You are cordially invited to the

Arangetram

of Praniti Pochiraju
Natya Ninada Performing Arts Foundation

A Bharatanatyam solo debut performance, presented after years of training under Guru Smt. Sneha Vivek.

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About the Event

Guru Vandana — literally "salutation to the guru" — is a traditional invocation in which the dancer offers respect and gratitude to their teacher. As this performance marks the dancer's first full solo Bharatanatyam recital, it represents their formal debut on stage after years of rigorous training under the guidance of their guru. Guru Vandana symbolizes humility, devotion, and the sacred bond between guru and disciple, honoring the dedication, discipline, and knowledge passed down through generations.

Bharatanatyam is one of India's oldest classical dance forms, tracing its roots to the temples of Tamil Nadu. Refined in its present form by the Tanjore Quartet in the 19th century, it combines precise rhythmic footwork (nritta) with expressive storytelling (abhinaya) drawn from Hindu mythology and devotional poetry.

About the Dancer

Photo of Praniti Pochiraju performing
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Add a photo of Praniti here
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For Praniti, Bharatanatyam has been far more than a dance form—it has been a lifelong journey of discipline, devotion, and self-discovery. Under the guidance of her Guru, Smt. Sneha Vivek, she has spent the past fourteen years learning not only the technique and beauty of this classical art, but also the values of perseverance, humility, and grace. This first solo recital marks the culmination of years of dedicated training and serves as a heartfelt offering of gratitude to her Guru for her unwavering guidance and inspiration. Beyond the stage, Bharatanatyam has given Praniti lifelong friendships, cherished memories, and the confidence to express herself in ways words cannot. This performance is a celebration of her love for the art form and the journey that has shaped her into the dancer she is today.

About the Guru

Praniti with her Guru, Smt. Sneha Vivek
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Smt. Sneha Vivek

Sneha began her Bharatanatyam journey at a young age, mastering the Pandanallur style under the renowned Guru "Karnataka Kalashri" Vidwan Chandrashekar Navada. Her artistic exploration extended beyond Bharatanatyam, encompassing Yakshagana under Sri Prathish Kumar (disciple of the legendary Shivaram Karanth) and Carnatic vocal under Vidwan Madhur P. Balasubramaniam, followed by Smt. Vydehi Sudharshan.

Sneha established the Natya Ninada Performing Arts Foundation to teach and promote various Indian dance forms, including Bharatanatyam, semi-classical, folk, and contemporary dance. Her students have consistently impressed, winning over 40 competitions since 2016. Sneha views dance as an art form that honors India's rich cultural traditions while empowering her students to build empathy and community. Her holistic teaching approach prioritizes both physical and mental well-being, leaving a lasting impact on her students.

Please Join Us

Sunday, September 20, 2026 · 3:30 PM
Venue
HUSD Performing Arts Center
Address
2390 Panama St, Hayward, CA 94545
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Attire
Indian attire welcomed

RSVP

Kindly let us know if you'll be able to join, so we may reserve your seat.

Will you be attending?
Please RSVP by September 12, 2026.

"With the blessings of my Guru, the love of my family, and the grace of Lord Nataraja, I invite you to join me as I take my first steps into a lifelong journey of Bharatanatyam."

With gratitude to Guru Smt. Sneha Vivek & Natya Ninada Performing Arts Foundation — Praniti Pochiraju, 2026