presentation of its kind in the Bay Area. Learners from the school have also received awards and recognition for their performances at competitions and cultural platforms.
Describe your image
Students across various levels at Priyada Arts regularly perform at annual festivals and cultural events across the Bay Area. In 2025, three senior students presented a 3 a.m. Akhanda Natyanjali performance for Mahashivaratri—the first presentation of its kind in the Bay Area. Learners from the school have also received awards and recognition for their performances at competitions and cultural platforms.
The Annual Student Showcase brought together students across beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels in a thoughtfully curated Bharatanatyam presentation. The evening highlighted structured repertoire work, evolving stage confidence, and the school’s emphasis on disciplined progression through traditional margam pieces.
The Annual Student Showcase brought together students across beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels in a thoughtfully curated Bharatanatyam presentation. The evening highlighted structured repertoire work, evolving stage confidence, and the school’s emphasis on disciplined progression through traditional margam pieces.
Testimonials
My 6 year old daughter started her Bharatanatyam lessons with Priyanka a few years back. Thanks to Priyanka's patient handling of students and continuous positive reinforcement, my daughter has took an immediate liking to Bharatnatyam. Not only does my daughter enjoy the classes but is eager to get back to the class everyday. While Priyanka's knowledge of the art is unquestionable, the simplicity with which she imparts the forms to the students sets Priyanka apart.
Kartik - Parent
Priyanka is an accomplished artist and dedicated teacher of Bharatanatyam. My daughter has been learning from her ( Priyada Arts) for a little more than 4 years. What really stands out with Priyanka is her love for this art, the depth in the details and her warmth towards her students.
Not only does Priyanka emphasize the practical aspects of dance, but she also ensures a comprehensive understanding of the dance theory, fostering a holistic learning experience. With her patience and nurturing demeanor, Priyanka cultivates a secure and supportive environment for her students to flourish in the enchanting world of Bharatanatyam.
Anupama - Parent
"I'm incredibly grateful to have Priyanka as my dance teacher. She not only imparts dance skills but also fosters a positive and welcoming learning environment. Her dedication to passing on her knowledge and expertise is truly commendable.
The tradition of passing down knowledge from one generation to the next is vital in the world of dance and arts, and Priyanka embodies this beautifully. She goes the extra mile to explain the reasons behind Nritta and shares the rich stories and details behind Abinaya pieces, which she has gathered during her own journey in the art.
Thanks to Priyanka, I've learned valuable lessons, not just in dance but in life as well. Her commitment to teaching this art form in the Bay area is truly appreciated. Learning dance with Priyanka has been an enlightening and joyous experience, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to be her student."
Subhadra -Student
I joined Akka’s class roughly 4 years ago. Getting back into Bharatnatyam was intimidating but she made it easy. She was friendly and patient and helps me get the choreographies even if it takes multiple tries.
Priyanka - Student
My daughter has been a student at Priyada arts for the past 3 years. I admire Priyanka's ability to create a connection with her students and create a space where they can learn with ease.
She is relentless in her pursuit of wanting the students to master the basics , but at the same time makes the whole experience of a class so enjoyable and fun.
My daughter could not have asked for a more loving and encouraging guru to explore the world of dance and as a parent I could not have asked more from a teacher!
We are extremely glad to be a part of the Priyada Arts family.
Vandana - Parent
I met Priyanka on the sets of Mahabharata and I was immediately impressed by here techniques and enthusiasm towards Bharatanatyam. It was an immense pleasure to share the stage with her. And during that period she also helped me in understanding the talam and certain steps that were just hard for me to grasp. But her way of guidance just made it easy. It's been almost 4 years of learning from such a friendly and talented guru. Thank you Priyanka!
Pallab - Student