Mārgam Centre for Arts was founded in 2019 by Shruthy Ramamurthi with a vision to nurture talent through structured and holistic training in two sacred Indian traditions—Bharatanatyam and Yoga.
An accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer, dedicated teacher, and committed Yoga practitioner, Shruthy began her classical dance journey at the age of four. With over two decades of experience, she brings a blend of discipline, creativity, and cultural authenticity to her teaching.
Based in Sydney, Shruthy serves as the Founder and Artistic Director of Mārgam Centre for Arts—an institution devoted to delivering high-quality Indian arts education that is inclusive and accessible to learners of all ages and backgrounds.
What sets Shruthy’s teaching apart is her seamless integration of dance and Yoga. She emphasises strength, flexibility, mindfulness, and breath awareness—cultivating not only physical endurance but also mental clarity and emotional resilience. Through her approach, she strives to inspire a lifelong appreciation of Bharatanatyam and Yoga, encouraging students to find joy in learning, commitment in practice, and a deeper connection to the spiritual essence of these timeless art forms.
On 15 November 2025, Mārgam Centre for Arts held its annual student Bharatha Natyam concert, Ananya 2025 at Girraween High School showcasing over 60 young dancers in a vibrant celebration of rhythm, devotion, and classical Indian artistry.
The evening began with an invocation song by Guru Chitra Nagraj, lamp lighting, and traditional slokamalas invoking Ganesha, Saraswati, Durga, and Nataraja from the Natyashastra.
The first half featured nine junior items like Dolayam (Vishnu’s swing), Ambe Ambike (Durga praise), Gajavadana Beduve (Ganesha), Vara Veena (Saraswati), Kaliyugavaradhan (Murugan), Swagatham Krishna, and Ranjani Mala, emphasising rhythm, abhinaya, and devotion. The performance by the junior students, highlighted precise footwork, expressive mudras, and traditional repertoire that reflected the school’s holistic training approach.
The highlight arrived in the second half with the thematic piece Vaahana Nrithya Vandana, a dynamic group presentation blending technical mastery and storytelling, which captivated the audience with its energy and cultural depth.
This unique segment creatively interpreted six vahana stories: Saptashva (Surya’s seven horses symbolising time and chakras), Nandi (Shiva’s bull as righteous protector), Garuda (Vishnu’s eagle battling Nagas for nectar), Simha (Durga’s lion embodying controlled strength), Mooshika (Ganesha’s mouse from cursed musician Krauncha, highlighting playful divine burden-lightening), and Mayil (Murugan’s peacock from demon Surapadman, signifying valor and renewal). Each used Carnatic compositions reimagined with jathis, footwork, and narratives to blend mythology, culture, and artistry.
Chief guests Manjula Vishwanath & Councillor Srini Pillamari attended the event and praised the efforts of the school in promoting Bharata Natyam. Guru Chitra Nagraj & Meena Srinivasan also graced the occasion.
Anand Rao excelled as the Master of Ceremonies for Ananya 2025, delivering engaging narration that seamlessly wove cultural context, mythology, and event flow together. His introductions to each performance, from slokamalas to the Vaahana Nritya Vandana segment, kept the audience engaged and played a pivotal role in maintaining the event’s smooth flow.
The program concluded with a grand Mangalam, uniting all performers in harmonious unity. Shruthy Ramamurthi’s direction shone through, fostering discipline and joy among dancers of all ages while making Bharatanatyam accessible in Sydney’s diverse community. Families filled the venue, creating an electric atmosphere of pride and cultural connection.
This annual event reaffirms Mārgam’s role in nurturing the next generation of Bharatanatyam artists.
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