Preetha Anandh

Adult Adviser & Choreographer (Taal Classical)

Preetha Anandh, founder and artistic director of KalaAlaya
School of Dance, brings more than thirty years of
experience as a teacher, performer, and mentor. She
began her training in Bharatanatyam under the esteemed
Kalaimamani Smt. Parvathi Ravi Ghantasala, a
distinguished exponent of the Pandanallur style known for
her precision, grace, and deep commitment to classical
tradition. Under her guru’s tutelage, Preetha developed a
strong foundation in technique, aesthetics, and the
expressive nuances of the art form.
To further expand her artistic range, Preetha undertook
advanced training in the Kalakshetra bani under the
renowned Sri Renjith Babu, senior disciple of Prof. C.V.
Chandrasekhar—one of Bharatanatyam’s most respected
stalwarts. This phase of training deepened her
understanding of choreography, rhythm, and stagecraft,
enabling her to blend classical rigor with thoughtful
creativity.
Throughout her career, Preetha has performed extensively
across India, the United States, and Canada, both
independently and alongside her gurus. Her performances
are celebrated for their clarity of movement, emotional
depth, and steadfast respect for tradition.
As a teacher, Preetha is disciplined, warm, and deeply
invested in each student’s growth. She fosters an
environment that prizes technical excellence while
encouraging joy in learning, guiding students to discover
their individual artistic voice within the classical framework.

Her dedication has earned KalaAlaya a reputation as a
leading center for Bharatanatyam in the Pacific Northwest.
Founded in 2012 in Sammamish, Washington, KalaAlaya
School of Dance is committed to preserving and promoting
the classical art of Bharatanatyam. Rooted in a gurukul-
inspired approach, the school emphasizes disciplined
training in technique, rhythm, expression, and repertoire.
Students develop not only strong artistic skills but also
confidence, cultural awareness, and a deep sense of
commitment to their craft.
A central pillar of KalaAlaya’s philosophy is the belief that
Bharatanatyam is a journey of personal transformation.
Over years of study, students build enduring relationships
with their teacher and peers, cultivating a supportive and
respectful community connected by shared passion.
This journey culminates in the Arangetram, the dancer’s
formal solo debut. Spanning several hours of curated
choreography, an Arangetram showcases mastery of
technique, musicality, and storytelling. KalaAlaya has
proudly guided many dancers through this milestone and
is currently preparing several more for their upcoming
debuts.
Beyond formal instruction, KalaAlaya encourages artistic
exploration. The school frequently collaborates with other
dance institutions and teachers, offering students
opportunities to engage with new ideas and broaden their
stylistic perspectives.

Students of KalaAlaya are active contributors to the
Seattle region’s vibrant cultural landscape. They have
performed at notable events such as Anandamela, the
Lakewood Summer Festival, the Quincy Heritage Festival,
the Seattle Center Festival of Lights, and Northwest
Folklife—representing classical Indian arts with grace,
confidence, and dedication.