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 in London, Oxford, Reading, Leicester, Peterborough, Manchester and Cardiff (Wales). Kalakunj conducts workshops at local primary schools in Reading area and participates in community events with an aim to enrich people's understanding of culture and heritage.

 

An International Relations graduate from the University of Reading, Ananya realises the importance of infusing art into our lives to bring people together irrespective of class, race, religion or nationality. Beside her administrative role within the Research Services at the University of Oxford, Ananya is also involved in training children and adults in the basic skills of Indian classical dance in Reading, Berkshire. 

 

As an affiliated member of the ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing), London, Ananya regularly encourages and trains her students to undertake Grade examinations. Her students have consistently attained commendable results in their Grade exams. The students of KALAKUNJ have been part of the YUVAGATI-Centre for Advanced Dance Training initiative funded by the Department of Education, UK in the past.

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