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AVANI SHANDILYA

Bharatanatyam Dancer | Singer | Traveller | Flautist

AVANI SHANDILYA

"Dance is the hidden language of the soul."
-- Martha Graham

Late post a few weeks ago I had the amazing opportunity to do nattuvangam at @artswestchester. While dance is my first love, I love experimenting with rhythm and challenges in nattuvangam.

Thank you @aaronjpaige for supporting me on mridangam and @artswestchester for the opportunity.

@m.lakshmipriyaraja @maathrika

#dance #bharatanatyam #fyp #dancer #indianclassicaldance #indianclassicaldancers #dancereels #indianclassicaldanceandmusic #dancer #solo #dancerlifestyle #arangetram #arangetramdiaries #reelsindia❤️ #reelsinstagram😍 #westchester #newexhibitions #artinwestchester #alarippu #westchesterkids #theartsmatter #TheArts #nattuvanar #talam #rhythm #mridangam #bharatanatyamcommunity #classicalarts#bharatanatyamartist #indianclassicalmusic #indianclassicalarts
[Alarippu, energetic dancing, bharathanatyam, love for dance, love for Nattuvangam]

Late post a few weeks ago I had the amazing opportunity to do nattuvangam at @artswestchester. While dance is my first love, I love experimenting with rhythm and challenges in nattuvangam.

Thank you @aaronjpaige for supporting me on mridangam and @artswestchester for the opportunity.

@m.lakshmipriyaraja @maathrika

#dance #bharatanatyam #fyp #dancer #indianclassicaldance #indianclassicaldancers #dancereels #indianclassicaldanceandmusic #dancer #solo #dancerlifestyle #arangetram #arangetramdiaries #reelsindia❤️ #reelsinstagram😍 #westchester #newexhibitions #artinwestchester #alarippu #westchesterkids #theartsmatter #TheArts #nattuvanar #talam #rhythm #mridangam #bharatanatyamcommunity #classicalarts#bharatanatyamartist #indianclassicalmusic #indianclassicalarts
[Alarippu, energetic dancing, bharathanatyam, love for dance, love for Nattuvangam]

On this World Dance Day, we remember that dance is more than movement.
We use dance to speak.
To remember.
To resist.
To stand up for what must be seen, felt, and heard.

Through Draupadi, we do not dance pain, we dance power.
Humiliated in a court, she rose as the voice of justice.
She is every woman who refuses to bow.

Choreography by my guru @m.lakshmipriyaraja, one of my favorite pieces.

#WorldDanceDay #WorldDanceDay2026 #DanceAsResistance #Draupadi #Bharatanatyam #IndianClassicalDance #DanceForJustice #ArtAsResistance #DanceToExpress #DanceToResist #WomenInArt #Shakti #MythologyInMotion #ClassicalDance #Natyam #WomenWhoRise #StoriesThroughDance #PerformingResistance #GlobalDanceDay #DanceWithPurpose #dance #draupadi❤️
#krishnalove

On this World Dance Day, we remember that dance is more than movement.
We use dance to speak.
To remember.
To resist.
To stand up for what must be seen, felt, and heard.

Through Draupadi, we do not dance pain, we dance power.
Humiliated in a court, she rose as the voice of justice.
She is every woman who refuses to bow.

Choreography by my guru @m.lakshmipriyaraja, one of my favorite pieces.

#WorldDanceDay #WorldDanceDay2026 #DanceAsResistance #Draupadi #Bharatanatyam #IndianClassicalDance #DanceForJustice #ArtAsResistance #DanceToExpress #DanceToResist #WomenInArt #Shakti #MythologyInMotion #ClassicalDance #Natyam #WomenWhoRise #StoriesThroughDance #PerformingResistance #GlobalDanceDay #DanceWithPurpose #dance #draupadi❤️
#krishnalove

Once I saw this tongue twister by Sumathi Mam at @bridgeacademyforfinearts, I had to try it out. Please excuse any mistakes! Thank you again to my teacher @m.lakshmipriyaraja for always encouraging me.

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#nattuvangam #bharatanatyam #indianclassicaldance #dancepractice classicaldance

Once I saw this tongue twister by Sumathi Mam at @bridgeacademyforfinearts, I had to try it out. Please excuse any mistakes! Thank you again to my teacher @m.lakshmipriyaraja for always encouraging me.

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#nattuvangam #bharatanatyam #indianclassicaldance #dancepractice classicaldance

Last weekend I had the privilege of experiencing the vibrant art community in Montreal, surrounded by incredible talent, passion, and warmth. I feel humbled and grateful for the encouragement and blessings from respected gurus, and for the opportunity to connect with such passionate rasikas and deeply appreciative audience was incredibly uplifting, performing my guru @m.lakshmipriyaraja choreography and their energy became a source of renewed strength and inspiration for me.

Sharing a few glimpses from these cherished moments, meeting inspiring mentors and feeling truly blessed to be part of this journey. Grateful, grounded, and inspired to continue evolving in this path.

#Bharatanatyam #IndianClassicalDance #ClassicalDance #DanceJourney #Gratitude #LivePerformance #StageEnergy #DanceConnection #ArtInMotion #PerformingArts #IndianCulture #ArtCommunity #CulturalExchange #MontrealArts #GlobalArt #BlessedAndGrateful #AlwaysLearning #InspiredJourney #Humbled #KeepGrowing #Rasikas #DanceLife #ArtistsOfInstagram #ExpressionThroughDance #montreal #canada #performance

Last weekend I had the privilege of experiencing the vibrant art community in Montreal, surrounded by incredible talent, passion, and warmth. I feel humbled and grateful for the encouragement and blessings from respected gurus, and for the opportunity to connect with such passionate rasikas and deeply appreciative audience was incredibly uplifting, performing my guru @m.lakshmipriyaraja choreography and their energy became a source of renewed strength and inspiration for me.

Sharing a few glimpses from these cherished moments, meeting inspiring mentors and feeling truly blessed to be part of this journey. Grateful, grounded, and inspired to continue evolving in this path.

#Bharatanatyam #IndianClassicalDance #ClassicalDance #DanceJourney #Gratitude #LivePerformance #StageEnergy #DanceConnection #ArtInMotion #PerformingArts #IndianCulture #ArtCommunity #CulturalExchange #MontrealArts #GlobalArt #BlessedAndGrateful #AlwaysLearning #InspiredJourney #Humbled #KeepGrowing #Rasikas #DanceLife #ArtistsOfInstagram #ExpressionThroughDance #montreal #canada #performance

With the blessings of my Guru and elders, I’ll be taking the stage at 4 PM today.

If you’re in the area, I would love for you to join me. Feeling deeply grateful for the incredible orchestra supporting me on this journey.

#MontrealNatyanjali #IndianClassicalDance #Bharatanatyam #DanceFestival #MontrealArts @toronto.community #montréal #montrealmoments #mtl#paramdesarts#montrealnatyanjali#indianclassicaldance #arts #mtlevents #draupadi #montrealnatyanjali2026

With the blessings of my Guru and elders, I’ll be taking the stage at 4 PM today.

If you’re in the area, I would love for you to join me. Feeling deeply grateful for the incredible orchestra supporting me on this journey.

#MontrealNatyanjali #IndianClassicalDance #Bharatanatyam #DanceFestival #MontrealArts @toronto.community #montréal #montrealmoments #mtl#paramdesarts#montrealnatyanjali#indianclassicaldance #arts #mtlevents #draupadi #montrealnatyanjali2026

Thumak chalat Ramachandra, a composition by Saint Tulasi das. On this beautiful occasion of Rama Navami, may these tiny divine steps fill our life with love, peace & endless blessings.
Jai Shri Ram.

Choreography by my Guru @m.lakshmipriyaraja @maathrika

#bharatanatyam #indianclassicaldance #indianclassicaldancers #classicaldance #dance #dancer #dancereels #dancereel #dancephotographer #dancerlifestyle
#ramnavami #ramnavami2026 #rama #ramayana #ayodhya #jaishriram
#arangetram #arangetramdiaries #solo
#reelsindia #reelsinstagram #fyp #bhavaragam

Thumak chalat Ramachandra, a composition by Saint Tulasi das. On this beautiful occasion of Rama Navami, may these tiny divine steps fill our life with love, peace & endless blessings.
Jai Shri Ram.

Choreography by my Guru @m.lakshmipriyaraja @maathrika

#bharatanatyam #indianclassicaldance #indianclassicaldancers #classicaldance #dance #dancer #dancereels #dancereel #dancephotographer #dancerlifestyle
#ramnavami #ramnavami2026 #rama #ramayana #ayodhya #jaishriram
#arangetram #arangetramdiaries #solo
#reelsindia #reelsinstagram #fyp #bhavaragam

So honored to meet @meeraguruvayur Ma’am at her performance Harini. Such a beautiful and deeply moving presentation that truly brought many of us to tears.

Grateful for her kind comments about my dance as well. Such a genuine and inspiring person, inside and out.

#Bharatanatyam
#IndianClassicalDance
#Harini
#DanceInspiration
#Gratitude

So honored to meet @meeraguruvayur Ma’am at her performance Harini. Such a beautiful and deeply moving presentation that truly brought many of us to tears.

Grateful for her kind comments about my dance as well. Such a genuine and inspiring person, inside and out.

#Bharatanatyam
#IndianClassicalDance
#Harini
#DanceInspiration
#Gratitude

First solo performance, a moment I’ll cherish forever. The excitement, the nervousness, the pure joy, all still feels so fresh.

Reminiscing February 26th, 2023, a day that will always hold a special place in my heart.

Grateful to my Guru @m.lakshmipriyaraja for the encouragement and unwavering faith in me.

First solo performance, a moment I’ll cherish forever. The excitement, the nervousness, the pure joy, all still feels so fresh.

Reminiscing February 26th, 2023, a day that will always hold a special place in my heart.

Grateful to my Guru @m.lakshmipriyaraja for the encouragement and unwavering faith in me.

Throwback to my performance in one of my most cherished places: Mysore, Summer 2024.

Choreography by my Guru @m.lakshmipriyaraja @maathrika

Thank you @pooja_sugam akka for capturing this beautiful moment. If not for you that day, we wouldn’t have this precious memory to look back on.

#dance #bharatanatyam #dancer #devi #indianclassicaldance #indianclassicaldancers #dancereels #indianclassicaldanceandmusic #dancer #solo #dancerlifestyle #arangetram #arangetramdiaries #reelsindia❤️ #reelsinstagram😍 #mysore #mysuru #mysorediaries #chamundi

Throwback to my performance in one of my most cherished places: Mysore, Summer 2024.

Choreography by my Guru @m.lakshmipriyaraja @maathrika

Thank you @pooja_sugam akka for capturing this beautiful moment. If not for you that day, we wouldn’t have this precious memory to look back on.

#dance #bharatanatyam #dancer #devi #indianclassicaldance #indianclassicaldancers #dancereels #indianclassicaldanceandmusic #dancer #solo #dancerlifestyle #arangetram #arangetramdiaries #reelsindia❤️ #reelsinstagram😍 #mysore #mysuru #mysorediaries #chamundi

On this Shivaratri, here's a clip from one of my favorite pieces:

Sacred for Shiva,
Regal for Vishnu,
Grace for Parvati

"Aadu Paambe"

Choreography by my Guru @m.lakshmipriyaraja @maathrika

#dance #mahashivratri #bharatanatyam #fyp #dancer #indianclassicaldance #indianclassicaldancers #dancereels #indianclassicaldanceandmusic #dancer #solo #dancerlifestyle #arangetram #arangetramdiaries #reelsindia❤️ #reelsinstagram😍

On this Shivaratri, here's a clip from one of my favorite pieces:

Sacred for Shiva,
Regal for Vishnu,
Grace for Parvati

"Aadu Paambe"

Choreography by my Guru @m.lakshmipriyaraja @maathrika

#dance #mahashivratri #bharatanatyam #fyp #dancer #indianclassicaldance #indianclassicaldancers #dancereels #indianclassicaldanceandmusic #dancer #solo #dancerlifestyle #arangetram #arangetramdiaries #reelsindia❤️ #reelsinstagram😍

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to perform in Australia during the Margazhi season. If you’re in the area, please join us at The Basin in Melbourne on Tuesday, December 30th. Thank you to my guru @m.lakshmipriyaraja 🙏

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#dance #bharatnatyam #indianclassicaldance #margazhi #australia #performance

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to perform in Australia during the Margazhi season. If you’re in the area, please join us at The Basin in Melbourne on Tuesday, December 30th. Thank you to my guru @m.lakshmipriyaraja 🙏

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#dance #bharatnatyam #indianclassicaldance #margazhi #australia #performance

Here’s to one month since my arangetram. I am deeply grateful for the countless blessings and unwavering support I’ve received throughout my dance journey. My heartfelt thanks to my guru, @m.lakshmipriyaraja, for your guidance, wisdom, and constant encouragement.

My sincere thanks to Sushama Shreyas Ma’am for the nattuvangam, Vignesh Ravichandran Sir for the beautiful vocal support, Murali Balachandran Sir for the exquisite mridangam and special effects, Swetha Narasimhan Ma’am on the violin, and Vishveshwar Nagarajan Sir for the soulful flute. Deeply grateful to each of you.

Also, heartfelt thanks to @fotolaya for the exceptionally beautiful photos and videos you see here today, and to Mathew Mancheril for the wonderful pre-shoot photographs. So grateful.

So grateful to everyone who played a part in my dance journey and arangetram. This wouldn’t have happened without you 💕❤️

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#arangetram #indianclassicaldance #grateful #dancer

Here’s to one month since my arangetram. I am deeply grateful for the countless blessings and unwavering support I’ve received throughout my dance journey. My heartfelt thanks to my guru, @m.lakshmipriyaraja, for your guidance, wisdom, and constant encouragement.

My sincere thanks to Sushama Shreyas Ma’am for the nattuvangam, Vignesh Ravichandran Sir for the beautiful vocal support, Murali Balachandran Sir for the exquisite mridangam and special effects, Swetha Narasimhan Ma’am on the violin, and Vishveshwar Nagarajan Sir for the soulful flute. Deeply grateful to each of you.

Also, heartfelt thanks to @fotolaya for the exceptionally beautiful photos and videos you see here today, and to Mathew Mancheril for the wonderful pre-shoot photographs. So grateful.

So grateful to everyone who played a part in my dance journey and arangetram. This wouldn’t have happened without you 💕❤️

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#arangetram #indianclassicaldance #grateful #dancer

Under the blessings and guidance of my guru, Smt. Lakshmi Priya Raja, I will be presenting my arangetram on November 22nd, 2025 in New York. I am incredibly fortunate to be able to perform in front of all my loved ones.

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#arangetram #indianclassicaldance #classicaldance #india #performance #blessed

Under the blessings and guidance of my guru, Smt. Lakshmi Priya Raja, I will be presenting my arangetram on November 22nd, 2025 in New York. I am incredibly fortunate to be able to perform in front of all my loved ones.

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#arangetram #indianclassicaldance #classicaldance #india #performance #blessed

On this Vijayadashami, may strength and grace guide us all ❤️

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#dance #classicaldance #vijayadashami #indiandance #navaratri #bharatnatyam #india #dancer #indianculture

On this Vijayadashami, may strength and grace guide us all ❤️

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#dance #classicaldance #vijayadashami #indiandance #navaratri #bharatnatyam #india #dancer #indianculture

My humble attempt to recreate a jathi from my favorite Varnam. Please excuse any mistakes.

I don’t know how my guru makes it seem so easy when I dance!

#bharatnatyamdancer #indianclassicaldance #nattuvangam #dance #jathi #varnam #talam

My humble attempt to recreate a jathi from my favorite Varnam. Please excuse any mistakes.

I don’t know how my guru makes it seem so easy when I dance!

#bharatnatyamdancer #indianclassicaldance #nattuvangam #dance #jathi #varnam #talam

The Divine Shakti… I didn’t have the music with me that day, but the talam happened to match…

#bharatnatyamdancer #indianclassicaldance #bharatnatyam #internationaldance #grateful #chennaidancers #fyp #reels #insta #dancer #classicaldancer

The Divine Shakti… I didn’t have the music with me that day, but the talam happened to match…

#bharatnatyamdancer #indianclassicaldance #bharatnatyam #internationaldance #grateful #chennaidancers #fyp #reels #insta #dancer #classicaldancer

“Set thy heart upon thy work, but never on its reward.” These words from Gita have always resonated with me, especially during this special performance with my guru extraordinaire @madurasanjay Your teachings of perseverance and ingenuity continue to guide me.

Forever grateful for your support and encouragement. Here’s to looking forward to more inspiring moments together. Happy Krishna Janmashtami, Vande Gurunam Charanaravinde.

@madurasanjay @shivapriyaschoolofdance

#bharatnatyamdancer #janmashtami2024 #grateful #indianclassicaldance

“Set thy heart upon thy work, but never on its reward.” These words from Gita have always resonated with me, especially during this special performance with my guru extraordinaire @madurasanjay Your teachings of perseverance and ingenuity continue to guide me.

Forever grateful for your support and encouragement. Here’s to looking forward to more inspiring moments together. Happy Krishna Janmashtami, Vande Gurunam Charanaravinde.

@madurasanjay @shivapriyaschoolofdance

#bharatnatyamdancer #janmashtami2024 #grateful #indianclassicaldance

So grateful to have my wonderful guru, my strength and supporter, @lakshmipriyadancer . Thank you so much Teacher for always going the extra mile for me.

Can’t believe it’s already been a week since our Chennai program.

So grateful to have my wonderful guru, my strength and supporter, @lakshmipriyadancer . Thank you so much Teacher for always going the extra mile for me.

Can’t believe it’s already been a week since our Chennai program.

August 3rd at Ganabharathi, Mysore!

August 3rd at Ganabharathi, Mysore!

Divine…

Divine…

So blessed to have this amazing opportunity to perform in Brahma Gana Sabha… please come if you are in the area today (July 27th) at Narada Gana Sabha Mini Hall at 5:45pm. #bharatnatyamdancer #bharatnatyam #indianclassicaldance #brahmaganasabha #chennaidancers

So blessed to have this amazing opportunity to perform in Brahma Gana Sabha… please come if you are in the area today (July 27th) at Narada Gana Sabha Mini Hall at 5:45pm. #bharatnatyamdancer #bharatnatyam #indianclassicaldance #brahmaganasabha #chennaidancers

First performance for this summer in Athens, Greece! #internationaldance #internationalperformance #bharatanatyam #bharatnatyamdancer #summershows #indianclassicaldance #unescoworldheritage #greece #dorastratou #dorastratoutheater #dorastratoudancetheatre #performance

First performance for this summer in Athens, Greece! #internationaldance #internationalperformance #bharatanatyam #bharatnatyamdancer #summershows #indianclassicaldance #unescoworldheritage #greece #dorastratou #dorastratoutheater #dorastratoudancetheatre #performance

Getting ready for a busy summer! #dancerlife #bharatnatyamdancer #bharatnatyam #summershowseason #internationaldance #classicaldance #indianclassicaldance

Getting ready for a busy summer! #dancerlife #bharatnatyamdancer #bharatnatyam #summershowseason #internationaldance #classicaldance #indianclassicaldance

Had this amazing opportunity to interact and learn from Padmashree awardee Narthaki Nataraj. What an honor to be among brilliance that shares and spreads.

Had this amazing opportunity to interact and learn from Padmashree awardee Narthaki Nataraj. What an honor to be among brilliance that shares and spreads.

Hello Insta family!! Welcome to my world of dance and music!! #bharatanatyam #indianclassicaldance #dance #classicaldance #dancer #dancersofinstagram #indiandance #bharatanatyamdancer #india #bharatnatyam #classicaldancer #photooftheday #indianclassicaldancers #dancers #classical #bharathanatyam #followme #instamood #art #artist #indian #indianclassical #narthanam #bharatanatyamdance #music #dancelife #choreography #love #photography #bhfyp

Hello Insta family!! Welcome to my world of dance and music!! #bharatanatyam #indianclassicaldance #dance #classicaldance #dancer #dancersofinstagram #indiandance #bharatanatyamdancer #india #bharatnatyam #classicaldancer #photooftheday #indianclassicaldancers #dancers #classical #bharathanatyam #followme #instamood #art #artist #indian #indianclassical #narthanam #bharatanatyamdance #music #dancelife #choreography #love #photography #bhfyp

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"We dance with our bodies, but we finally forget them and transform them."

-- Rukmini Devi

About AvaniShandilya

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AvaniShandilya is dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation. We strive to empower individuals through unique experiences and transformative solutions that inspire growth and connection within our community.

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