Professionally trained in Indian classical dance (Bharatanatyam) under the guidance of Guru Dr. Thankamani Kutty, Ananya has been a regular performer and teacher of Bharatanatyam at Kalamandalam, a reputed Centre for Performing Arts in the city of Kolkata, India. Ananya completed her 'Arangetram' (first public performance) at the young age of 14 under the guidance of her Guru and since then has been pursuing this beautiful art form with passion and devotion. Ananya was awarded a Talent Scholarship from the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training, New Delhi, India (1988-1994) to pursue advanced training in Bharatanatyam. A recipient of The Best Dancer Award in 1990 by the West Bengal State Music Academy, Kolkata, Ananya has performed extensively on stage and national television in India and classified as a graded artist of Kolkata Television. 

 

Settled in the UK since 2000, Ananya has had the opportunity to perform in different prestigious venues across England and Wales. As part of Kalakunj, Ananya conducts workshops at the local community centre and schools, delivers thematic presentations at community events and creates choreographic work for national festivals with an aim to enrich people's understanding of South Asian culture and heritage.

 

With a background in International Relations and University administration, Ananya realises the importance of infusing art into people's lives trying to uphold the spirit of diversity and inclusivity. 

 

Holding a Licentiate status of the ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing), London, Ananya regularly encourages learners to follow structured training to imbibe the values of discipline and perseverance. Licentiate is a higher level teaching qualification awarded to dance educators and practitioners.  

(More details found here: ISTD, Indian Classical Dance Faculty)​

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Ananya has led Kalakunj to win the PRIDE OF READING AWARD for Cultural Contribution in 2022.