Nrityalaya Dance Academy was founded in 1992 by Padmaja Dharnipragada to provide training in the Indian dance forms of Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi. 

Our mission is to provide a platform for students of all cultures to engage and learn an age-old art form that has been passed down through generations over thousands of years.

For over 30 years, Padmaja and Anisha have trained and developed many wonderful solo dance performers who have now been able to continue their dance careers throughout the United States. Nrityalaya Dance Academy is currently based in the Minneapolis and Philadelphia Metro Areas.