Tanuja Chavan

Tanuja was initiated into the Kuchipudi style of dance under the guidance of Smt. Lakshmi Babu and is currently furthering her journey under the guidance of legendary Kuchipudi guru “Nrityachoodamani” Padmashree Dr. Sobha Naidu. Tanuja has been performing and teaching Kuchipudi dance in the Washington Metropolitan area for the past 10 years. Tanuja has been fortunate to accompany both her gurus during various dance ballets in the US.

Tanuja’ s goal is to perform and teach Kuchipudi dance to all audiences without compromising its integrity and traditional values as she believes that Indian classical dance is one of the best ways for today’s generation to learn and come closer to the rich culture and history of India.

Tanuja’s dance portfolio started with earning a Gold Medal at the age of 17 during an inter-collegiate dance competition held in Mumbai. To add to her portfolio she has won numerous trophies, awards, and recognitions throughout her dance career.

Renuka Chavan 

Renuka has been learning Kuchipudi dance since the age of 7 from guru Lakshmi Babu. She has given several performances with her guru and has partaken in dance dramas such as Chandalika,  Menaka Vishwamitram etc. She has also had the privilege of learning under legendary guru Padmashree Dr. Sobha Naidu, guru Ravi Shankar and guru Jaikishore Mosalikanti. Renuka has accompanied her guru Lakshmi Babu and guru Padmashree Dr. Sobha Naidu during various dance ballets in the US.

She was awarded a 1st place trophy in the IDEA solo dance competition in 2002. Renuka gave her dance debut performance at her Rangapravesham in July 2006.  Renuka currently teaches the beginner students as well as intermediate students at Rati Dance Academy.

Renuka’s dream is to study, pursue and share the divine art form of Kuchipudi and aspire new  dancers of her generation and beyond.